Would you rather have a human? What is the neural and physical difference – is a human more beneficial, and if so, why? How would we maximise the use of both humans and technology here? How does it reflect on us if a robot becomes the normal or only option?
And what about the strategist solving a complex problem or the soldier in the field making a moral decision – do they do better with trusted automation or a human to assist? And why do we connect differently over screens?
In our ever-increasingly technologised society, the NeuroTech Institute is an independent entity established to investigate and advise on the neural and physical effects of human interaction and proximity, how technology changes both and in turn how this impacts the complex dynamics of human systems. The focus on how humans connect, feel and think, and the changes that occur via technologization helps to develop innovative solutions for effective adaptation in changing environments (and is underpinned by expertise in engineering, psychology, cognitive science and anthropology)
Every industry and sector benefits from understanding the unique advantages offered by both humans and technology. A deeper understanding of each allows for better use of both. It also prompts the innovative design of brand new, ground-breaking technologies. It inspires us to ask better questions about how we want to live and work, and feeds creative discussion.
That knowledge also needs to be accessible and engaging for society in general, and NTI’s work includes public and media discussion on the benefits of human interaction / proximity, and how to manage technology as a true enabler (one very popular example is “The Art and Science of Looking Up” , published as part of the ‘Look Up’ collaboration with OMA.
Day to day, NTI works with a wide range of organisations and industry sectors (AI, defence, health, education, ageing, the arts) to help clarify what is unique about humans, when they are the most effective option, when technology is the best choice and how to create partnerships that best leverage both. Our unique expertise in understanding the cognitive and physiological impacts of both direct human interaction and proximity and interaction with technology has become even more relevant across almost all sectors today.
In the business world, work is constantly changing, but some things remain the same. Maintaining a focus on trust, adaptive leadership, consistent values and foresight are as important as understanding how technology can help and hinder us to navigate our dispersed, virtualized and ever-changing environment. Virtualization and technological communication require even higher levels of trust and alignment, yet makes them more difficult to achieve and maintain. FOCUS NTI (Neurotech’s consulting arm) combines applied research and years of operational experience to help people build good practices and use technology to full advantage in hybrid and blended workplaces. We provide solutions tailored to the situation to ensure that individuals and entities can adapt and flourish in current and future environments.
NTI is also involved in research and implementation projects across sector change, and recent projects include human autonomous-systems teaming design; the impact of human proximity, positive collaboration and minimal manning on complex problem solving; the complexities of building accurate brain computer interfaces; maximising blended learning; parental
programs on cognitive development and managing technology as an enabler; the neurophysiological impact of touch and eye gaze on healing and trust; the blend of human/tech intervention to maximise patient health outcomes and positive behaviour change, and ways to ensure direct interaction in psychosocial settings.
CEO and Founder of NTI, Dr Kerr’s unique perspective on the power of human cognition and interaction and the transformative capacity of technologization from an individual and systems perspective, results from qualifications in (complex) systems engineering, anthropology, psychology and cognitive science, and experience gained over almost 40 years in a variety of companies and sectors in Australia and overseas. She works with a broad international list of clients across corporate, creative, government and defence sectors, and holds board/advisory positions in AI (design, ethical use), health, ageing, robotics, and cultural trends. Her honorary academic positions include Adjunct Senior Fellow (University of Adelaide’s School of Psychology) and Research Fellow (South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). Fiona is an international keynote speaker, writer and science educator, appearing regularly on national and international media.
