A technology agnostic innovation hub providing a testbed for a wide range of end-to-end Internet of Things projects.
Led by SMART, the Digital Living Lab is an open, free-to-air platform, accessible to the entire community to use for research and to test new ideas.
It uses digital networking technology called LoRaWAN to create a wireless network that can cover large distances with low power. This provides the opportunity to deploy remote sensors and other communications devices that collect and distribute data on the network.
It already hosts a range of applications from a shark alert app for swimmers, to sensors to track the freshness and location of craft beer, to a map for firefighters to find hydrants quickly. It is helping position UOW to be at the forefront of smart cities in Australia.
SMART is a member of the IoT Alliance and The Things Network. These are communities of technology enthusiasts and developers who are leading the way in developing a free and open IoT data network.
The Digital Living Lab has won a number of awards including Best Community Initiative at the 2018 Committee for Sydney Smart City Awards, with Liverpool City Council’s Smart Pedestrian Project - which SMART is a part of – awarded the Best Local Government Initiative.
Next generation infrastructure and smart city solutions
SMART aims to contribute to next generation infrastructure and smart city solutions, with a strong focus on innovative research, community engagement and service delivery.
Share
Recognising the need for a dedicated and interactive research space for smart sensing and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the SMART IoT Hub was established. This hacking space is open to the whole community including entrepreneurs, researchers, students, start-ups and small business.
Thinxtra provides Sigfox technology for the hub with IoT development kits available. The Hub is building a community of technology enthusiasts and developers who are creating an open collaboration network for ideas and new technologies. The Hub's motto is:
‘Build it! Hack it! Share it!’
Enable
UOW has deployed a radio communication network across the region using LoRaWAN technology with other technologies joining the digital revolution. Partnering with The Things Network, a global and community-based initiative, the Digital Living Lab provides an open and free-to-air platform for the Illawarra/Shoalhaven community.
This open network enables individuals, community groups, business, IT developers, researchers and students to develop solutions that can improve the efficiency of services and liveability of the region.
Create
The Digital Living Lab provides a test bed for new IoT technologies, such as sensors to monitor the environment or assets in real time, and will give rise to smart solutions for challenges facing the Illawarra/Shoalhaven community. The SMART Infrastructure Facility, in collaboration with regional partners, facilitates high impact community projects that address health, safety and environmental issues across the region.
The SMART Infrastructure Facility is working with startups, local councils, aged care providers, school and community groups to develop and deliver projects that will enhance the community, provide people centric solutions and make the Illawarra/Shoalhaven a smart region.