Colloquium Cognitive Systems

Immersive Experiences as Drivers of Innovation in Therapy and Human–AI Research: Empirical Findings and Applications

Prof. Dr. Carolin Wienrich (Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg)

Abstract: Immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Spatial Computing are increasingly recognized as powerful tools for advancing therapeutic interventions and human–AI research. This presentation reviews empirical findings demonstrating how immersive experiences can enhance body awareness and embodiment, foster self-reflection through body swap experiences, and support cyberbullying prevention. Concurrently, dedicated immersive test environments are used to assess how users interact with AI-driven systems, evaluating transparency, trust, and user competencies to ensure effective, human-centered collaboration. By merging immersive interventions with responsible AI applications, this talk highlights the transformative potential of these synergistic approaches and offers pathways for future research, ethical considerations, and practical implementation.

About: Carolin Wienrich holds a degree in psychology, a doctorate from TU Berlin and is a university professor for the psychology of intelligent interactive systems at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg. She researches human-machine interactions in immersive environments such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and spatial computing. She investigates how immersive experiences shape perception, behavior and social interactions and develops interactive therapy and prevention systems, learning environments and innovative workspaces. In addition, it researches the collaboration between humans and AI, the required AI skills and their measurement and training in its human-AI test center and promotes transparent, human-centered AI design.
She is a member of many expert committees and advises the German government's Expert Council for Consumer Affairs.