The Augmented Humans (AHs) International Conference 2025 is underway in Abu Dhabi, bringing together over 100 leading researchers, technologists, and industry pioneers to explore the latest advancements in human augmentation. Hosted by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) from 16 to 20 March, the conference is held in collaboration with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and marks its first edition in the Middle East.
The event underscores the growing significance of MBZUAI’s Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Department, established last year, and highlights the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in technological innovation.
A record-breaking 77 research papers were submitted for this year’s edition, with 30 selected for presentation. The programme includes 20 posters, two workshops, and seven live demonstrations, showcasing developments in brain-machine interfaces, wearable computing, exoskeletons, and augmented reality. Applications span multiple sectors, including healthcare, sports, and security.
Professor Elizabeth Churchill, Chair of Human-Computer Interaction at MBZUAI and keynote speaker at AHs 2025, highlighted the transformative potential of human augmentation. “For centuries, humans have designed tools to extend their capabilities. In this AI era, augmentation goes beyond simple tools—it’s about adaptive technologies that integrate within our bodies and environments, amplifying what is possible with intelligent systems that evolve alongside us.”
The conference features speakers from leading institutions such as the University of Sydney, MIT Media Lab, the University of Tokyo, and DFKI German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence. Discussions will focus on bionic systems, brain-machine interfaces, digital health, and tele-manipulation, while also addressing ethical, security, and privacy considerations. Sessions will explore how AI-driven augmentation is transforming medicine, sports, and rehabilitation, redefining interactions with digital systems.
Dr Yomna Abdelrahman, General Co-Chair of AHs 2025 and Postdoctoral Researcher at Bundeswehr University Munich, noted the event’s record-breaking engagement. “This edition has set a new benchmark for research in human augmentation, reflecting the growing impact of these technologies on society. From brain-machine interfaces to AI-driven rehabilitation, the breadth of innovation on display is remarkable.”
Augmented Humans has become a leading forum for advancements in human augmentation, with previous editions held in cities such as Melbourne, Glasgow, Munich, and Tokyo. The conference proceedings are published in the ACM Digital Library, ensuring global access to the latest research in the field.
