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Lab Architecture: Physical Setup and Infrastructure

Overview

This section provides detailed guidance for designing and implementing a laboratory architecture suitable for Physical AI and humanoid robotics research and development. The architecture encompasses physical space planning, safety systems, networking infrastructure, and specialized equipment arrangements to support safe and effective robotics development.

Physical Space Planning

Space Requirements

Minimum Lab Dimensions

  • Basic Lab: 20m x 15m (300m²) for 1-2 robots
  • Standard Lab: 30m x 20m (600m²) for 3-5 robots
  • Advanced Lab: 40m x 30m (1200m²) for 6+ robots with complex scenarios

Zoning Strategy

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    ROBOTICS LAB                         │
├─────────────────┬───────────────────────────────────────┤
│  DEVELOPMENT    │         TESTING AREA                  │
│  WORKSTATIONS   │  ┌─────────────┬─────────────────────┤
│  (4 stations)   │  │ SAFETY ZONE  │ NAVIGATION COURSE  │
│                 │  │ (6m x 6m)   │ (8m x 10m)         │
├─────────────────┼─────────────────┼─────────────────────┤
│  ASSEMBLY AREA  │  STORAGE &    │  MANIPULATION       │
│  (4m x 3m)     │  CHARGING     │  WORKSPACE          │
│                │  (3m x 2m)    │  (5m x 4m)          │
└─────────────────┴─────────────────┴─────────────────────┘

Room Layout Considerations

Development Zone

  • Size: 8m x 6m minimum
  • Workstations: 4-6 development stations with dual monitors
  • Power: 20A circuits at each workstation
  • Networking: Cat6A ethernet at each station
  • Lighting: 500 lux general lighting, task lighting at workbenches

Testing Zone

  • Safety Area: 6m x 6m minimum, preferably 8m x 8m
  • Flooring: Non-slip, impact-resistant flooring
  • Ceiling Height: Minimum 3m for humanoid robots
  • Clearances: 1m minimum clearance around testing area
  • Ventilation: Adequate ventilation for electronics and batteries

Assembly Zone

  • Size: 4m x 3m minimum
  • Workbenches: Anti-static workbenches (0.9m height)
  • Storage: Tool storage and component storage
  • Equipment: Soldering station, calibration equipment
  • Safety: Fume extraction for soldering operations

Safety Infrastructure

Physical Safety Systems

Safety Barriers

  • Perimeter Fencing: 1.2m high safety fencing around testing areas
  • Safety Gates: Interlocked gates with access control
  • Emergency Access: Emergency exits with clear signage
  • Safety Markings: Floor markings for safety zones

Emergency Systems

  • Emergency Stops: Multiple emergency stop buttons (red, 24VDC)
  • Safety Mats: Pressure-sensitive safety mats in robot areas
  • Light Curtains: Photoelectric safety systems for larger areas
  • Emergency Communication: Two-way communication system

Safety Protocols

Access Control

  • Keycard System: Keycard access for lab entry
  • Training Verification: Safety training verification required
  • Visitor Protocol: Supervised access for visitors
  • Time Restrictions: Controlled access hours

Operational Safety

  • Pre-Operation Check: Safety checklist before robot operation
  • Supervision Requirements: Minimum supervision levels
  • Emergency Procedures: Clear emergency response procedures
  • Incident Reporting: Incident reporting and analysis system

Network Infrastructure

Wired Network Architecture

Network Topology

Main Router/Switch
    ├── Development Workstations (4-6)
    ├── Lab Server
    ├── Network Storage
    ├── Robot Charging Stations
    └── Management Network
        ├── Security Cameras
        ├── Environmental Sensors
        └── Emergency Systems

Cable Management

  • Structured Cabling: Professional structured cabling installation
  • Cable Trays: Overhead and underfloor cable management
  • Labeling: Comprehensive cable labeling system
  • Redundancy: Redundant network paths for critical systems

Wireless Network Architecture

WiFi Infrastructure

  • Access Points: Enterprise-grade access points for full coverage
  • SSID Segmentation: Separate SSIDs for different purposes:
    • robotics-dev: Development and testing
    • robotics-guest: Guest access
    • robotics-mgmt: Management and monitoring
  • Bandwidth Management: QoS for critical robotics traffic
  • Security: WPA3 enterprise security

Wireless Technologies

  • WiFi 6: For high-bandwidth applications
  • Bluetooth: For short-range device communication
  • Zigbee/Z-Wave: For IoT sensors and monitoring
  • 5G: For high-speed mobile robotics applications

Power Infrastructure

Electrical Requirements

Power Distribution

  • Main Panel: Dedicated main electrical panel for lab
  • Circuit Breakers: Individual circuit breakers for each zone
  • GFCI Protection: Ground fault circuit interrupters where required
  • Surge Protection: Comprehensive surge protection system

Specialized Power Systems

  • UPS Systems: Uninterruptible power supply for critical systems
  • Battery Charging: Dedicated charging circuits with safety features
  • High-Power Circuits: 20A+ circuits for high-power equipment
  • Emergency Power: Emergency power for safety systems

Power Management

Energy Efficiency

  • Smart Power Strips: Automatic power management for equipment
  • Power Monitoring: Real-time power consumption monitoring
  • Scheduling: Automated power scheduling for non-critical systems
  • Renewable Options: Solar or other renewable energy integration

Safety Features

  • Current Monitoring: Real-time current monitoring for safety
  • Temperature Monitoring: Temperature monitoring for power systems
  • Arc Fault Protection: Arc fault circuit interrupters
  • Remote Control: Remote power control for safety systems

Environmental Controls

Climate Control

HVAC System

  • Temperature Control: Maintain 18-24°C for equipment operation
  • Humidity Control: Maintain 40-60% RH for electronics
  • Air Filtration: HEPA filtration for clean environment
  • Air Circulation: Adequate air circulation for heat dissipation

Specialized Environmental Controls

  • Clean Room: Local clean room environment for sensitive assembly
  • Temperature Chambers: Environmental testing chambers
  • Humidity Monitoring: Continuous humidity monitoring
  • Air Quality: Air quality monitoring and control

Environmental Monitoring

Sensor Network

  • Temperature Sensors: Distributed temperature monitoring
  • Humidity Sensors: Distributed humidity monitoring
  • Air Quality Sensors: CO2, particulates, VOC monitoring
  • Vibration Sensors: Vibration monitoring for precision work

Automated Controls

  • Climate Control: Automated climate control systems
  • Alert Systems: Automated alerts for environmental issues
  • Data Logging: Continuous environmental data logging
  • Remote Monitoring: Remote environmental monitoring capability

Storage and Organization

Equipment Storage

Secure Storage

  • Cabinet Systems: Lockable storage cabinets for equipment
  • Tool Organization: Organized tool storage systems
  • Component Storage: ESD-safe storage for electronic components
  • Battery Storage: Safe battery storage with ventilation

Inventory Management

  • Tracking System: Equipment tracking and inventory system
  • Check-out System: Equipment check-out and return system
  • Calibration Tracking: Calibration due date tracking
  • Maintenance Scheduling: Preventive maintenance scheduling

Material Organization

Component Storage

  • Static Protection: ESD-safe storage for sensitive components
  • Humidity Control: Humidity-controlled storage for moisture-sensitive parts
  • Labeling System: Comprehensive labeling and identification system
  • Accessibility: Easy access for frequently used items

Specialized Equipment Areas

Assembly Workstations

Workstation Design

  • Anti-Static Surface: Anti-static workbench surface
  • Tool Integration: Integrated tool storage and organization
  • Lighting: Adjustable task lighting
  • Power Access: Multiple power outlets at each station

Equipment Integration

  • Microscopes: Stereo and digital microscopes for precision work
  • Soldering Stations: Temperature-controlled soldering stations
  • Calibration Equipment: Equipment for sensor and system calibration
  • Test Equipment: Multimeters, oscilloscopes, and test equipment

Testing Environments

Standardized Testing Areas

  • Navigation Course: Standardized course for navigation testing
  • Manipulation Workspace: Dedicated area for manipulation tasks
  • Obstacle Course: Modular obstacle course for various scenarios
  • Calibration Area: Dedicated area for system calibration

Specialized Testing Zones

  • Acoustic Chamber: Sound-isolated area for audio testing
  • EMI Chamber: Electromagnetic interference testing area
  • Environmental Chamber: Temperature and humidity controlled testing
  • Dust Chamber: Controlled environment for dust testing

Security and Access Control

Physical Security

Access Control System

  • Card Readers: Proximity card readers at all entry points
  • Biometric Readers: Fingerprint or facial recognition systems
  • Time-Based Access: Time-based access control for different users
  • Audit Trail: Complete access audit trail system

Surveillance System

  • Camera Coverage: Complete coverage of lab areas
  • Recording System: Digital recording and storage system
  • Remote Monitoring: Remote monitoring capability
  • Integration: Integration with access control system

Cybersecurity Infrastructure

Network Security

  • Firewall: Enterprise-grade firewall system
  • Network Segmentation: Segmented network for different purposes
  • Intrusion Detection: Network intrusion detection system
  • VPN Access: Secure VPN for remote access

Data Security

  • Encryption: Data encryption for storage and transmission
  • Backup System: Secure backup system with off-site storage
  • Access Control: Role-based access control for data
  • Compliance: Compliance with relevant data protection regulations

Maintenance and Operations

Preventive Maintenance

Equipment Maintenance

  • Maintenance Schedule: Regular maintenance schedules for all equipment
  • Calibration Schedule: Regular calibration of measurement equipment
  • Service Contracts: Service contracts for critical equipment
  • Spare Parts: Inventory of critical spare parts

Infrastructure Maintenance

  • HVAC Maintenance: Regular HVAC system maintenance
  • Electrical Inspection: Regular electrical system inspection
  • Safety System Testing: Regular testing of safety systems
  • Network Maintenance: Regular network equipment maintenance

Operational Procedures

Daily Operations

  • Startup Procedures: Daily startup and safety check procedures
  • Usage Logging: Logging of equipment usage and maintenance
  • Safety Checks: Daily safety system checks
  • Environmental Monitoring: Daily environmental condition checks

Emergency Procedures

  • Emergency Contacts: Posted emergency contact information
  • Evacuation Routes: Clearly marked evacuation routes
  • Emergency Equipment: Accessible emergency equipment
  • Response Procedures: Documented emergency response procedures

This comprehensive lab architecture provides the foundation for a safe, efficient, and productive environment for Physical AI and humanoid robotics development. The next section will detail specific GPU rig requirements for AI training and inference.

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