NTNU in Trondheim enhances its lighting laboratory with a new Betanit Orange Automatic Heliodon

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, led by Professor Luigi Maria Finocchiaro, takes another step forward in daylighting research with the arrival of a Betanit Orange Automatic Heliodon.

This instrument joins the Orchard Heliodon already in use, creating an even more complete and versatile laboratory for studying the interaction between natural light and architecture.

The Orange Automatic Heliodon is a high-precision robotic table, entirely designed and manufactured in Italy at Betanit’s headquarters in Piacenza, near Milan. Thanks to proprietary software developed in-house, it allows for dynamic and automated simulation of the sun’s movement throughout the year, enabling advanced and repeatable analyses of solar exposure on scaled architectural models.

Designed for high-level research, the system allows the collection of accurate data to optimise energy performance, visual comfort, and climate-responsive design.

The Heliodon will also be used in the Sustainable Architecture course, offering students unique hands-on experiences in studying daylight dynamics.

With over 20 years of experience and installations in universities and research centres worldwide, Betanit reaffirms its mission: delivering innovative, high-quality Italian-made tools to support education and research in architecture, building engineering, and building physics.

“We are proud to continue our collaboration with NTNU and Professor Finocchiaro, helping to grow their lighting laboratory with state-of-the-art technologies,” said Giulio Podestà of Nitter-Betanit.