Site Visit (1)

Wearable Computer Lab, University of South Australia

The Wearable Computer Lab performs research in a number of areas, mostly wearable computers, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Over the years they have developed a number of ground breaking research projects. In 1998 they began the Tinmith mobile augmented reality project, which has now developed into a 3D modelling system that a user can take outdoors to create and interact with objects and buildings. The same hardware platform was then used to implement a modified version of Quake to allow players to fight virtual monsters while mobile outdoors in ARQuake. For truly wearable applications, they have also performed research into the embedding of electronic devices into textiles and clothing for next generation E-Suits. We perform a variety of research into AR, VR, 3D, and UI areas.

DSTO Edinburgh

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is the Australian government's lead agency charged with applying science and technology to protect and defend Australia and its national interests. DSTO delivers expert, impartial advice and innovative solutions for Defence and other elements of national security. DSTO is a major developer, user and manager of simulation within Defence, coordinating simulation, modelling and experimentation for multiple Defence agencies.

Site Visit (2)

Second Life, Digital Humanities Project, Adelaide University

Students conduct a research project in a virtual reconstruction of
eighteenth-century London in Second Life™ which helps to bring the sights, sounds and experiences of Georgian London to life in preparation for the major essay. This takes the form of an interactive 3D environment; an assignment designed to develop and demonstrate students research skills and thereby enrich their understanding of the texts and events of this fascinating and colourful period. This is also very much in keeping with the spirit of the period which was itself interested in innovation.

Bioskills SA School of Medical Sciences, Adelaide University

BioSkills SA is a clinical simulation facility located in the Ray Last Laboratories in the School of Medical Sciences. Its purpose is to provide cutting-edge clinical education and training for both undergraduate and postgraduate medical, nursing and allied healthcare providers, integrating many teaching techniques and utilizing a wide range of state-of-the-art simulation technologies. These include procedural skills trainers as well as  'human patient' manikins, such as the SimMan, that are remotely controlled and allow for simulating high-fidelity clinical scenarios, allowing for immersive environments very similar or identical to those faced in real clinical settings.

The open-planning, with mobile walls and modular equipment, allows for a broad array of teaching styles and techniques to be employed in small, medium and large group settings.  The area can be converted into a lecture theatre, while screens throughout the facility ensure all participants can visualise activities (both in-house and remotely), teleconferences and recorded videos.

Bioskills SA also has access to wet labs at the Ray Last Laboratories for surgical skills training.

CRC for Rail Innovation

The CRC for Rail Innovation is directing the single biggest research program in the history of Australasian Railways. The Rail CRC is a collaborative venture between leading organisations in the Australian Rail Industry and seven of Australia’s leading Universities. Over a period of seven years (ending June 30, 2014), the Rail CRC is investing $100m in rail research to solve serious problems common to several industry participants. The Rail CRC is addressing challenges faced by the Australian Rail Industry by focusing on six key research themes. These are: Climate Change and the Environment; Safety and Security; Urban Rail Access; Performance; Smart Technologies; and Workforce Development. Driven by our mission to “Become the Leading Research Provider to the Australian Rail Industry”, the CRC for Rail Innovation aims to deliver a legacy of wide ranging benefits to continue to be adopted by the industry post Rail CRC. Through effective collaboration with participants, the Rail Industry will transform into a more climate friendly, productive, efficient and safer environment.

Site Visit (3)

Wind Tunnel, Centre for Energy Technology and Adelaide University (Thebarton Research Precinct)

The Centre of Energy Technology, in conjunction with the School of Mechanical Engineering, has recently completed the construction of a large-scale wind tunnel with unique capability in Australia for the testing and development of wind turbines, and specialist capability in buildings, aerospace and sports engineering. It is housed in a dedicated building at the Thebarton Research Precinct of the University of Adelaide. The tunnel provides unique facilities, by using different working sections, for testing of: Wind turbines; Aeronautical and aerospace applications; Automotive applications; and Environmental aerodynamics.

Civil Contractors Federation (SA) – Centre of Excellence

The South Australian branch of the Civil Contractors Federation (CCF SA) has revolutionised the training and learning experiences for those entering or already employed in Civil Construction and related industries such as Mining, Manufacturing, Defence and Oil & Gas.

Following the $8.2M Education Investment Fund grant received in late 2010, the CCF SA undertook a comprehensive process of research, analysis and development that resulted in the building of a range of world-class training and learning resources, tailored to meet the future needs of a dynamic and changing industry.

Research indicates that hands-on, or simulated training, is up to four times more effective than traditional classroom learning in aiding the retention of information. The Centre of Excellence immerses trainees in an environment they will eventually end up working in. The entire Centre is intended to replicate components of an actual work site and provide situations in which people need to behave in a particular way. By moving away from the total reliance on the classroom for training, better outcomes will result.

The range of facilities includes an assortment of 26 Plant Simulators (the second largest behind the US Defence simulator facility), the only hands-on Work Safely Centre in South Australia, a fleet of Mobile Training Units and the world-first, Virtual Construction Site.