AI Supercomputer Powers £1.2m Eye-Tracking Research
One of the UK’s most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers will support researchers in a £1.2m ($1.5m) eye-tracking study.
Academics at the University of Essex are exploring whether mental fatigue and lapses in concentration can be detected through eye behaviour.
Isambard-AI Grants 10,000 Hours of Computing Access
They have been granted 10,000 hours of access to the government-funded supercomputer, Isambard-AI. The project lead, Dr Javier Andreu-Perez, said the system would provide “new insights” into human behaviour.
The supercomputer will be used to run and analyse large-scale models that combine data from individuals and their surrounding environments.
Dr Andreu-Perez hopes this capability will help the team gain a detailed understanding of how the eye moves, reacts, and is influenced by cognitive processes.
“Our project involves collecting and analysing eye movements in natural settings,” he explained.
“With the AI supercomputer, we will be able to rapidly assess and predict fatigue levels and gain new insights into how cognitive strain impacts behaviour.”
Essex Poised to Lead UK’s AI Innovation with New £2bn Data Centre
The University of Essex is also set to become a leading centre for UK AI innovation with the construction of a £2bn data centre in Loughton.
Researchers from universities across the country, together with AI company Solvemed Group, are collaborating on the project—named EyeWarn.
Conclusion: Advancing Human-Centred AI Through Understanding Fatigue Indicators
Their goal is to bring “innovative research into real-world environments,” according to the university, which has campuses in Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, and Loughton.
Dr Andreu-Perez, a computer science lecturer, said the initiative marks a major step forward in the UK’s efforts to advance human-centred artificial intelligence.
“EyeWarn highlights the importance of understanding and monitoring human factors such as fatigue and its effects on the body—particularly as reflected through the eyes,” he added.
