A recent two-day iMotions training programme marked an important milestone in the development of HyperLab. Researchers, academic staff, and doctoral students from RTU FEEM gained hands-on experience with advanced methodologies for studying human behaviour, attention, emotions, cognitive load, and physiological responses.
Led by iMotions experts Samir Karzazi and Dr. Markus Schönberger, the training introduced participants to the application of eye tracking, facial expression analysis, voice processing, skin conductance measurements, heart activity monitoring, respiration tracking, electromyography, and brain measurement technologies. Participants explored how these tools can be used to generate deeper insights into human decision-making and interactions with digital environments and AI-powered systems.
HyperLab has been established by RTU FEEM as a research excellence platform that combines behavioural science, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and human-centred innovation. The initiative aims to support the development of scientifically grounded methods, frameworks, and practical solutions that address the needs of businesses, educational institutions, and society.
“Human-centred artificial intelligence requires a deeper understanding of human behaviour, decision-making, and the impact of technology on individuals and organizations. HyperLab provides researchers with new opportunities to generate evidence-based insights that can contribute to internationally relevant research and innovation,” says Dr. Inga Jēkabsone, Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management, Riga Technical University.
The HyperLab infrastructure includes five fully equipped iMotions workstations located across RTU campuses in Riga and Liepāja. This enables researchers from different disciplines to collaborate on studies related to human behaviour, attention, emotions, trust, cognitive load, and technology adoption.
Beyond academia, HyperLab creates new opportunities for collaboration with industry partners. Organizations can use behavioural and physiological data to better understand customer experiences, digital trust, communication effectiveness, and user interactions with products and services. Such insights can support the development of more effective, responsible, and user-centred solutions in an increasingly digital world.
According to HyperLab founder and co-lead, tenure professor Agnis Stibe, the initiative goes beyond technological infrastructure. “HyperLab brings together human creativity, values, and decision-making with the analytical capabilities of artificial intelligence and behavioural data. By connecting researchers, international experts, and industry partners, we aim to contribute to the development of globally relevant, human-centred innovations.”
The initiative also reflects a broader commitment by RTU FEEM to advancing interdisciplinary research and international collaboration in the field of responsible AI. By creating new opportunities for research projects, publications, datasets, methodologies, and industry partnerships, HyperLab seeks to strengthen the global conversation on how artificial intelligence can be developed and applied in ways that enhance human well-being and societal progress.
As the first research projects begin to take shape, HyperLab represents a significant step forward in RTU FEEM’s efforts to position itself as a contributor to international research excellence in human-centred artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Learn more: https://www.rtu.lv/en/feem/feem-about-us/feem-news/open/rtu-strengthens-human-and-artificial-intelligence-research-capacity-through-imotions-training