In May, a month filled with major film events and festivals, we are once again reminded of the importance of real accessibility to audiovisual culture. It is also the time when Łukasiewicz – EMAG, which has been developing tools to support people with disabilities for years, presents the latest version of the AudioMovie app in public spaces. Thanks to this app, blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard-of-hearing individuals can fully participate in film screenings — both in cinemas and at open-air events.
For years, we have been creating solutions that enhance accessibility for a wide audience. These include IT systems for public offices, tools for museums (Open ART), and apps for cinemas (AudioMovie). We have developed communication tools for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, run educational workshops with youth and seniors, tested new formats, and advanced technologies in collaboration with users with diverse needs. Our goal is to address real needs through solutions that are universal, intuitive, and easy to implement.
AudioMovie is a mobile app that enables users to access audio tracks such as audio descriptions, voice-over subtitles, sign language translations, or alternative language versions. All you need is a smartphone and headphones — everything is handled directly through the app, fully synchronized with the video. This makes cinema accessible virtually anywhere, regardless of the event’s scale or venue type.
This year, the AudioMovie app is once again supporting film events in Kraków. From May 6–15, it will be available during the festival at Kino Sfinks, and from May 9–11 at outdoor screenings on the Vistula Boulevards. It’s a perfect opportunity to see accessibility technology in action — among audiences, without barriers.
AudioMovie is more than just technology — it’s our answer to the real needs of cultural audiences. The solution is intended for cinemas (arthouse, chain, and outdoor), cultural institutions, museums, audiovisual event organizers, TV stations, and anyone who wants to broaden their audience.
We invite you to visit the app’s website at www.audiomovie.pl, where you’ll find more information about its features, current events, and collaboration opportunities. We believe that together we can create a world where culture truly is for everyone.
Two Decades of Innovation and Development Twenty years of intensive growth, innovation, and adaptation to evolving technologies—this is how the history of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Research Laboratory at Łukasiewicz – EMAG can be summarized. In a world where technical standards and requirements change rapidly, staying at the forefront of research demands not only knowledge and experience but also determination and continuous investment in modern solutions.
A Breakthrough Decision Twenty years ago, a decision was made that had a significant impact. At that time, few could predict how crucial EMC research would become for modern technologies. Today, the laboratory at Łukasiewicz – EMAG is one of Poland’s leading centers for electromagnetic compatibility research, significantly expanding beyond its original goals.
Building a State-of-the-Art Laboratory The establishment of the laboratory was a strategic move for the institute, enabling not only internal research but also offering services to external clients. The first steps toward building the testing chamber began in 2004, with limited resources and at a time when EMC compliance was not yet a priority for many industries.
With the growing importance of EU regulations requiring electronic manufacturers to comply with increasingly stringent EMC standards, the institute recognized the need and decided to construct its own research facility. By 2005, the first tests were conducted, and accreditation from the Polish Center for Accreditation (PCA) allowed the laboratory to officially provide industry services.
Key Figures in EMC Development The early phase of the laboratory’s work was driven by key individuals:
Janusz Maciej Tobiczyk, M.Sc. Eng. – the project initiator Ryszard Ligarski, M.Sc. Eng. – a pioneer of EMC research at the institute, responsible for the first electromagnetic interference resistance tests Andrzej Opuszyński, M.Sc. Eng. – led the construction of the semi-anechoic chamber (SAC) and played a vital role in the lab’s expansion Initially, the laboratory offered only four basic test methods, but over the years, investments in infrastructure, cutting-edge measuring equipment, and upgrades have greatly expanded its research capabilities. Today, after two decades, the EMC laboratory at Łukasiewicz – EMAG is a key research center in Poland, helping Polish and European companies comply with international electromagnetic compatibility standards.
Modern Research Facilities Currently, the EMC Laboratory at Łukasiewicz – EMAG consists of two specialized research centers, located in Katowice and Białystok:
Katowice facility houses two semi-anechoic chambers designed for emission and immunity testing of devices exposed to electromagnetic fields. The lab performs frequency measurements ranging from 100 kHz to 18 GHz and immunity tests from 80 MHz to 6 GHz, with field strengths reaching several hundred V/m. Białystok facility features a semi-anechoic chamber with a 5-meter measurement distance, allowing for testing of larger devices weighing up to 1.5 tons. It is also equipped with a laboratory power simulator, enabling tests at voltages up to 400V and currents of 32A. With 41 accredited testing methods, the laboratory ensures full compliance of tested devices with national and European regulations, supporting the advancement of modern technologies.
A Team of Experts Driving EMC Excellence The success of the EMC laboratory is driven by a team of experienced specialists dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of research and precision in measurements. The team includes:
Szymon Robak – Head of the laboratory since 2012 Leszek Heliosz – Deputy head Michał Mitas, Marcin Wojtowicz, and Marcin Barczyk – EMC experts Their knowledge, commitment, and experience have helped the laboratory maintain its leading position in Poland, ensuring top-quality standards in EMC testing.
Expanding Beyond EMC – A Comprehensive Research Hub Over the past 20 years, the EMC laboratory at Łukasiewicz – EMAG has evolved into a key research hub, exceeding its original scope. Investments in new technologies, certifications, and laboratory expansions continue to broaden its range of services. Future plans include developing new testing methods to keep up with evolving regulatory standards.
Alongside EMC research, growing demand for testing in other areas has led to the creation of a comprehensive laboratory complex at Łukasiewicz – EMAG, which includes:
For more information about EMC research and other services, visit: 🔗 https://emag.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/oferta/
IT Security Evaluation Facility (ITSEF) – focused on cybersecurity and product security assessments Gas Detection Device Testing Laboratory – evaluating the safety of gas detection systems Cable & Environmental Testing Laboratory – analyzing cable durability and environmental factors Machinery & Electrical Equipment Testing Laboratory Calibration Laboratory Wireless Device Testing Laboratory – testing IoT devices, 5G systems, and wireless technologies in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU (RED)
On March 8, we commemorate the birthday of Ignacy Łukasiewicz, an outstanding inventor, entrepreneur, and pioneer of the oil industry. Thanks to his work, the first kerosene lamp (1853) and the world’s first oil well in Bóbrka (1854) were created. His innovative approach to science and industry laid the foundation for the development of modern energy solutions.
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Science Inspired by Legacy Numerous scientific and research institutions bear the name of Ignacy Łukasiewicz, emphasizing his contribution to technological progress and innovation. With the aim of bridging science and industry, the Łukasiewicz Research Network was established in 2019, bringing together 22 research institutes across Poland. Its mission is to develop cutting-edge technological solutions that drive industrial and societal progress.
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Innovative Technologies EMAG One of the institutes within the network is Łukasiewicz – EMAG, which has been developing future technologies for 50 years. Specializing in applied informatics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and Industry 4.0, its solutions are applied in sectors such as energy, healthcare, public administration, and industry.
Today, under the banner of the Łukasiewicz Research Network, we continue the mission of our patron, believing that innovation and science are the key to the future.
