I am Madhawa
My work explores how Computer Vision and Spatial Computing can shape the next generation of interactive human-AI interfaces.
This is my personal webpage.
More about me
Hi there...
My work explores how Computer Vision and Spatial Computing can shape the next generation of interactive human-AI interfaces.
This is my personal webpage.
More about me
Hi, I'm Madhawa. I'm fascinated by how humans interact with systems embedded with AI — how we respond, adapt, and sometimes resist. At the heart of my work is a simple but profound question: how can we design systems with AI that uplifts human outcomes, preserves agency, and nurtures trust?
As AI weaves itself into nearly every thread of daily life, it brings both promise and peril. Challenges like underreliance, opaque decision-making, and misaligned human-AI dynamics emerge when systems lack explainability or fail to account for the richness of human context. I'm especially interested in how we might design architectures that keep humans meaningfully in the loop — systems that inform rather than overwhelm, and guide without eroding autonomy.
At CSIRO, I work as a Research Engineer in applied research, blending computer vision, imaging techniques, and large language models to build interactive systems that serve both scientific inquiry and industrial need.
Much of my recent work focuses on spatial computing — creating interfaces that understand the physical world and invite natural forms of interaction like gestures and voice. I explore how agentic AI might help explain its reasoning, adjust to user needs, and support healthier long-term human-AI relationships.
For instance, I have been developing interactive and explainable interfaces that allow scientists in smart laboratories to collaborate with AI-driven assitants including robots. These systems are designed not just to respond, but to engage — enabling scientists across disciplines to explore, discover, and co-create knowledge alongside AI.
That's a glimpse into the work I do — but beyond the lab and code, I find joy in the simple and the shared. I like to bake (see a few snapshots here @myfoodepisodes) Apparently, it's not just scientists who need assistants — bakers do too. My agentic baking assistant is in progress. Fingers crossed.
I also enjoy volunteering — our local Community Fire Unit is high on that list. Long walks or jogs, strumming my ukulele, and of course, travel are all part of my leisure-time to-dos.
If your work intersects with the areas I'm involved in and you are interested in connecting, you are welcome to reach out.
Research areas - Augmented Reality (AR) Virtual Reality (VR), Gesture Interactions, Human Computer Interaction, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics
Deliver lectures and/or tutorials/labs. Conduct classes to an appropriate standard of
teaching and professionalism.
Courses taught: Human-Computer Interaction and Design
(COMP3900/6390), Data Mining (COMP3425/8410), Programming for Scientists (COMP1730/6730)
and (COMP7230), Software Engineering (COMP2120/6120), Web Development and Design
(COMP1710/6780), Game Development (COMP3540/6540)
Key responsibilities - Redesign, develop, and improve of technology-enhanced online educational programs. Provide technical and user-experience based consultation to understand and apply effective technology solutions to enhance student learning experiences. Use immersive tools such as Mozilla Hubs, game-based learning tools such as Minecraft for Education, Spatial.io, Gather Town etc.
As a senior software engineer I was involved in software engineering consultations, product feature designs and training junior engineers. Consultations include on-site and off-site customer engagements , e.g. Arizona of Department of Administration (ADOA) - State of Arizona, USA, and Transport for London (TfL) - UK.
I was a member of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) research engineering team and lately joined client engagement (services) team. As a software engineer I worked on developing and integrating features to WSO2 product suite and providing customer support as a part of the role in services team. Some features that I developed include Android for Work and Apple Device Enrolment Program (DEP) with WSO2 EMM. As a services team member, I served in off-site customer engagements in Japan and USA clients.
If you'd like to get in touch, LinkedIn (madhawaperera) is preferred and I'm more likely to respond quickly there. You can also use the form below, but my response may be slower.