About the Lab 

The AIoT Impact Lab at the Unitec Institute of Technology is a research and innovation hub dedicated to harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to address real-world challenges. The lab empowers researchers, students, and industry partners to develop transformative AIoT solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The lab serves as a collaborative platform, engaging students in cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning experiences. The AIoT Impact Lab seeks to foster sustainability, economic growth, and technological advancement in New Zealand and beyond by integrating AI and IoT technologies.

Our Purpose

The AIoT Impact Lab is driven by a mission to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to advance sustainable development, foster technological innovation, and enhance workforce readiness.

Our key objectives include:

  • Research and Development: Conducting innovative research on AIoT applications in areas such as climate adaptation, smart agriculture, business sustainability, and real-time environmental monitoring.
  • Collaboration and Partnerships: Partnering with corporates, government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions to promote the adoption of AIoT solutions and drive commercialisation opportunities.
  • Education and Training: Delivering workshops, hackathons, seminars, and mentorship programmes to build expertise in AI, IoT, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Industry Integration: Providing students and researchers with opportunities to engage in real-world projects, internships, and capstone initiatives that contribute to technological advancements.

Through these efforts, the AIoT Impact Lab aims to create a meaningful impact, supporting Aotearoa, New Zealand’s transition to a sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Key Focus Areas 

Our research and applied projects revolve around four primary themes:

1. AIoT Applied Projects
  • Integrating AI and IoT for smart cities, industrial automation, and intelligent transportation.
  • Autonomous systems development, including delivery robots, drones and AI-powered vehicles.
2. Sustainable Development Solutions
  • Addressing environmental challenges through real-time monitoring, smart farming, and precision agriculture.
  • Developing climate-responsive AIoT solutions to enhance disaster resilience and ecosystem conservation.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Leveraging machine learning, predictive analytics, and AI models to optimise business operations and sustainability efforts.
  • Creating AI-powered IoT networks for smart resource management.
4. Generative AI in Project Delivery Enhancement
  • Exploring the use of Generative AI in automating workflows, enhancing software development, and improving decision-making processes.
  • Applying AI-driven insights to improve efficiency in IoT deployments and sustainable solutions.​

Notable Projects 

The AIoT Impact Lab is actively engaged in several pioneering projects in collaboration with industry and academic partners:
1. Partnership with One NZ
One NZ, as the first industry partner of the lab, is providing 5G connectivity and technical guidance for key projects.
2. GenAI Hackathon - Sustainable Impact
We run the GenAI Hackathon - Sustainable Impact in partnership with AWS and industry sponsors, providing industry mentorship. The hackathon connects over 100 participants with expert mentors from leading tech companies. Participants develop AI-driven sustainable solutions focusing on real-world challenges in environmental conservation, smart cities, and digital transformation.
3. KiwiNet Commercialisation Project
The lab has received funding from KiwiNet to drive the commercialisation of AIoT innovations.
4. Cloud-Based Autonomous AgriTech Vehicle
The lab is pioneering a cloud-based AIoT system for disease detection in grape and apple crops. Students and researchers are developing a prototype for a cloud-based autonomous AgriTech vehicle that integrates 5G connectivity and AI-powered navigation. The vehicle leverages AWS cloud computing, high-precision GPS, and IoT-powered environmental monitoring to optimise agricultural productivity.

Student and Research Opportunities 

The AIoT Impact Lab offers unparalleled learning experiences for students and researchers:
  • Research Assistantships & Internships: Work on AIoT projects with industry mentors and academic supervisors.
  • Capstone & Postgraduate Research: Engage in hands-on applied research as part of your degree programme.
  • Workshops & Seminars: Learn from industry experts in AI, IoT, automation, and cloud computing.

Industry and Research Collaboration

We welcome partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, and government bodies to co-develop impactful AIoT solutions. By collaborating with us, you gain access to:
  • Expert AIoT researchers and talented students for innovative projects.
  • State-of-the-art research facilities and funding opportunities.
  • A dynamic ecosystem of technology-driven problem-solvers.

Contact Us

For research collaborations, industry partnerships, or student opportunities, reach out to:
Dr. Masoud Shakiba
Senior Lecturer and Founder of AIoT Impact Lab,
School of Computing, Electrical, and Applied Technology 
Email: mshakiba@unitec.ac.nz