Until now, humans have acted as the primary decision-makers directing machine behavior. As AI becomes more autonomous, the relationship between humans and machines is shifting toward cooperation. In this talk, Dr. Gonzalez-Franco envisions a future where extended reality (XR) technologies enable more natural, immersive, and interactive connections with AI systems — creating new pathways for communication, intent, and shared intelligence.
The talk is co-sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Data Sciences Institute. The Sloan Foundation is a not-for-profit, mission-driven grantmaking institution dedicated to improving the welfare of all through the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Mar Gonzalez-Franco
Research Manager, BIRD Lab, Google AR & VR
Dr. Gonzalez-Franco is a distinguished Computer Scientist and Neuroscientist renowned for her work exploring the intersection of human and artificial intelligence.
She leads the Blended Intelligence Research and Devices (BIRD) lab at Google AR & VR, where she focuses on augmenting human capabilities by blending innate intelligence with AI through immersive experiences. Her team has led the research for input and interactions to the new XR OS, Android XR, that recently launched with the Samsung Galaxy XR as the first XRAI OS. The work of the team on setting up the guidelines for inputs on XR Operating Systems was recognized with the SIGCHI Special Recognition in 2025.
Previously, as a Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research, Dr. Gonzalez-Franco led the release of multiple Avatar libraries for research and the development of Avatars and Together Mode in Microsoft Teams, a feature recognized as one of Time Magazine’s “Best Inventions of 2022.”
A pioneer in immersive AI and AR/VR, she holds over 40 patents and has authored more than 100 academic publications.
Data Sciences Institute
10th floor Seminar Room
700 University Avenue, Toronto
