Technology

Record-Breaking Submissions Highlight Region’s Growing Role in AI-Driven Human Augmentation

The Augmented Humans (AHs) International Conference 2025 is being hosted for the first time in the Middle East by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). Taking place from March 16-20, the conference offers a platform to explore the latest advancements in human augmentation technologies, focusing on physical, cognitive, and perceptual enhancements enabled by digital innovation.

Organized in collaboration with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the five-day event has drawn over 100 leading global researchers, technologists, and industry pioneers to discuss breakthroughs in brain-machine interfaces, wearable computing, exoskeletons, and augmented reality. The conference also reinforces MBZUAI’s commitment to advancing Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), a department launched last year as part of the UAE’s broader AI and innovation strategy.

Record Number of Submissions and Cutting-Edge Innovations

AHs 2025 has set a new benchmark in research excellence, with 77 paper submissions, the highest in the conference’s history. Out of these, 30 papers were selected for presentation, alongside 20 research posters, two workshops, and seven live demonstrations. These sessions showcase a wide range of applications in healthcare, sports, security, and human performance enhancement.

The conference’s focus on "augmented humans" signifies a shift towards society-wide technological enhancements, rather than just individual capabilities, aiming to improve health, quality of life, and human performance on a global scale.

Expert Insights on Human Augmentation in the AI Era

Keynote speaker Professor Elizabeth Churchill, Chair of the Human-Computer Interaction Department at MBZUAI, emphasized the transformative potential of AI-driven augmentation:

“The idea of augmenting human intellect and physical abilities has long been part of human progress. Today, augmentation goes beyond simple tools—it is about adaptive technologies that interact with our bodies, physical spaces, and digital environments. AI-driven ‘intelligent’ tools are enabling new possibilities, learning alongside us and amplifying human potential.”

She further highlighted MBZUAI’s role in bringing the conference to the Middle East, aligning with the UAE’s vision to invest in AI and human-centered innovation that drives meaningful societal impact.

Global Collaboration and Ethical Considerations

The event features distinguished experts from MIT Media Lab, The University of Tokyo, The University of Sydney, and the DFKI German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence, among others. Discussions include bionic systems, brain-machine interfaces, digital health, and tele-manipulation, while also addressing ethical, security, and privacy concerns in human augmentation technologies.

Dr. Yomna Abdelrahman, General Co-Chair of AHs 2025 and Postdoctoral Researcher at Bundeswehr University Munich, emphasized the significance of this edition:

“With the highest number of paper submissions in AHs history, this conference sets a new standard for innovation in human augmentation. From AI-driven rehabilitation to wearable computing, the research showcased here reflects the growing impact of augmentation technologies on society.”

A Premier Global Forum for Augmented Human Research

Augmented Humans has evolved into a leading international conference on human augmentation, previously held in Melbourne, Glasgow, Munich, and Tokyo. Its proceedings are published in the ACM Digital Library, ensuring the dissemination of groundbreaking research to the global scientific community.

By hosting AHs 2025, MBZUAI continues to position itself at the forefront of AI-driven advancements, fostering international collaboration and innovation in human augmentation technologies.

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