One attendee trying out the prototype research VR driving simulator on March 24, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Lethbridge College opens high-tech research centre

Mar 27, 2023 | 10:40 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College opened a brand-new, high-tech research centre on Friday, March 24, 2023.

The Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training (START) Centre applies virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) technologies and real-time 3D to solve challenges in key sectors.

Mike McCready, Industry Liaison and Research Advisor in the START Centre, explained that these new tools and technologies will elevate Lethbridge College’s reputation on the world stage.

“You know a lot of people, when they think about Lethbridge and Lethbridge College, they don’t think about cutting edge technology,” explained McCready. “We’ve been able to, through the last few years, through grants, really put a spotlight on southern Alberta and Lethbridge as a technology leader in the spatial technology space. So, we’re really excited to have this reputation grow throughout the world, not just Alberta and to support industry.”

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Programs that will benefit from these cutting-edge technologies include first response, health care, trades, agriculture and cultural heritage.

However, McCready indicated that the START Centre has the potential to improve organizations in any sector.

Tools demonstrated during the grand opening included equipment like the Infinadeck omnidirectional VR treadmill, the first of its kind in Canada.

A prototype research VR driving simulator that is being used to develop an immersive driving training solution for partner police services was also on display.

A state-of-the-art motion capture studio was unveiled. It will be available to industry for their motion and performance capture needs, something that is unavailable outside of major hubs like Vancouver and Montreal.

The START Centre is also a part of the college’s Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE) which brings together community organizations, researchers and students to collaborate on projects.

McCready went on, “One of the things with the START program, while it’s on the research side, we work very closely with the academic side and programs that are in that special technology space such as the virtual, [and] augmented reality programs. So, I’m hoping it will promote applications for students to participate in those programs because we hire.”

“I do hope that it will attract students, but also that it will attract potential clients, partners and supporters to the college,” said McCready.

To learn more about START go to the Lethbridge College website.

Read more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com