Rector Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik, who signed the agreement with the Voivodeship Marshal Grzegorz Schreiber explains -
- The laboratory will become part of a centre for research into human interaction with cyberphysical systems. Its creation will cost 515 thousand PLN. The remaining amount will be provided by Lodz University of Technology. This modern equipped place will become our "eye" looking into the future, in which the work environment is becoming increasingly digital in many industries. The laboratory will conduct research into the nature and ways of doing work in the coming future. We are seeing our habits change, especially now that we have largely moved to remote working. Work routines are changing to varying degrees, depending on the industry - for example, it is particularly evident in the ICT-related sector. Changing habits is also related to the type of work we do and whether we work alone or in a team. We therefore need to look at the problem comprehensively, so that our work activity is effective and safe in the completely new conditions of the future, including after the pandemic.
The lab will conduct research on various aspects of work requiring interaction with cyber-physical systems. These will include the development of and collaboration with interactive environments, simulation of innovative workspaces, creation of intelligent user interfaces and interactive systems for people with special needs. Addressing issues related to adapting work environments to the completely new post-pandemic reality is also necessary to enable companies, institutions and employees from our region to further develop and increase their market competitiveness.
Assoc. Prof. Andrzej Romanowski, Vice-Rector for Education at Lodz University of Technology, the initiator of the project, points out
- The solutions we have developed will be used in a wide range of applications, from office or industrial spaces, healthcare and medical devices, supporting professional and amateur sport, to remote and hybrid working, including during periods of epidemic risk.