Architecting Cognitive-Aware Systems at the Intersection of AI, IoT, and HCI

Modern systems are now evolving from being mere data processors to becoming responsive partners that can sense, adapt, and engage. With the swift convergence of Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Human-Computer Interaction, industries are moving closer to creating environments that do more than automate tasks. These intelligent ecosystems sense, interpret, and react in real-time, transforming how people interact with machines and how machines interpret human needs. At the centre of this shift stands a growing area of development: cognitive-aware systems, the kind of platforms that learn not only from data but from environmental context and user behaviour.

Among those contributing significantly to this space is Subhasis Kundu. He has focused on designing and deploying cognitive-aware systems that bring AI, IoT, and HCI together in observable ways. His work has covered various industries, including transportation, finance, and smart cities. He often handles projects that require both real-time machine intelligence and human adaptability. With over 15 years of experience, he has worked with global leaders, including consulting firms, automotive service providers, and facilities management companies. In each case, the focus has been on creating platforms that respond quickly. This has meant reducing system reaction times to under a fraction of a second or changing interfaces based on human input and environmental conditions.

The impact is evident across a range of outcomes. For example, by integrating various systems, the expert helped create solutions that reduced operational costs by nearly a quarter while also cutting down on manual interventions by more than a third. Beyond cost and efficiency, much of his contribution centres on enhancing the human experience. In applications where users interacted with adaptive interfaces, satisfaction scores increased significantly, indicating that a more responsive and cognitive-aware system leads to greater usability. He explained, "A system can only be called intelligent when it adapts not only to its environment but also to the human it interacts with”.

Some of his most notable projects reflect how these ideas work in real life. In cities, he helped create a smart parking solution that used AI systems and IoT sensors to direct vehicles. It also learned from driver patterns to make adjustments in real-time. In another project, he applied similar ideas to predictive maintenance on a large scale. This approach prevented equipment failures by allowing AI models to learn continuously from sensor data. His work on human-focused industrial dashboards was more experimental but equally innovative. These system interfaces could change based on an operator’s stress levels, helping to reduce fatigue and mental strain in high-pressure situations.

His contributions also extend to academic and technical writing, where he has authored whitepapers on subjects ranging from facility management powered by AI and IoT, “Facility Management in the Age of IoT and Digital Twins: AI-Driven Optimisation for Smart Buildings”, to emotion-adaptive UIs, and neuromorphic computing for ultra-low-power intelligence. Each reflects his dedication to exploring how technology can mesh with human dynamics, not merely automate processes. This balance between computational autonomy and user-focused responsiveness is what defines his approach.

What makes cognitive-aware systems particularly exciting as an emerging trend is their adaptability at the edge. Systems designed for milliseconds matter most in sectors like transportation, healthcare, or public safety. Kundu emphasises that the next wave of innovation will lie in interfaces that are emotion-aware, capable of aligning with human intent in real time. At the same time, he highlights that ethical responsibility needs to guide these advancements, suggesting that trust, consent, and explainability should anchor the way adaptive systems are built.

The collaboration of cognitive computing, sensor-driven systems, and user-centred design is shaping a future where humans and machines work together, learning from each other to create systems that feel more natural, responsive, and aligned with human needs. This growing synergy is already influencing many sectors, including urban mobility, industrial operations, and personalised experiences. As connectivity and data continue to expand, the importance of adaptive and intelligent systems will increase, paving the way for new forms of interaction and cooperation between people and technology.