Cutting-edge lab the first of its kind in New Zealand

The new Trimble Technology Lab at the Faculty of Engineering will benefit students and researchers from across the University.

Equipment at the new Trimble Technology Lab located at the Faculty of Engineering.
"Trimble’s digital technologies are transforming the way engineers, architects and others design and construct our built environment," says Dean of Engineering, Gerard Rowe. Photo: Billy Wong.

An innovative new facility at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland will give students hands-on experience with the latest technology used extensively in the engineering, architecture, construction and agriculture industries.

The Trimble Technology Lab at the Faculty of Engineering has been established as part of a gift agreement between the University and digital technology company Trimble.

The cutting-edge lab is designed to empower the next generation of graduates by giving them access to industry-standard resources that will help them develop the digital skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.

The lab will occupy four interconnected spaces within the Faculty of Engineering and is open to students and researchers from across the University to use. 

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Gerard Rowe, says that the lab will help to improve the learning experience for students and set them up for success when they graduate. 

“Trimble’s digital technologies are transforming the way engineers, architects and others design and construct our built environment, and the critical infrastructure networks we all rely on. I’m incredibly proud that Trimble chose to partner with us, and proud that the Trimble Technology Lab will be the hub from which we can spread this industry-leading software and equipment across the University, for the benefit of all our students and researchers.”

Among the cutting-edge software available to students are Trimble's popular 3D design software SketchUp, their Tekla building information modelling software and the Connect mixed reality visualisation suite.

The gift also includes a broad range of Trimble hardware products, including the XR10 Hololens hardhat and the SX10 scanning total station, which combines surveying, imaging and high-speed 3D scanning in one instrument.

The resources available through the Trimble Technology Lab will also benefit teachers and researchers, says Dr Mark Jeunnette, Director of Engineering Design at the Faculty of Engineering.

“The technologies will enable new teaching methods, from capturing digital scans for students to work with, or through augmented reality and visualisation tools. Researchers will also have access to the tools to help them collect, analyse and visualise their data in new and exciting ways.”

The lab is the first of its kind to be opened in New Zealand, and the University of Auckland joins a rapidly growing network of nearly 30 universities around the world with Trimble Technology Labs. 

The University of Auckland is a great place to host Trimble’s first lab in New Zealand, says Amy Northcutt, Director of Education and Outreach at Trimble.  

“This investment from Trimble will give students the opportunity to build their technical and innovation skills and prepare to make an impact in their future careers.” 

The Trimble Technology Lab represents the largest single in-kind gift received by the University. In 2022, the University inducted Trimble to the Sir Maurice O’Rourke Society, the highest level of honour for University donors. 

The lab was officially opened at the Faculty of Engineering on 28 March by Vice-Chancellor Dawn Freshwater and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Gerard Rowe, alongside Trimble representatives from North America and New Zealand. 

Media contact

Hussein Moses | Media adviser
M: 027 361 1000
E: hussein.moses@auckland.ac.nz