The lab launched last week focuses on integrating IoT technologies, data and artificial intelligence (AI) to empower local communities in finding innovative solutions for areas aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

“Thank you to One NZ for being part of this exciting project from its inception,” says Te Pūkenga Region 1 Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga. 

“Your support is allowing us to bring together industry, researchers and learners to collaborate on new technologies at a time when the rate of change is accelerating.”

The lab is an initiative by Unitec’s School of Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology.

“Thank you for inviting us into this collaboration,” says One NZ General Manager Mobile Access, Thaigan Govender.  

“We can’t wait to get started and get the engineers talking with the students. I think we’ve got a real shot at putting Aotearoa on the map when it comes to global innovation in IoT.”

Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga (left) and Thaigan Govender One NZ General Manager Mobile Access (right) sign an MOU to support the work of Unitec’s IoT Impact Lab.  

Internet of Things is the term given to a network of devices with sensors sending and receiving information connected to cloud-based internet. 

The introduction of 5G opened up new possibilities for IoT. One example is the autonomous food and parcel delivery vehicle prototype demonstrated by Artem Tolstykh at the launch event. 

Unitec graduate Artem Tolstykh with the autonomous vehicle prototype he is working on. 

Unitec students are using image recognition AI, programming the vehicle to sense the boundaries of a footpath and obstacles in its path. 

“I think the capstone project is very good,” says Mr Tolstykh, a Unitec alumnus. “They promote it very well and encourage students to work with industry. That’s a very strong side (of Unitec’s qualifications).”

Daniel Gorbey and Connor Casey, both final year students in Bachelor of Computing Systems, are working alongside Alamance NZ to help with research and development for a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system. 

The sensor is being tested to detect vehicles approaching road works. If a car is travelling at an unsafe speed the device instantly sends a warning to road crews of potential danger. 

“It’s such a massive project working with Alamance,” Mr Gorbey says. “There are so many applications. If you’re sitting at a red light late at night and it’s taking way to long to change, the lights could have a LiDAR and AI on the systems to detect any cars and adjust the light cycle appropriately that way.”

“IoT’s going to be big,” says Mr Casey. “People are already advertising smart phones, smart houses, smart fridges. Users don’t want cables. They want the seamlessness and ease of the technology.”

The IoT Impact Lab allows learners to work with startups at the cutting edge to help take a concept towards commercialisation.  

“What’s happening in tech is that everything is going forward in quantum leaps,” says Alamance NZ Chief Executive Manoj Dolli.

“No degree is complete unless you’re being thrown into the deep end on very specific problem-solving situations in industry.”

A network partner to the Impact Accelerator at Otago University, Unitec’s lab will focus on integrating these technologies to support climate adaptation, smart farming and agriculture, provide real-time environmental monitoring, preserve cultural heritage, engage youth in STEM fields, and foster sustainable business practices.

“We are looking forward to increasing our partnerships and projects,” School of Computing senior lecturer, Dr Masoud Shakiba told those gathered for the launch. “If you have a brilliant idea, if you want to work with great researchers and students we’d really love to collaborate with you.”

The lab aims to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas and enable us to deliver impactful projects both within Aotearoa and globally.