Our facilities
Our facilities include state-of-the-art software and hardware, as well as two discreet research areas that can accommodate up to 36 participants.
Further information and instructions on how MBBL hardware and software can be utilised in research are available on the MBBL Moodle Site.
If you are a Monash staff member and interested in accessing these resources, you can place an access request via email to buseco-mbbl@monash.edu.
Hardware
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Tobii eye trackers
Tobii Pro Spectrum Eye Trackers (6)
The Tobii Pro Spectrum is the latest and most advanced eye tracking platform, designed for extensive studies into human behavior and the mechanics of the fastest eye movements. This high-performance research system provides superior data quality and is designed for extensive research into behavior and eye movements – from fixation-based studies to micro-saccades. Key features include:
- The 3-D eye model delivers superior gaze data, including wide gaze angles and all corners of the screen
- Two eye tracking cameras, capturing gaze data at speeds up to 1200 Hz.
- Allows precise synchronization of gaze information with data from other sources, such as EEG, GSR, or ECG
- Open new possibilities in fields like psychology, developmental studies, neuroscience, reading research, and ophthalmology.
Tobii TX300 eye tracker (2)
Collects gaze data at 300 Hz, yet allows large head movements. System is designed for studies that require a higher sampling rate; e.g. the need to study eye movements such as saccades, correction saccades, fixations, pupil size changes and blinks. The unique combination of a higher sampling rate and large head movement box benefits eye tracking studies where freedom of movement is important, including behavioural research or eye movement research involving children. Fields of use are:
- Neuroscience studies (e.g. studies combining eye tracking and EEG data)
- Ophthalmology studies
- Reading studies
- Psychology research (e.g. developmental psychology and psycholinguistics studies)
- Gaze-contingent paradigms due to a latency of 10 msec.
Screen-based Tobii T120 eye trackers (2)
Are integrated in a 17-inch TFT monitor and designed for all types of eye tracking studies where the stimuli can be presented on the monitor and enables you to conduct on-screen eye tracking studies for a wide variety of research purposes. The system is easily set u, runs on most Windows computers and has accurate 120 Hz eye tracking that delivers reliable results in a natural testing environment. Range of studies include:
- Psychology studies, using images or movies as stimuli
- Linguistic studies
- Web and software usability studies
- Online marketing studies
- Pretesting of print ads and mail-outs
- Human-computer interaction research
- Eye-based computer interaction
Tobii Pro Glasses 3 (2)
Designed for the real world, our third-generation wearable eye tracker allows you to conduct behavioral research in a wide range of settings. The scene camera offers a wide field of view, while eye tracking technology integrated into the lenses creates an unobstructed view for the wearer. This enables the tracking of wider gaze angles and delivers more comprehensive data on visual attention. Key features include:
- Deliver the durability needed to run studies outside or in more formidable real-world settings
- Can be worn under helmets and other protective gear
- Lightweight design, similar to regular eyewear to enhance the possibility for natural behaviour
- Field of applications include marketing and consumer studies as well as efforts towards increasing workplace productivity and quality.
Tobii Portable Glasses (1)
For research in real-world environments. They are unobtrusive and efficient for capturing natural behaviour in both qualitative and quantitative real-world research. This system includes a pair of eye-tracking glasses, a recording assistant and optionally, infrared (IR) markers for automated generation of aggregated eye tracking data from several test subjects. They are a discreet, ultra-lightweight design that ensures natural behaviour and research validity. Accurate data and robust eye tracking capabilities can be relied on in uncontrolled situations and real-world environments. Automated data mapping and aggregation (requiring IR markers), along with system-guided procedures, promote process efficiency. Suitable for use in areas such as:
- In-store shopper research e.g. in studies of package design, shelf placement, pop promotion, and store planning
- Out-of-home and TV advertising
- Social interaction research and group dynamics
- Sports research
- Driving/vehicle research
- Training and evaluation
Nurostym Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Nurostym Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has gained popularity in recent years for its potential to improve cognitive function and mood.
tDCS is the name given to a procedure where a small electrical current is placed on the head using electrodes. A portion of this electrical current enters the brain with the intention to create a higher voltage potential in brain cells found between the placed electrodes. The intention is to make brain cells within the affected brain regions more easily able to stimulate during a task or mental process, and thus enhance performance. This technology can thus be used to investigate broad brain region and network functioning, but also how brain frequencies are conducive to certain types of mental processes (i.e., through trans-cranial alternative current stimulation; TACS).
In particular, the system has potential applications in disciplines such as accounting, marketing, finance, management, and economics where a researcher may be interested in investigating a theory and mental process, such as how a persistent and specific cognitive bias impacts on a certain judgment and decision-making context. In turn, the judgements and decision-making context has wider applications into psychology more broadly.
The nurostym tDCS system comes complete with two accessories to increase its functionality: the nurostym INTERFACE (IO Box) and the nurostym SPLITTER. These can assist both online and offline research, as well as conventional and high definition tDCS/TACS stimulation protocols.
Varjo Aero Headset
Varjo Aero Headset
Varjo Aero VR Headset includes Dual mini-LED Display, 2880x2720 per eye, 35 PPD Peak Fidelity, 150 nits, 115° FOV, Automatic IPD Adjustment, Built-in Eye-tracking @ 200Hz, 3.5mm Audio Jack, 487g + 230g (Headband), 5m USB-C.
The virtual reality technology allows researchers to conduct high-level academic, clinical and commercial research in the most immersive virtual reality environments to gain meaningful behavioural insights with high level of accuracy. The technology is eye-tracking compatible, enabling generalisation of some study results to the real world environment, which can help minimise shortcoming scientific conclusions where the presentation of visual content is limited to the computer screen.
The Lab's 360 degree camera can also be integrated with this virtual reality technology.
Noldus FaceReader
FaceReader is the complete facial expression analysis software. It's the world's first tool capable of automatically analysing facial expressions, providing users with an objective assessment of a person's emotion.
The lab features eight booths that allow the recording of up to eight individuals at the same time. This video input can then be run through the Noldus FaceReader software for fast emotional readings data. Each booth feature an internet connected PC to allow the participant to be subjected to input from the researcher.
Shimmer (8 PPG and 10 GSR + 16 ECG devices)
Shimmer is designed for wearable and remote sensing applications. It's designed to be highly flexible and adaptable, easily integrating into existing systems and technologies.
Shimmer is frequently used in activity monitoring, sport science, and intelligent building applications. It's currently used in some of the following areas:
- human health monitoring
- activities of daily living
- connected health solutions
- sports science
- structural monitoring
- intelligent buildings
- environmental and habitat monitoring
- emotional response monitoring
EEG Headset DSI-7 (5) (dry devices)
Is a research grade wireless EEG headset designed for ultra-rapid applications of six sensors at locations corresponding to the 10-20 International System. Its main features include:
- Self-donned and ready to record EEG in under 1 minute
- Comfortable for waring continuously over 8 hours
- Portable design suitable for light ambulation in office or lab environment
- Six sensors positioned at choice of Fz, F3, F4, C3, C4, Pz, P3, P4 locations of the 10-20 International System
- Continuous impedance monitoring
- Bluetooth wireless transmission with sampling at 300Hz
- Rechargeable Li-ion batteries allow continuous operation
- 4-bit digital trigger input
- Adjustable to fit a wide range of head size
Applications
The DSI-7’s practicality, portability, and high signal quality opens the door to taking numerous applications that require rapid and non-intrusive EEG recording. Such applications include:
- Neurofeedback
- NeuroErgonomics
- NeuroEconomics/NeuroMarketing
- NeuroEducation
- Augmented Cognition
- Brain Computer Interfaces
- Biometrics
- Cognitive Stress or Workload Monitoring
- Psychological Research
- Sports Peak Performance Training
EEG Headset DSI-24 (dry device)
Is a research grade wireless EEG headset designed for rapid application of 21 sensors at locations corresponding to the 10-20 International System.
Main features include:
- Self-donned and ready to record EEG in under 5 minutes
- Comfortable for wearing continuously over 8 hours
- Portable design suitable for light ambulation in office or lab environment
- 21 sensors positioned according to the 10-20 International System
- Continuous impedance monitoring
- Blue Tooth wireless transmission with sampling at 300Hz
- Hot-swappable Li-ion batteries allow continuous operation
- 8-bit digital trigger input
- Adjustable to fit a wide range of head sizes (54-62cm in circumference)
Applications
The DSI-24’s practicality, portability and high signal quality opens the door to taking numerous applications that were previously limited to lab environments to more naturalistic settings. Such applications include:
- Neurofeedback
- NeuroErgonomics
- NeuroEconomics/NeuroMarketing
- NeuroEducation
- Augmented Cognition
- Brain Computer Interfaces
- Biometrics
- Cognitive Stress or Workload Monitoring
- Psychological Research
- Sports Peak Performance Training
EEG cap – 64 channel - eego sports pro (wet device)
Is a research grade wired and wireless EEG cap and amplifier system designed for rapid application of 64 EEG sensors at locations corresponding to the extended 10/20 system. An additional 24 bipolar sensors can be used with the system, including simultaneous EMG, EOG, respiration, temperature, skin conductance, and acceleration measures.
Main features include:
- Online live EEG and EMG
- Plug & play system with quick set-up times
- High-density recordings with ultra-high signal range
- Available in 4 configurations for recordings of up to 64 referential channels
- Extended pro configurations include EMG and physiological sensors
- Acquisition of up to 24 bipolar channels
- Physiological sensors for respiration, temperature, skin conductance and acceleration
- Artefact protection with the active shielding technology
- Programmable gain
- Wireless remote control of the complete recording
- User-selectable sampling rate up to 2048 Hz
- 8-bit trigger input for ERP studies and synchronization with external devices
- Compatible with the real-time API for seamless integration with mind-machine interfaces
- Secure data storage, even when out of WiFi range
- Archive server solution for safe storage, data backup and external media
- Synchronized video recording
- The eego amplifier is a CE Class IIa medical device
Applications:
The eego sports pro’s practicality, portability, and high signal quality opens the door to taking numerous applications that require rapid and non-intrusive EEG recording. Such applications include:
- Source localisation analysis compatible
- Neurofeedback
- NeuroErgonomics
- NeuroEconomics/NeuroMarketing
- NeuroEducation
- Augmented Cognition
- Brain Computer Interfaces
- Biometrics
- Cognitive Stress or Workload Monitoring
- Psychological Research
- Sports Peak Performance Training
Zephyr BioHarness (3) + Zephyr BioPatch HP Monitoring device (3)
Is a wearable technology that provides a combination of compactness and comfort whilst recording physiological and biomechanical data. It is a customised solution for virtually any type of environment.
RB-740 Response Pad by Cedrus (6)
In psychology studies and behavioral research, a response pad provides more precise reaction time (RT) data. RB-740 is the most popular and general purpose model, suitable for Likert scale, yes/no, and other types of experiments. Features include:
- Multimodal Support: Combine your study with EEG or eye tracking. Cedrus response pads support m-pod and StimTracker.
- Built-in Light Sensor Support: Record precisely the onset of visual stimuli and even have it reset the built-in timer.
- Customizable: Replace key tops with colored ones. You can even display your instructions by printing and inserting paper under a clear top.
Obsidian Go 360 degree camera
The Obsidian Go is professional, portable 360 degree camera for use of capturing 8k images and 4k videos of selected environments. The camera is particularly useful to use during focus group data collection, and can be used to record virtual reality environments.
Power Lab 8/35 with GST and Bio amplifiers (including Lab Chart software)
The PowerLab 8/35 is a data acquisition device engineered to record precise, reliable, consistent data for research. The 35 Series PowerLabs are 16-bit, with a 400kS/s ADC giving a maximum per channel sampling rate of 200 kS/s. Each channel has individual filters and noise reduction circuitry to minimize channel crosstalk and signal noise. In addition to standards features of the 35 Series including 2 analog outputs, a TTL trigger input, 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs, PowerLab 8/35 has 8 analog input channels – 4 of which can be used in differential mode.
StimTracker Quad Kit (6)
StimTracker Quad Kit (6)
Your EEG or eye tracker data is vastly more useful if it includes markers that tell you precisely when certain events occurred. StimTracker can detect the onset of these events and send them to several recorders simultaneously. The Quad Kit includes the StimTracker Quad Unit with m-pod for ADI (6),
m-pod for NIRx (6), m-pod for ANT Neuro (1), m-pod for Tobii Spectrum (1), RB-740 Response Pad. The Quad supports four outputs and has other features:
- Add a Third m-pod: Send event markers to three recorders at the same time with 0ms delay between them.
- Add a Fourth Output: Occasionally, there will be an EEG, eye tracker, NIRS, or other research instrument that has no compatible m-pod. A direct TTL output makes it easier to build a custom solution
- Connect External Switches or TTL Signals: Add custom switches or connect a PC’s parallel port
- Voice Key Support: Plug any PC compatible microphone to mark the onset of vocal responses.
- Use Up to Four Light Sensors
Software
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Below you will find a list of our software applications, which are available in our labs.
Noldus FaceReader
Facereader automatically analyses the six basic facial expressions, as well as neutral and contempt. It also provides gaze direction, head orientation and person characteristics. The project analysis module can be used for advanced analysis and reporting: you quickly gain insight into the effects of different stimuli. Detailed analysis of action units is also available.
Noldus Observer XT software
The Observer XT supports the entire workflow of your project, from setting up to gathering and analysing the observational data.
Tobii Enterprise Edition
Tobii Studio and Tobii Pro Lab allow you to design your eye tracking test, run test sessions, observe sessions remotely, replay and visualise the results, and calculate statistics – all in a single solution.
- Design: intuitive tools for test design and stimuli presentation enable you to easily create eye tracking tests and experiments
- Record: integrated recording of eye tracking data and a wide range of other data provides a holistic view of behaviour in real time
- Replay: replay of eye tracking sessions and event logging enable in-depth qualitative analysis
- Visualisation: graphical visualisations, such as heat maps and gaze plots, make your eye tracking data understandable and provide a powerful tool for qualitative analysis and presentation.
Lab Chart
Lab Chart is physiological data analysis software which creates a platform for all of your recording devices to work together, allowing you to collect biological signal from multiple sources such as GSR, ECR and PowerLab simultaneously and apply advanced calculations and plots, enabling customised formulae, detection, and analysis.
SuperLab
SuperLab is the stimulus presentation software, which allows building experiments from a simple to an advance level without programming requirements. SuperLab includes support for text, pictures, audio, movies, self-paced reading, and text RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation). It can generate event markers to external devices such as ANT, DSI and PowerLab via mpod and STIM Trackers.
The SuperLab package also includes Heart Rate Variability analysis software that provides online and offline analysis, display and reporting of variability in ECG data.
QStates data analysis software
QStates is a software package that uses quantitative EEG and heart rate variability data for assessment of cognitive and physiological stat. This learning algorithm first calculates several thousand spectral EEG features. hen a Partial Least Squares algorithm uses the most salient of these features as inputs for setting weights of cognitive models based on the data collection during calibration runs of defined tasks (e.g. Easy vs. Hard Tasks or Happy vs. Sad Tasks)
Inquisit 6 Web and Departmental Licences
Inquisit enables computer-based psychological testing and experimentation on local computers and remotely over the web. There are a library of ready-made scripts to be used in different situation e.g reactions/ behaviours; perception of a thing/activity etc via stimuli like images, videos or you can design your own scripts. The Web license enables account main users to appoint co-researchers/research assistants as sub-users.
E-Prime 3
E-Prime is a suite of applications to fulfil all of your computerised experiment needs. Used by more than 15,000 professionals in the research community, it provides a truly easy-to-use environment for computerised experiment design, data collection, and analysis. E-Prime provides millisecond precision timing to ensure the accuracy of your data. E-Prime’s flexibility to create simple to complex experiments is ideal for both novice and advanced users.
MediaLab
With MediaLab, participants can be administered different stimuli and different dependent measures and in different orders depending on the experimental condition. MediaLab allows for a wide variety of input including multiple choice responses, fill-in-the-blanks, essay-type open ended responses, thought and recall listings, and even ratings of one's own open-ended responses.
DirectRT
Direct RT is an experiment designer that allows for the collection of reaction time, and correct and incorrect responses from participants using image stimuli. You will be able to obtain keyboard, mice, joystick responses, microphones and external hardware. Present sound, video, images and text with exacting precision.
Tobii Glass recorder
This software records eye tracking data for analysing how people interact with their environment, what catches their attention, drives their behavior, and influences decision making.
Kandao studio
Kandao Studio 'stitches' together the videos you recorded from the 6 lenses of the obsidian 360 degree camera.
Consensys
Consensys allows for the collection of galvanic skin response (i.e., sweating/stress) along with heart rate data using PPG, or otherwise ECG heart rate data. That said, it also can collect information on acceleration and deceleration, as well as tilt, pressure and temperature, etc. You are required to configure the device to record what you are interested in collecting, but you cannot collect every measure together at the same time.
DSI streamer
Needing to be copied onto the computers that you want to use it on, the DSI streamer enables you to setup and record raw EEG from the DSI systems. Generally, this software can be used with any experiment building software, if the stimuli is edited in the specific way. Otherwise, you will likely need to use either E-prime, psychopy, or MATLAB to present the tasks.
eego recording software
The eego recording software enables you to setup and record raw EEG from the ANT system. Generally, this software can be used with any experiment building software, if the stimuli is edited in the specific way. Otherwise, you will likely need to use either E-prime, psychopy, or MATLAB to present the tasks.
Brain Vision Analyser 2
Brain Vision Analyzer 2 is software designed to prepare and then analyse EEG data.
LORETA
LORETA is software designed to analyse EEG data, specifically source localisation. You should use this software if you were interested in performing source localisation analysis with frequency data, performing the more advanced source localisation algorithms such as connectivity, or you didn't want to use source localisation in Brain Vision Analyzer 2.
Psychopy
Psychopy is a freely downloadable, moderate to, depending on what you want to acquire, advanced difficulty experiment builder. Psychopy can use images, audio, and videos. Psychopy can be used to collect responses, reaction time, eye-tracking, ECG, and PPG/GSR. The most basic way to use Psychopy is using the User Graphics Interface, where you can read from excel spreadsheets to enable more complex presentation of stimuli like randomisation. Psychopy can be used in tandem with EEG recording too. Do not assume that any version of psychopy is compatible with any others.
Psychtoolbox (MATLAB)
MATLAB, with the psychtoolbox extension installed, is an advanced difficulty experiment builder. MATLAB can use images, audio, and videos. MATLAB can be used to collect responses, reaction time, eye-tracking, ECG, and PPG/GSR. It can be used in tandem with EEG recordings too.
Laboratories
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Lab A S133
Features of Lab A include:
- Flexible seating for up to 16 participants with laptops and headphones; desks can be arranged in any practical configuration required. The desk sides can be raised/lowered for added flexibility.
- Eight isolation booths with six Tobii Pro Spectrum eye tracking machines TX300 + two TX 300 eye tracking machines. Each piece of equipment comes with software, compatible devices and accessories for data collection.
- The AV System with Zoom technology allows online collaborative experiments, teaching, workshops and conferences.
Lab A S133A
Used to be known as the control room, this lab includes a High Precision Analysis Computer and a Low Precision Analysis Computer for Big Data analysis. Researchers can book these computers separately from the main Lab.
Lab B S136
Features of Lab B include:
- Flexible seating for up to 14 participants; desks can be arranged in any practical configuration required. The desk sides can be raised/lowered for added flexibility.
- Overhead projection allows central viewing of webpages and videos
- Internet connectivity on all computers
- Reception annex
- Two-way glass for discreet observation from the control room

Booking and borrowing
iLab is the online laboratory booking system that supports MBBL users to book the Lab and equipment on their own. Users can also request other services such as borrowing, training for special bookings, admin support and equipment trainings.