AI-thena

AI-thena is an imec-initiated interdisciplinary research and innovation project exploring how Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality (XR), eye tracking, voice reflection and behavioural analytics can be combined to better understand human learning and performance in complex industrial environments.

The project focuses on next-generation training approaches for semiconductor and high-tech operational contexts, where procedures are increasingly complex and where cognitive workload, decision-making and situational awareness play a crucial role.

By combining multimodal data streams -including XR interaction logs, gaze behaviour, voice-based reflection, movement patterns and procedural actions  - AI-thena aims to create more adaptive, explainable and human-centred training environments.

The project investigates how AI can support:

• cognitive load analysis during training

• objective competency assessment

• adaptive guidance and feedback

• behavioural pattern recognition

• training readiness evaluation

• scalable operator certification and coaching

A key principle within AI-thena is that AI is not intended to replace trainers, mentors or domain experts. 
Instead, the project focuses on keeping humans in the loop and enabling trainers to work more efficiently, consistently and at larger scale while preserving the importance of human expertise, judgement and coaching.

Special attention is given to individual learning paths and personal progression.  AI-thena explores how immersive technologies and AI-driven insights can help adapt training intensity, feedback and guidance to the needs, pace and behaviour of each trainee individually.