The Smart Digital Lab is primarily a computer lab, and as such, the use of the equipment in the lab is similar to the use of computers in other labs around the university.

However, there are pieces of equipment in the lab that require special instruction and health and safety considerations.

Further, some equipment may be used outside of the lab, with associated health and safety risks.

Each lab user has to be inducted into the lab before they may use any of the equipment therein, and they have to pass a test to show that have learned the core principles.

Each piece of specialised equipment requires induction as well.

All inductions are done together with the Lab Technician.

All the equipment below requires at least the main Induction process to be completed, and in most cases, also a specific induction into the usage of, and risks associated with that equipment.

All the required forms and information pertaining to the Smart Digital Lab Health and Safety, and the Risk Assessment processes can be found on the SDL Canvas page.

If you are new to using the SDL, please contact the Senior Technician to book an induction and for access to the canvas page.

Head Mounted Displays

The SDL has many types of Head Mounted Display for use in Mixed, Augmented and Virtual Reality.  As a user of the equipment, there can be some potential side effects such as nausea, and minor visual disturbances after using a headset for a while.  If you are using the Head Mounted Displays with other stakeholders, for example, to do demonstrations, or in your experiments, it is your duty to inform them of the potential side effects and what to do.  The usual solution is to remove the headset.

It is also worth noting that there is a small percentage of the population who cannot use a Head Mounted Display for varius reasons.

For people who are around someone who is immersed in a Virtual Reality Environment, they need to be aware that the VR user is not necessarily aware of their surroundings, and to both keep out of their way, for example to avoid flailing arms and quick movements, but also to keep an eye on the VR user to ensure they are not entering some dangerous area.  Most Head Mounted Displays have their own sensors to determine safe zones, but these don’t take into account people and objects that might enter the zone, such as wheeled chairs or spectators.

When using VR yourself, it is important to be aware of the space that you will be moving in, making sure it is clear from obstacles, and that others around you are aware of what you will be doing (and to keep out of your way).

The lab has somewhat limited space, so at times, there may be overlap between lab users.  However, all users of the lab have the responsibility to ensure that VR headset users are kept safe.

If taking a Head Mounted Display out of the lab, then a Risk Assessment must be completed and approved.  This would usually be part of a larger risk assessment associated with the event or activity.

Optical Tracking System

The SDL has an optical tracking system (optitrack), where you can follow the movement of people and objects in a certain area.  When using this system, it is important to clear the space from chairs, tables and other objects so that the people being tracking have the ability to move around freely.

If you are just testing a few tracking items, then clearing the space is not so critical.

The main tracking system is fixed in the lab, but the mobile tracking system may be set up on tripods and used elsewhere.  In which case, standard Risk Assessment procedures apply.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) / Drones

There are several drones in the lab.  These are, obviously, not to be used in the lab, except in cases where they are not flying, but perhaps being programmed or tested in other ways.

All drone operation must be overseen by a licensed drone operator.  Whilst many drones don’t require a license, the size of the drones in the lab, and as part of the Risk Assessment process, a licensed drone operator has to always be involved in any drone operation planning (at least).  Read more about drone flying regulations on the NZ aviation website.

As with any equipment to be used outside of the lab, a Risk Assessment must be completed and approved for every instance the drones will be used.  Contact the Lab Technician for further information.

Laser Scanners

At the SDL, there are several Laser Scanners, also called LiDAR scanners.  There are stationary scanners, and mobile scanners.  Many of these are large, heavy equipment with a variety of associated potential risks.  Before using any of these, make sure you are aware of the risks (talk the Lab Technician), know how to use them, and what to do with the data afterwards.

These devices have rapidly moving parts that one must not touch, and could hurt someone of they fall over.  So, when being used in public spaces, it is important to keep people away from the devices and the tripods they are standing on.

The lasers themselves are not particularly dangerous.

Using any of the scanners outside of the lab requires standard Risk Assessment procedures.

The Stationary Bicycle

The lab has a bicycle fixed in place that is used in certain projects by specific researchers.  If you are using this for your work, be aware of the added risks associated with sitting elevated on the bicycle whilst wearing a Head Mounted Display.

4 legged robots (aka Robot Dogs)

The SDL has access to two robot dogs.  To use these, you have to first be inducted into their usage.

There are considerable risks involved in the driving and usage of these robots as they are heavy and mobile, without sensors to keep them safe.  So, the operation of the device is completely in the hands of the user with the control panel.  Crashing one of these into furniture, walls or people will result in damage and injury, and could also damage the robot dog itself.  Further, they are sensitive to water and dust.

It must be noted also that there are some operations possible from the control panel that cause the robot dogs to do potentially dangerous actions, such as a back flip.  You are highly discouraged from doing these actions as they can both damage surroundings and the robot dog itself.  Even some of the ‘dance moves’ should be used carefully, making sure there is plenty of clear space.

Using these devices outside of the lab requires a comprehensive Risk Assessment to be completed and approved.

Other equipment

The SDL has a variety of other equipment, such as biometric measuring devices, cameras and IoT devices.  For each of these, discretion is advised, and health and safety is to be considered.  Further, in the cases of recording equipment, it is important to take into account people’s privacy, both in the processes of making recordings, and what one is to do with the data afterwards.  In many cases, permission from the users will be required.

As with all other equipment, if being used outside of the lab, a Risk Assessment form must be completed and approved.