Research arena Visionen

Panorama picture of an empty Visonen.

The research arena Visionen is located at Campus Valla at Linköping University and is operated by the Department of Electrical Engineering (ISY). Here, a unique environment is provided for experimental research and education.

Visionen is a large and state-of-the-art research arena that provides an open research infrastructure for both teaching and research. With a 12x12x8 meter obstacle-free volume, experiments are allowed both on the ground and in the air. The spaces, combined with technical capabilities such as positioning and projection systems, make Visionen a nationally unique research and demonstration arena.

The ability to project on walls and floors provides advanced possibilities for visualization. For example, for spectacular demonstrations and immersive experiences for both robots and spectators.

The camera-based localization system can be used for the localization of robots and drones, inviting advanced experiments with autonomous vehicles.

The facilities and equipment of Visionen are primarily used for research and education in autonomous systems and robotics. Other research areas and collaborations both within and outside LiU's research community are also active here.

This is Visionen

Specifications

The arena

The arena is approximately 12x12x8m and has safety nets that can be used during drone flights. Above the arena, there is also a balcony on the second floor to provide a better overview of activities in Visionen.

Positioning system

The positioning system in Visionen consists of 20 cameras from Qualisys – 8 of the model Oqus 700+ and 12 of the model Arqus A12. Oqus cameras have a resolution of 12 MP at 300 Hz or 3 MP at 1100 Hz. Arqus cameras have a resolution of 12 MP and a 3D resolution of 0.04 mm. The update frequency is 300 Hz at 12 MP and 1040 Hz in High-Speed mode (3MP).

Using the Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) software, rigid bodies can be defined using passive or active markers attached to the object. QTM then streams position and rotation data in real-time on the local network, which can be used by other applications.

Projection system

Visionen offers the capability to project onto the entire arena floor with the help of two ceiling-mounted projectors. The brightness is 20,000 lumens each, and together they have a common resolution of 1920x1920 (approximately 400 pixels in vertical overlap). Visionen also offers projection on a wall-mounted screen with a size of 8.5x5.3m. An ongoing upgrade of the arena in 2024 will enable projection on two additional walls.

Additional

Two cameras with a resolution of 8 MP for recording experiments are mounted in the arena – one on the ceiling and one on the wall. The arena is also equipped with speakers and wireless microphones.

Spaces

  • The arena
  • Small arena
  • Outdoor arena
  • The balcony
  • The robot room
  • Classrooms
  • Offices, storage, and conference rooms

Research

Education in Visionen

A research arena that provides opportunities for experimental education.

In certain educational domains, there is a significant need for specialized facilities and advanced equipment. With Visionen's space and capacity, theoretical teaching can transition to practical experimental teaching in various ways. A common example of this is when students test ground-based robots and flying drones here.

The advanced positioning and projection systems also provide an opportunity for students to visualize projects in full-scale versions and test the capabilities of autonomous vehicles.

Therefore, Visionen is not only a research arena for the established research community but also a unique and valuable demonstration arena for students. Particularly, it allows them to showcase their project work in various courses.

Examples of courses conducted in Visionen:

  • Automatic Control - Project Course CDIO
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Computer Hardware and Architecture
  • Construction with Microcomputers

Current courses are available here and are offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering (ISY).

Photographer: Charlotte Perhammar

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