Unitec has opened a new IoT Impact Lab aimed at empowering local communities through advancing IoT technologies and artificial intelligence.
The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses a world where devices, homes, and vehicles are interconnected, with sensors constantly collecting and transmitting data. This data is then used in conjunction with AI and machine learning to make informed decisions and actions.
The IoT Impact Lab has been established in collaboration with the Unitec Research Office and industry partners such as One NZ. It is designed to facilitate impactful research and education, foster ideas for commercialisation, and prepare students for tech-oriented careers. One NZ supports the lab by providing 5G connectivity for key projects.
The lab is also a network partner to the Impact Accelerator at Otago University and will integrate technologies aimed at climate adaptation, smart agriculture, real-time environmental monitoring, and more sustainable practices. One of the lab's first projects is the development of an autonomous food and parcel delivery vehicle by students.
This prototype vehicle is being created by a team comprising seven undergraduate and one postgraduate student, in partnership with startup Project Astra Limited. The vehicle's design incorporates a 3D-printed chassis and sensors to enable autonomous movement. The project plans to move through business analysis and market validation next year, with market introduction targeted for 2026 or 2027.
In addition, students Daniel Gorbey and Connor Casey are working with Alamance NZ on a project to develop a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system to enhance road works safety. The system alerts road crews of approaching vehicles moving at unsafe speeds.
Overseeing the IoT Impact Lab, Dr Masoud Shakiba, a senior lecturer at Unitec's School of Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology, explained the lab's mission. "True to Unitec's focus on skills for the workforce, applied technology is a greater focus of the IoT Impact Lab than pure research."
Dr Shakiba elaborated, "The purpose of the Impact Lab is to train students and get them to the point where they can commercialise industrial projects of all kinds in the future — from autonomous vehicles to smart agriculture and horticulture and more."
Artem Tolstykh, Director of Project Astra Limited and a Unitec alumnus, supports the lab as the partner responsible for commercialisation progress. Dr Shakiba noted, "It is great to have One NZ and Project Astra Limited setting the stage for that kind of collaboration — we are proud to work with Artem as a graduate of our School."
Thaigan Govender, GM Mobile Network for One NZ, stated, "One NZ is delighted to support the Unitec IoT Impact Lab in nurturing homegrown innovation by supplying our industry expertise and technical guidance for the students, and providing One NZ 5G connectivity for key projects."
The IoT Impact Lab aims to collaborate broadly with government entities, businesses, and community initiatives to advance IoT research and solutions that meet real-world needs.