The Human Interface Technology Laboratory New Zealand (HIT Lab NZ) is a human-computer interface research centre based at the University of Canterbury.

One of the HIT Lab's goals is to support New Zealand’s economic development by bringing advanced interface technology to industry.

Its facilities include VisionSpace – a three-screen immersive stereo projection system, that can show 3D images in a wide field of view (120 degree) environment where groups of people can view and interact with the 3D virtual data using natural gestures.

Technology being developed at HIT Lab NZ includes 3D panoramic displays, virtual and augmented reality, voice and behaviour recognition and intuitive aural and tactile feedback.

KAREN will enable the HIT Lab to improve its collaboration with its partners in Australia, the United States and Asia, and bring international research funding into New Zealand.

This will include top quality international video conferencing with HIT Lab’s research partners, and opportunities for VisionSpace to collaborate with other visualisation centres on 3D modeling.

KAREN will also enable the HIT Lab to send large quantities of data to other research institutes for processing on supercomputers. As the data is processed at supercomputer locations, the resulting images will be able to be shown in real time at the HIT Lab.

HIT Lab NZ integrates research and education, providing students with a project-based learning environment. Staff and students can work on their own initiatives or on industry and faculty-driven projects, which have the potential to result in commercial products.

Leading-edge technologies developed in the HIT Lab will be used in areas such as education, medicine, scientific visualisation, telecommunications and entertainment.