Inside the Labs of Tomorrow: TII Facilities 360 Immersive Experiences
Objective
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi serves as a global hub for breakthrough science, housing some of the world’s most advanced research facilities. However, the sensitive nature of these environments, combined with the need to attract international talent and partners, created a unique friction point. TII required a solution to showcase its cutting-edge infrastructure (from quantum cryostats to anechoic chambers) to a global audience without the logistical and security constraints of physical site visits. The goal was to democratize access to these “restricted” zones, proving TII’s capabilities to prospective researchers and government stakeholders instantly.
Challenge
- High-Security Environments: Access to labs like the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) is strictly controlled due to safety and IP concerns.
- Complex Infrastructure: Static photography failed to capture the sheer scale of facilities like the Semi-Anechoic Chamber or the intricacy of the Quantum Clean Rooms.
- Seamless Integration: The immersive tours needed to live natively within TII’s existing corporate website, which is built on a robust Drupal CMS architecture, ensuring they felt like a core part of the user journey rather than an external plugin.
Solution
GTECH spearheaded the integration of high-fidelity Matterport 360 digital twins, embedding them directly into TII’s Drupal framework. This “digital open door” policy allowed users to step inside the labs from any device.
1. The 360 Immersive Experience (Matterport)
We deployed Matterport’s 3D capture technology to create navigable, photo-realistic digital twins of three critical research pillars:
- Advanced Materials (AMRC): Users can virtually walk through the Impact Lab and Foundry, viewing the heavy machinery used to test self-healing composites and ballistic materials.
- Directed Energy (DERC): The experience transports users inside the massive Semi-Anechoic Chamber (used for electromagnetic compatibility testing) and the Pulsed Power Lab, visualising spaces that are hazardous or impossible to enter during operation.
- Quantum (QRC): This tour provides rare access to the Clean Room and the facility housing the region’s first Quantum Computer, demystifying the complex environment required for superconducting qubits.
2. Drupal CMS Integration
- Native Embedding: The Matterport players were embedded directly into the Drupal content types for “Facilities.” This allows the TII web team to manage these virtual tours just like standard video or image assets.
- Contextual Layering: The tours are positioned alongside technical specifications and equipment lists on the site, allowing a user to read about a “Ballistic Gas Gun” and then immediately turn around to see it in 3D space.
Results
- Global Talent Acquisition: TII now uses these links during recruitment drives, allowing candidates in Europe or Asia to “tour” their future workplace, significantly increasing offer acceptance rates.
- Enhanced Credibility: The transparency of the tours reinforces TII’s claim of being a world-class facility. Partners can verify the existence and scale of the infrastructure (e.g., the size of the Anechoic chamber) remotely.
- Zero-Risk Engagement: Stakeholders can explore hazardous environments (like high-power laser labs) safely, increasing engagement time on the facilities pages.
Conclusion
By marrying Matterport’s immersive visualisation with Drupal’s enterprise flexibility, TII has effectively erased its physical walls. These virtual experiences serve as a permanent, 24/7 open house, proving that while the research may be complex, accessing the story behind it doesn’t have to be.
