Through Nordlab, we offer pedagogical support for developing and facilitating various types of exercises, as well as evaluation. We already assist several faculties with the development, implementation, and evaluation of exercises at Nordlab, and we are happy to get in touch with others who are interested in exploring opportunities for collaboration. We want encourage students and private and public sector stakeholders to utilize our facilities at Nordlab for teaching, exercises, and research.
In the autumn of 2024, Nordlab was expanded to 500 square meters and consists of modern facilities with advanced technology that enables the implementation of various types of exercises, research activities, teaching, as well as networking and dialogue with emergency response actors and industry. The new investments in Nordlab include, among other things, a climate and environment room specially designed for training and research activities related to environmental pollution such as oil spill response, radiation protection, and similar challenges.
Technology and innovation
The instructor station is a so-called ‘Master of Exercise’ and leads the simulator exercises. The instructor station can also actively participate in various roles as needed. The instructor station can communication to all exercise rooms/labs via intercom. Communication can also be done via the Kongsberg’s simulator system to the individual ship bridges. All exercise rooms/labs can also communicate with each other. The instructor room is connected to a simulator network with Bodø Maritime and Lofoten Maritime via a broadband network. Additionally, we are connected to a European simulator network (EMSN) with seven other universities in Europe where joint exercises can be conducted.
All planning for the simulation exercises is developed at the instructor station. The CCTV station is used for observation, evaluation of exercises, and debriefing.
The instructor station has space for four instructors, and there is room for 10 mentors in the room.
Nødnett is a national digital communication network for the police, fire, and health services, as well as other actors with emergency preparedness and response responsibilities. Nødnett provides secure communication both internally and across organizations, contributing to collaboration and common situational awareness.
Nordlab has Nødnett radio terminals and certified instructors who can offer user courses in Nødnett. At Nordlab, Nødnett is used as a tool in exercises and courses to train communication, cooperation, and common situational understanding.
The Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB) owns, operates, and manages the Emergency Network on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (JD)
MASA Group ("MASA") is a global company focused on the development of Artificial Intelligence-based Modeling & Simulation (M&S) software for the Defense, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Serious Games and Games markets. A trusted developer of cutting-edge AI technology for over fifteen years, MASA has founded its success on products that combine scalability, adaptability and low cost of ownership, with a strong standards-driven approach to technology. The MASA product range, including MASA SWORD, MASA SYNERGY and Direct AI, is uniquely designed to simplify and optimize the implementation of Artificial Intelligence capabilities for automating and driving simulated behaviors. www.masasim.com
NORDLAB offers emergency preparedness training for public and private actors, and the addition of SWORD will further extend the concepts for training, to benefit a wide variety of organizations including emergency preparedness managers and crisis management staff.
Typical courses include:
- Emergency preparedness and management at strategic level
- Skills and knowledge in secure operations of ships in polar regions
- Emergency management courses for companies
- Crisis staff courses for private and government agencies
SWORD will allow NORDLAB to prepare and simulate environments controlled by artificial intelligence, supporting courses with an objective to stimulate the training audience by presenting a view of close-to-real environments from within crisis centers.
SWORD will also assist NORDLAB in our research and development programs in the field of emergency preparedness and response, including system analysis, decision-making support tools, and leadership quality analysis. NORDLAB also partakes in the development of innovative projects aiming to produce next generation cloud-based simulator systems, where again it is envisioned that SWORD will play a vital role.
Our increased cooperation with MASA and their SWORD system/technology will allow us to play out even more advanced simulator exercises, especially regarding civilian-military support scenarios. NORDLAB has several years of experience running real-time exercises with civilian partners through maritime simulators and decision-making support tools. A broad range of linked up simulators with a tailor-made user interface have been one of the success criteria in creating realistic scenarios and enhancing the learning outcome for our students and partners within the emergency response community.
Rayvn is a crisis management platform that helps organizations handle and respond to various types of crises and emergencies. The platform enables users to coordinate efforts, communicate effectively, and share important information in real-time. Rayvn is designed to be user-friendly and flexible, so it can be adapted to different types of organizations and situations.
Rayvn can be used for real-time communication and information sharing during exercises, and it provides the ability to extract detailed logs that can be analysed to identify strengths and weaknesses in crisis communication. This information can be used in evaluations that contribute to updating plans and procedures. Nord University uses Rayvn for crisis communication.
Kongsberg Digital is the provider of the K-Sim maritime simulation systems that enable you to provide efficient and realistic training of students and crew to build vital skills that promote safety, cost-efficiency and sustainability in operations at sea. The K-Sim Navigation simulator provides students with highly realistic training using vessels, objects, and equipment that behave and interact as in real life thanks to an advanced physics engine and state-of-the-art hydrodynamic modelling. The sophisticated new visual system brings vessels and objects, including geographical exercise areas and all possible weather conditions, to life.https://mars
Nord University has four part desk simulation that are integrated in our lab, but also connected to other maritime facilities in a broadband connection. The simulator is used for demonstration, exercises, and research. They are used in all type of exercise like game, functional, and in ordinary simulations exercises. Learning goals in a simulation exercise could be decision making, communication and situational awareness.
Fynd Reality is an XR collaboration platform developed by Fynd Reality, which enables teams across industries to train together on complex scenarios in a safe environment, with immediate feedback. Fynd Core uses augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create realistic and interactive exercises, to train on operational challenges that improve communication, coordination, and decision-making under pressure. The platform supports collaboration between different units and can be tailored to specific needs, from rescue operations to medical emergencies.
Fynd Core has developed its own VR platform that recreates Bodø and Gildeskål in a virtual world. This platform provides the opportunity to train for incidents in familiar environments and areas.
Greenscreen technology allows for the creation of professional visual presentations by placing people or objects into digital environments. This enables realistic simulations, interactive courses, and creative content productions.
By combining greenscreen with video production, one can visualize scenarios, illustrate concepts, and create engaging educational materials. This provides a more dynamic and effective way of conveying information, whether for training, exercises, or communication.
A podcast provides a flexible and engaging way to convey knowledge, experiences, and discussions. The format is well-suited for interviews, professional conversations, and storytelling, and can be used for both internal and external communication.
Podcasts can be used for reflection and learning after exercises, or as a platform to share insights and experiences from the field. Recordings can be edited and published to reach a broad audience, or used internally for documentation and knowledge sharing.
