Human Design Group, an investor member of b<>com and a recognised expert in ergonomics and human factors, works closely with b<>com on the b<>com Relief platform. This innovative research partnership combines human expertise and advanced technologies to address the challenges of complex systems. In this joint interview, Guillaume Jégou, Head of Human Factors at b<>com, and Guillaume Calvet, Human Factors R&D Director at HDG, share insights into this successful collaboration, which has led to a licensed technology, recently illustrated through an experiment conducted with CNES.
Could you introduce b<>com *Relief*?
Guillaume Jégou : b<>com *Relief* is an integrated software platform that combines cognitive sensors, simulation tools, and AI-based analyses to measure human factors in critical environments. It collects real-time data in order to analyse operators’ behavior, cognition, and physiological state, with the goal of optimising the design and safety of complex systems.
Guillaume Calvet : As an investor member of b<>com, Human Design Group (HDG) brings its expertise in ergonomics and user-centred design. *Relief* has enabled us to broaden the scope of our offering to our clients. Our role is to support industrial stakeholders in integrating Relief to improve the reliability, safety, and ergonomics of their working environments.
Simulation, cognitive technologies: the experiment with CNES has recently drawn attention. Can you explain what it involved?
Guillaume C. : The experiment took place at the SENS simulation centre in Toulouse, an immersive environment designed to simulate extreme situations. Physiological activity sensors were used to measure heart rate, breathing, movements, and capture exchanges in order to analyse in real time the operators’ state and their cohesion.
Guillaume J. : These data were used to assess the synchronisation of actions, group cohesion, and to detect signs of stress or vigilance. Eye-tracking sensors, for example, can measure pupil size, an indicator of stress and mental workload, or detect attention levels, for instance when the operator is no longer focused on their task. In complex environments, this type of information is crucial because it allows risks to be anticipated and system design to be adapted to strengthen the safety and reliability of operations. These measurements are essential to prepare astronauts for long-duration missions in orbit.
Beyond space applications, what are the other uses of b<>com Relief?
Guillaume J. : *Relief* was designed for industrial simulation in any sector where complex systems are found and human factors impact performance and safety, whether for training or remediation, risk management, or ergonomic optimisation.
Guillaume C. : For example, EDF uses *Relief* to design the control rooms of the future. The platform makes it possible to study in depth the technicians’ operational interactions and human–machine interactions, in order to guarantee safety, efficiency, and comfort.
What does being an investor member of b<>com mean for HDG in the context of applied research collaboration?
Guillaume C. : Being an investor member of b<>com gives us access to a network of excellence where advanced research meets industrial innovation. It allows us to co-develop innovative projects such as the immersive ProuVR platform (based on *Relief* technology), dedicated to the rapid design and evaluation of nuclear control rooms (Ergo’IA 2023).
Guillaume J. : We have also conducted research on adaptive virtual assistants for cockpits. A study with HDG and ENIB was presented in 2025 as a publication titled “Pilot study on virtual assistant design for new generation aircraft cockpit”. Our goal is to optimise the communication and embodiment of these assistants to improve pilot support. These collaborations illustrate the strength of the b<>com model, which brings together skills and expertise to create concrete innovations serving a wide range of sectors.
How can a company interested in the *Relief* platform benefit from it?
Guillaume J. : A company interested in the platform can contact b<>com and/or HDG. We work hand in hand to jointly assess needs, project feasibility, and the specifics of the context. It is possible to acquire a licence to use the platform, along with tailored support to ensure optimal implementation that meets industrial expectations.
Guillaume C. : By working closely together, b<>com and HDG provide complementary expertise to co-design solutions, refine use-case scenarios, and ensure successful deployment adapted to each client’s operational realities, including interfacing with existing industrial systems.
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