One of the elements of the testbed is an integrated fiber optic sensor network. This is located in floors, supporting structures and access points. This allows various phenomena to be tested and monitored - for example, floor loads, vibrations caused by technology operation, temperature changes, and the movement of people or vehicles. The data obtained is used by the students in their bachelor and master theses and professional publications.
"We had to install optical fibres during the construction of the building, which allows us to make measurements that would not otherwise be possible," says Jakub Čubík from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
In reinforced concrete columns, for example, fibres are used for experiments to monitor heat propagation and, more recently, mechanical stresses on structures. Another interesting installation is the entrance to the testbed, where a fixture is placed under the roadway to embed optical fibers that detect the passage of vehicles based on frequency characteristics. Such a sensor can detect the type of car, its speed and direction of travel. The building also includes the Health Lab, a dedicated space for teaching and technology development in the field of biomedical engineering. There are two model apartments designed to test sensor systems in a real environment. "Also here, optical fibres are installed in the floor to distinguish movement and allow detailed analysis of user behaviour in the space. We are currently preparing long-term testing of new methods of data collection and evaluation using optical fibres," adds Jakub Čubík.
By connecting teaching with real technologies, students not only gain valuable experience, but also actively participate in research with a direct impact on practice.