Research Council of Finland

HUMAIN

HUMAIN is a new initiative that unites four established research infrastructures (RIs) in Vaasa, Finland. Its multi-site setup connects ÅAU, UVA, Vaasa UAS, and Novia—all within walking distance. Key facilities include Technobothnia, a shared hub for AI and emerging technologies (e.g., VME Interaction Design Environment, robotics, 3D printing, 5G, WSTAR Datacentre), and Fabriikki, home to Coprotolab, Wasa Startup Hub, and adaptable spaces for AI and robotics R&D. ÅAU’s Experience Lab complements this with expertise in human–technology interaction, usability testing, and biometric research.

Project information

Duration
-
Budget
External funding
1 999 634€
External funding for the University of Vaasa
499 843€
Total budget
2 856 619€
Total budget for the University of Vaasa
714 063€
Units and groups
Digital Economy
Marketing and Communication
Funders
Research Council of Finland
Coordinator
Rebekah Rousi
Researchers
Johanna Hautala
Rebekah Rousi
Laura Havinen
Jani Boutellier
Rayko Toshev
Rakibul Hasan
Coordinating organisation
Åbo Akademi
Project partners
Novia UAS
Vaasa University of Applied Sciences VAMK

Project description

The HUMAIN infrastructure brings together human-centered AI systems—spanning physical robots, XR environments, and human–AI interaction—to support collaborative R&D across stakeholders in industry, the public sector, and education. Industrial partners can engage in prototyping, simulation, and testing of embodied AI and robotics, reducing risks and accelerating adoption in areas like automation, manufacturing, and leadership (Industry 5.0). In the public sector, HUMAIN provides safe, immersive environments for developing and training assistive technologies, enabling co-design with healthcare and education professionals. XR platforms support hands-on learning, virtual meetings, and robot training. A continuous feedback loop between XR, the public sector, and industry feeds real-world needs and insights back into research—refining the infrastructure, improving technology design, and revealing new application areas. These findings strengthen both academic innovation and practical implementation. HUMAIN also supports education and workforce development through university courses and upskilling programs, helping establish Ostrobothnia as a leader in responsible, human-centered AI.