NOW OPEN!
The HFI Lab space is now active and in use, serving as a hub for interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and innovation. As our teams continue to move in and set up their workspaces, the lab is already supporting projects across human-machine interaction, sensory feedback, neurotechnology, and more.
The Human Fusions Institute Lab is fully up and running—serving as a dynamic center for cutting-edge research, collaboration, and innovation. This modern facility marks a significant step forward for HFI, enhancing our capabilities and strengthening our interdisciplinary community.
Here’s what’s now available in the HFI Lab:
Designated Workspaces for HFI Staff, Faculty, and Students
The lab features private offices for HFI staff and affiliated faculty, as well as open desk space for students—supporting focused research and daily collaboration.
Cafeteria & Social Space
A central gathering area encourages informal interaction, idea exchange, and downtime—helping build a vibrant, connected research community.
Academic Hub for Events
With flexible space for hosting seminars, symposia, and workshops, the lab’s event area serves as a focal point for intellectual engagement and public scholarship.
Conference Rooms
Multiple conference rooms are equipped to support meetings, planning sessions, and collaborative work across teams and disciplines.
Specialized Research Spaces
Dedicated labs are fully outfitted for VAMR testing, tissue handling, interface engineering, robotics, and network security—providing the tools and infrastructure needed to advance HFI’s pioneering research.
The Journey of the HFI Laboratory: From Concept to Construction
Original Announcement
We are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of our advanced laboratory, dedicated to pioneering research and advancements in socially responsible innovations in prosthetics, robotics and gaming.
Located at Case Western Reserve University, our laboratory will replace the entire 22,568-square-foot third floor of the former BioEnterprise building.
Under the guidance of Professor Dustin Tyler, the Biomedical Engineering department at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is embarking on a unifying endeavor. The Human Fusions Institute (HFI) aims to bring together various laboratory workshops, offices, meeting spaces, and collaboration areas that are currently dispersed across different locations on CWRU's campus, and potentially even from other parts of the country. This ambitious project also involves researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles,Cleveland State University and the University of Houston.
Located at CWRU's Wickenden Building on 2071 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., the lab will serve as the central hub for these interdisciplinary activities. With a budget of $5.93 million, the renovation work required to create this cohesive space is underway, fostering an environment conducive to innovation, research, and collaboration.
The research institute will receive various specialized program components. These components include a large robotics test arena, an advanced technology presentation space, a water tank for testing submersible devices, audiovisual and security system upgrades, and other features. However, the purpose extends beyond consolidating the research into a well-equipped facility.
CONSTRUCTION SLIDESHOW