Sensor-based measurement of classrooms use

The University of Groningen (UG) has many classrooms, yet there is often a shortage of available space. As a result, external venues are sometimes hired or classes are scheduled at inconvenient times. But is there really a lack of space, or are we not using our rooms efficiently? In some cases, rooms are booked without being used, or students do not attend, meaning a smaller room would have sufficed. To gain better insight, we are starting a pilot project: in ten rooms, we will measure the number of people present using sensors. This information will help us improve how we allocate and use teaching spaces in the future.

We want to gain insights in how ten different classrooms are being used. These rooms vary in size and are located across various university buildings. This will give us a reliable and representative view of space utilisation across the university.

Privacy Information

Privacy and security are very important to us, and we have carefully considered these aspects from the outset. The sensors only measure how many people are present — not who they are or how people are behaving. The technology used (Infrared Time-of-Flight and Thermal Imaging) makes it technically impossible to identify individuals. Your privacy therefore remains fully protected.

In de following classrooms, sensors will be used to measure the number of people present:

Duration: September 2025 up to and including Augustus 2026

Contact

If you have any questions, comments, or would like more information, please feel free to contact us at: smartbuildings rug.nl.

More information

• Smart Buildings - Occupancy sensor spec sheet 

• Smart Buildings - Flow counter spec sheet