Leap For Immersive Innovation With New AI/VR Lab
In an exciting development for the world of immersive technology, the University of Adelaide has unveiled one of Australia’s premier laboratories dedicated to virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and simulation research. The Australian Lab for Immersive Technologies (ALIT) promises to revolutionize how these domains intersect in research, performance, and education.
The lab finds its home in the University’s Nexus 10 building on North Terrace. It integrates state-of-the-art tools for simulation, interactive display, motion tracking, and digital performance, creating a holistic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.
Stephen Cook, the Senior Lecturer overseeing Realities Extended, describes ALIT as a trailblazer in Adelaide and among the limited facilities of its kind across Australia. What distinguishes the lab is the comprehensive integration of immersive tracking, advanced display systems, and remarkable simulation abilities, establishing it as one of the country’s most versatile immersive technology spaces.
The lab boasts a remarkable collection of pioneering technologies, featuring:
- A massive 7.8-meter high-resolution LED wall with interactive capabilities, driven by custom Realities Extended software.
- An advanced truss system equipped with optical motion capture, immersive tracking, projection, and multi-source communications.
- Infrastructure adaptable for Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Augmented Reality (AR) research.
- A fully autonomous control room for programming access.
- Vehicle simulation systems designed for both terrestrial and aerial scenario analysis.
- Four suspension harness points to facilitate weightlessness simulations.
- A sophisticated programmable lighting arrangement for thorough environmental regulation.
According to Cook, ALIT transcends the typical concept of a lab. It is envisioned as a “collaborative ecosystem for innovation,” marking a significant advance for immersive research and educational activities in South Australia. The lab is versatile enough to support a wide range of activities, from developing AI models and simulating intricate environments to exploring new forms of tech-driven performance art and studying human factors in immersive settings.
This initiative addresses the increasing research demands in areas like human-computer interaction, creative and immersive technologies, artificial intelligence, and next-gen media production. ALIT is set to become a nexus for collaboration among academia, industry players, and the creative arts community.
Cook emphasizes that ALIT offers the necessary tools and flexibility for diving into the future of human-computer interaction, virtual environments, and digital creativity. The lab empowers researchers and students, enabling them to transcend traditional boundaries, engage in cross-disciplinary collaborations, and craft unprecedented experiences.
