Barcelona hosts the ACM CHI 2026 conference this week, where researchers and tech companies gather to discuss advances in human-computer interaction. The event runs from April 13 to 17 at a downtown venue, marking the first in-person edition since 2024.
Apple, one of the conference sponsors, will showcase several new research papers during the sessions. These papers explore ways users engage with devices through touch, voice, and sensors. The company has participated in CHI every year since 2017, contributing to discussions on interface design and accessibility.
Among the highlighted projects is a study on gesture-based controls for mixed reality headsets. Researchers tested how users adapt to hand movements in virtual environments. Another paper examines adaptive interfaces that adjust layouts based on user fatigue levels detected through eye-tracking.
The conference program includes workshops, keynotes, and demonstrations. Apple’s booth will feature prototypes of its latest interaction tools. Attendees can try systems designed for people with motor impairments.
Over 3,000 researchers from 60 countries are expected to attend. Previous CHI editions have led to commercial products like smartphone swipe gestures and voice assistants.
Source: machinelearning.apple.com