Research undertaken through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and S4S Dental Laboratory has been presented at NordiCHI 2026, an international conference on Human-Computer Interaction, held in Vaasa, Finland, from 5 to 7 October 2026.
Salman Ahmed, KTP Associate at Sheffield Hallam University, presented the paper "Avoiding the Automation Trap: Designing Human-Centred AI Workflows for Dental Manufacturing", co-authored with Dr Ajmal Gharib and Dr Chris Roast from the University's School of Computing and Digital Technologies.
The paper explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning can be integrated into dental manufacturing processes while ensuring that technology supports, rather than disrupts, the work of skilled dental technicians.
The research forms part of an Innovate UK-funded KTP between SHU and S4S Dental Laboratory, a Sheffield-based dental technology company. The project aims to improve the efficiency of digital dental manufacturing by developing intelligent solutions to automate time-consuming tasks involved in preparing digital dental scans for 3D printing.
A key focus of the research is the importance of human-centred design in industrial automation. By examining existing software workflows and identifying usability challenges, the researchers highlight how AI-powered systems can be designed to reduce repetitive work, improve transparency and retain appropriate human oversight.
The findings demonstrate that successful AI adoption is not simply about automating tasks, but about designing systems that integrate effectively with established working practices and the expertise of industry professionals.
NordiCHI is a leading international conference bringing together academics, researchers and industry practitioners to share advances in human-computer interaction, user experience and interactive technologies. Presenting at the conference provided an opportunity to share insights from the KTP project with an international audience and contribute to wider discussions on responsible AI adoption in industry.
The presentation highlights Sheffield Hallam University's commitment to industry-focused research, knowledge exchange and the development of practical AI solutions that address real-world business challenges.
The paper has been published in the ACM conference proceedings and is available through the Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/38041/
