Public Safety Immersive Test Center

Public Safety Technology is Driven Forward as a Result of a Fully Immersive Space

In spring 2022, NIST PSCR designed and built the Public Safety Immersive Test Center (PSITC). Located in the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)’s Boulder, Colorado facility, the PSITC provides opportunities to conduct immersive public safety standards and measurements testing.

The facility is designed to help answer key research questions around the future of user experience and location-based services for public safety training and operations. Read more about the facility in the PSITC Fact Sheet, or take a virtual tour of PSCR’s laboratories including the PSITC.

The PSITC allows for limitless virtual environments for testing and demonstration purposes, including scenarios for triage, Search and Rescue, indoor navigation, and situational awareness. The test center is comprised of:

• A modular layout
• A motion capture system with 62 high-speed optical tracking cameras capable of centimeter accuracy
• A variety of augmented and virtual reality headsets
• A mobile staircase and other equipment for z-axis motion
• Physical furniture and gear to add a tactile component to simulations
• An A/V system for supporting usability studies
• 3D printed props to mimic first responder equipment

PSCR considers stakeholder needs and requirements when determining updates to the space. Future enhancements may include haptics and metrology, 5G, edge computing, WebXR capabilities (which allow virtual and augmented realities to be combined), and other technological advances for public safety operations. 

Please contact Kerianne Gibney at kerianne.gibney [at] nist.gov (kerianne[dot]gibney[at]nist[dot]gov) to schedule a visit!