HumanX Lab at Dartmouth
The HumanX Lab for Cognitive Performance and Longevity is part of Dartmouth
College’s Cluster for Improving Healthcare Outcomes through Sensory Technology
(Academic Clusters).
This Cluster unites Arts & Sciences, the Geisel School of Medicine,
the Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business to design, validate,
and translate sensory technologies that improve care.
The HumanX Lab was founded in 2024, when Professor Tam Vu joined Dartmouth as
the Thomas A. and Georgina Tugwell Russo 1977 Distinguished Professor and was
tasked to lead this Academic Cluster.
Dartmouth has a longstanding legacy in Artificial Intelligence as the birthplace of the
term “AI” in 1956. HumanX builds on that history to establish Dartmouth leadership in
AI-powered wearables, sensory systems, and digital health innovation, with a focus on
longevity technologies and rural health.
HumanX Lab is an interdisciplinary R&D lab advancing wearable and AI systems to
improve healthcare outcomes, extend longevity, and elevate human performance. From
body and ambient sensors to edge-AI platforms, we invent and build the
next-generation devices and AI platforms that integrate seamlessly into daily life and
health systems, enabling scalable prevention and personalized therapy.
Our Vision
We design, build, and validate technologies that empower individuals to optimize cognitive performance, health, and longevity. By advancing adaptive computing, automated data collection, standardized cognitive metrics, personalized AI agents, non-pharmaceutical cognitive switches, and ultra-efficient edge computing, we create solutions that are both scientifically rigorous and practically impactful. Our ultimate goal is to establish a future where people can understand, influence, and enhance their cognitive functions with accessible, trustworthy, and life-changing technologies.
Our Research Pillars
Our research is organized around six key pillars that collectively aim to advance human cognitive performance, well-being, and longevity. Each pillar represents a strategic focus area where we combine sensing, stimulation, and AI-driven approaches to create scientifically rigorous and practically impactful solutions. Together, these pillars form the foundation of HumanX Lab’s vision: empowering individuals and society with technologies that optimize the human mind and body.
Personable Computing
We design adaptive systems that respond to individual needs and contexts, ensuring interactions are meaningful and effective.
Standardized Cognitive Function Metrics
We seek to establish objective, validated, and wearable-friendly measures of cognitive states such as focus, attention, and mental health.
AI Agents for Cognitive Performance and Longevity
We develop agentic systems that adapt recommendations based on personal data, life context, and evolving user needs.
Non-Pharmaceutical Cognitive Function Switches
We explore safe, effective ways to influence cognitive states without drugs—using sound, light, vibration, and other non-invasive stimuli.
Edge Computing for Healthcare Devices
We design ultra-low-power, privacy-preserving architectures that enable healthcare wearables to operate efficiently without constant cloud reliance.
Human-Centric Data Collection Automation
We are building pipelines that automate the collection of rich, human-centered data needed for AI, healthcare, and drug trials.
Core Values
HumanX Lab is guided by shared values that shape how we work and grow together:
- Human-Centered Responsibility We design technologies with and for people. Patients, caregivers, and communities guide our work, ensuring inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical responsibility in every project.
- Scientific Integrity Our research is grounded in rigor, honesty, and reproducibility. We commit to methods and results that meet the highest academic and clinical standards.
- Innovation with Impact We aim for breakthroughs that matter, advancing knowledge while creating practical solutions to improve healthcare outcomes, extend longevity, and enhance human performance.
- Collaboration Across Disciplines We thrive on partnerships across engineering, medicine, business, and the social sciences. By integrating diverse expertise, we accelerate discovery and translation.
- Open Science & Knowledge Sharing We believe knowledge should scale. Whenever possible, we share data, methods, and tools to foster transparency, replication, and collective progress in the field.
Collaboration and Partnerships
At HumanX Lab, we believe in giving back to the research and innovation community.
Our mission extends beyond our own projects. We welcome opportunities to advise,
support, and collaborate on initiatives that align with our vision of improving
healthcare outcomes, extending longevity, and enhancing human performance.
Collaboration can take many forms, including:
- Joint research to develop new wearable systems, biomarkers, or AI algorithms
- Shared studies for data collection and validation
- Industry–academic partnerships for translation and scalability
- Grant opportunities, such as serving as co-PI or providing letters of support
potential. If you see alignment between your mission and ours, we encourage you to read this handbook and reach out.
