Georgia Tech SCL Georgia Tech SCL Georgia Tech SCL

Title:

The Human-Tech Duo: Augmenting Learning and Creativity with AI and Spatial Computing

Abstract:

Human-centered computing holds the promise of enabling a symbiotic relationship between humans and technology, prioritizing augmentation over substitution with software and machines. How can we realize this vision in industrial workplaces by harnessing AI and extended reality (XR), coupled with new sources of data? In this talk, I will present two research examples addressing this question. The first involves helping industrial workers learn complex psychomotor and cognitive tasks, such as inspection and assembly, more effectively. I will discuss how AI-powered XR can accelerate the progression from novice to expert through adaptive interventions tailored to individual needs, skills, and knowledge. I will introduce a new intelligent XR framework facilitating this through online activity understanding, error detection and prevention, expertise modeling, and content generation. The second example focuses on enhancing the creativity of product designers. I will discuss how AI can transform the front-end of product design by automating the analysis of user data and translating it into creative and user-centered concepts. I will present our current research on large-scale need finding from user reviews, simulation of usage contexts in XR for latent need elicitation, design concept generation and evaluation, and interfaces supporting designer exploration. In concluding the talk, I will present an overarching research agenda and discuss multiple avenues for future research on human-technology teaming within diverse industrial contexts.

Bio:

Mohsen Moghaddam is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, affiliated with the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, and serves as the Director of the Symbiotic and Augmented Intelligence Lab (SAIL) at Northeastern University. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Next Level Lab, Harvard University. He earned his PhD in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and served as a Postdoctoral Associate at the GE-Purdue Partnership in Research and Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing before joining Northeastern. His research focuses on exploring human-centered computational models, algorithms, and tools at the intersection of AI and spatial computing to enhance learning and creativity in various cognitive and psychomotor tasks within industrial settings. In addition to his academic pursuits, he co-founded ADA Tech (Advanced Design Augmentation Technologies) and currently serves as its Acting CTO, leading use-inspired research on AI tools that empower designers to create diverse, innovative, and user-centered products. His research is sponsored by NSF, DARPA, the U.S. Navy, Northeastern University, and industry.