Robert (Bob) Sobolewski '70 Family Distinguished Speaker Series: “Interface Design Criteria to Improve Human – AI Collaboration in Critical, Time Constrained Situations”

Abstract: Critical decisions in domains like energy, defense, public safety, and cybersecurity require systems that reduce operator workload while improving performance. Advances in AI, virtual reality, and natural-language interaction enable real time monitoring of human states and richer human-machine collaboration. This talk revisits key human-machine interaction principles to explore how these technologies can create more usable, trustworthy, and reliable systems in critical settings.

Bio: Dr. Lope H. Barrero is a full professor of Engineering at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and a visiting scholar at Seattle University. Trained at Harvard in Environmental Health Sciences, he studies human factors, ergonomics, and human – AI interaction in high-stakes, time sensitive systems. His work explores how design, trust and adaptive technologies impact safety, performance, and decision-making. He led Javeriana’s Engineering School as Chair and Dean, driving digital transformation, curriculum innovation and gender equity in STEM.