Microsoft has partnered with the Victorian government over three years to open an $8 million research facility at the University of Melbourne.
The Microsoft Centre will identify new social applications for natural user interface (NUI) technologies. NUI technologies include voice recognition, gesture control, eye recognition and touch interactivity.
Researchers at the centre will focus on how to best incorporate these interactive technologies into Microsoft user interfaces.
Director of the centre, Professor Frank Vetere, said the work will shape next-generation Microsoft products used in "the home, the workplace, in education, health and public spaces".
“Social NUIs, in particular, humanise technology, they are about making technology work for people rather than people working for technology,” he said.
The Microsoft Centre will also provide University of Melbourne PhD students and academics with the opportunity to work alongside centre researchers.
The centre opened today and will employ 28 staff.
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