The Future Interfaces Group is an interdisciplinary research lab within the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. We create new sensing and interface technologies that foster powerful and delightful interactions between humans and computers. These efforts often lie in emerging use modalities, such as smart environments, wearable computing, mixed reality, and gestural interfaces.
FACILITIES
The FIGLAB is located on South Craig Street, at the western edge of Carnegie Mellon’s campus. Our century-old, LEED-certified building contains three studios for rapid ideation and prototyping, encompassing more than 1500 square feet of shop space. One lab is dedicated to electronics prototyping, while two other studios are geared towards physical fabrication, primarily wood and plastics, but also textiles and metalwork. Our equipment includes CNC milling machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, vacuum formers, miter and table saws, drill presses, bench sanders, grinders, and a full array of hand tools. A fully-stocked materials room provides immediate access to supplies, large and small. Our building is powered by a rooftop solar array with peak generation of 2.7kW.
TECHNOLOGY LICENSING
Hundreds of millions of devices have shipped with technologies invented and developed by the Future Interfaces Group. While some technologies have been exclusively licensed, many are available for licensing. If you are interested in a particular technology, please contact Professor Harrison. For general inquiries, please email innovation@cmu.edu at the Center for Technology Transfer and Enterprise Creation (CTTEC). There are also opportunities to sponsor research in the lab, which can include rights to resulting intellectual property.
RAs, INTERNSHIPS, & INDEPENDENT STUDIES
At the moment, there are no openings in the Future Interfaces Group. Please check back at a later date.
DEGREE PROGRAMS
The lab does not accept students directly – this process is handled by our parent department, the Human-Computer Interaction Institute. Application materials and information can be found here:
CONTACT US
The Future Interfaces Group is part of the Human-Computer Interaction Institute in Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science. To contact the lab, please email info@figlab.com. To contact an individual, please see our team page. Technology licensing inquiries can be directed to innovation@cmu.edu.
Future Interfaces Group
407 South Craig Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213