Since 2022, HaB Direct has been working closely with Dublin City University as they developed their new Polaris Building — a cutting-edge facility designed to elevate sports science education, research, and athlete testing. From the early planning stages, we collaborated with Romain, Simon, and DCU’s architectural and planning teams to deliver a tailored laboratory solutions set-up that would support the university’s ambitions well into the future.
With budget considerations in mind, DCU wanted the best value for their investment — without compromising on performance. Their vision was to create a versatile lab space that could cater to undergraduate and postgraduate students, research staff, and elite athletes.
The Laboratory Solutions
After many site visits, phone consultations, and planning meetings, we proposed a selection of products that balanced cutting-edge functionality with long-term value. Our final laboratory solutions included:
2x h/p/cosmos pluto® med Treadmills
The pluto® med is a compact, medical-grade treadmill ideal for clinical and performance testing environments. Despite its smaller footprint, it offers robust performance, making it ideal for smaller labs or facilities with diverse needs.
h/p/cosmos pluto Treadmill Ergometer
The h/p/cosmos pluto provides the exceptional quality and innovation of a h/p/cosmos at an entry-level price. The h/p/cosmos pluto treadmill is virtually indestructible with its sturdy frame. It is very low maintenance and provides the user with a comfortable run due to its advanced construction.
It caters to a wide range of applications, including endurance training, walking and running, stress device for performance testing, gait analysis and gait training control.
Key Features:
- Speed Range: 0 – 18 km/h (upgradable to 22 km/h)
- Incline Range: 0 – 25%
- Running Surface: 50 x 150 cm
- Medical Classification: Class IIa certified for medical and diagnostic use
- Low Step-Up Height: Ideal for rehabilitation and accessibility
- Advanced Safety Features: Includes emergency stop, handrails, and user detection system
DCU selected two units to allow multiple users to perform simultaneous testing, maximising teaching efficiency and research throughput.
h/p/cosmos quasar® med Treadmill
Designed for high-performance testing, the quasar® med is a robust, full-sized treadmill used worldwide in medical, sports science, and research settings. It offers greater stability and accommodates higher speeds and larger users, making it suitable for both clinical diagnostics and elite sports testing.
h/p/cosmos quasar Treadmill
The h/p/cosmos quasar treadmill series has models suitable for training in high-performance sport and fitness, commercial fitness, school sports, human performance diagnostics, sports sciences, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, cardiac rehab and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
Key Features:
- Speed Range: 0 – 25 km/h (upgradable to 40 km/h)
- Incline Range: 0 – 25%
- Running Surface: 65 x 190 cm
- Medical Classification: Class IIa medical device
- Load Capacity: Up to 200 kg
- Interface Options: Fully compatible with CPET systems, EMG, and motion capture
This model provides the performance and versatility DCU requires for advanced physiological assessments and research.
Quasar Treadmill Refurbishment
In addition to the new equipment, DCU chose to refurbish an existing 20-year-old quasar treadmill. The team at HaB Direct replaced outdated components with modern parts, giving the machine a new lease on life. The longevity of this equipment — and our ability to restore it — reinforced DCU’s decision to continue partnering with HaB and h/p/cosmos.
EKF Diagnostics Biosen C-Line Dual Channel
The EKF Biosen is a gold standard in lactate and glucose testing, used in both research and elite sport environments. The dual-channel version allows for simultaneous measurement of two analytes, saving time and improving lab efficiency.
EKF Diagnostics Biosen C-Line Glucose and Lactate Analyser
The Biosen C-Line is an advanced analyser for precise glucose and lactate measurement. It features fast, accurate testing with low-cost per test, a user-friendly colour touch screen, and expanded memory. Enhanced connectivity ensures seamless integration with lab systems. Available in single or dual-channel configurations, it’s perfect for clinical and sports applications, offering reliable results with minimal maintenance.
Key Features:
- High Throughput: Up to 120 samples per hour
- Dual Parameter Testing: Lactate and glucose
- Low Operating Costs: Long-lasting sensors and minimal maintenance
- Accuracy & Precision: Uses chip sensor technology for high reproducibility
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple menu navigation with touchscreen display
It enables DCU to carry out real-time blood analysis during exercise testing and training, contributing to more precise physiological profiling.
EKF Diagnostics Hemo Control
For haemoglobin and haematocrit testing, the Hemo Control offers quick and reliable results from capillary or venous samples, supporting DCU’s blood testing provision with rapid analysis and minimal invasiveness.
EKF Diagnostics Hemo Control Analyser
The Hemo Control Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Analyser from EKF Diagnostics represents an upgrade of the well established Hemo Control system and provides quantitative and lab-quality haemoglobin results from 25 seconds.
EKF Diagnostics Hemo Control Photometer uses the most established photometric azide methemoglobin method ensuring reliable results with a high precision (CV <2%).
This Hemo Control photometer comes complete with carry case and user manual, power supply with adaptor, control cuvette, 2 x cleaners and wall poster.
Hemo Control is used in blood banks, hospitals and doctors’ offices for routine screening for anaemia. The Hemo Control analyzer features a bi-directional interface using a public standard protocol that allows direct integration with third-party software.
Key Features:
- Measurement Time: 25–60 seconds
- Sample Volume: Only 8 µL required
- Result Parameters: Haemoglobin (g/dL), Haematocrit (%)
- Portability: Compact, lightweight design for flexible lab use
- Advanced Technology: NXT microcuvette technology for improved accuracy
This device ensures DCU can carry out immediate haemoglobin testing — essential for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and supporting exercise performance studies.
Installation & Execution
Our technical team — Tom Cowell, Pete Brown, and Stuart Jackson — coordinated a smooth delivery and installation across two consecutive days. The challenge of moving large-scale treadmills into the new facility was met with efficient teamwork and careful planning.
“The install was challenging but we managed to work well as a team to get all treadmills into the building and installed within a single day. We then spent an additional day repairing the older treadmill,” said Stuart Jackson.
Client Feedback
“I wanted to thank you and the HaB team — everything went smoothly.”
– DCU Representative
Outcome
The result is a fully equipped, future-ready sports science laboratory that aligns with DCU’s goals and continues to support student education and high-level research. DCU’s investment in both new and refurbished equipment and laboratory solutions ensures durability, flexibility, and the capacity to support advanced physiological testing for years to come.
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