The agreement with the Marshal of the Voivodship, Grzegorz Schreiber, was signed by the Rector of the Lodz University of Technology, Professor Krzysztof Jóźwik, who explained the purpose of establishing the new unit in the following way:
The laboratory will become part of the research centre for human interaction with cyberphysical systems. This modern equipped place will become our "eye" looking into the future, in which the work environment is becoming increasingly digital in many industries. 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 that requires 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 the adaptation of work environments to a completely new post-pandemic reality is also necessary to enable companies, institutions and employees in our region to further develop and increase their market competitiveness.
The initiator of the project is Assoc. Professor Andrzej Romanowski, Vice-Rector for Education. The creation of the research and didactic laboratory will cost a total of PLN 515,000. The remaining amount will be provided by Lodz University of Technology.