Members of the East Border Region (EBR) Executive Board got an up-close look at the Mobile Digital Lab (MDL) today, as part of the Board’s bi-monthly meeting hosted at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT).
The visit provided an opportunity for Board members to see first-hand how the Mobile Digital Lab is bringing emerging digital technologies, skills and experiences directly into communities across the East Border Region.
Since its launch, the Mobile Digital Lab has already welcomed more than 600 visitors and delivered over 40 workshops across the region in just six months. Its deployments have stretched across a wide geographical area, from Bangor in the north to Trim in the south, bringing hands-on digital experiences to communities, organisations, schools and groups.
The Mobile Digital Lab has also recently been further equipped with a range of new technologies designed to support an even broader programme of workshops and demonstrations.
The latest equipment includes VR headsets, Smart glasses, AI-powered Laptops, Apple iPads and MacBooks and Podcasting equipment, allowing visitors to explore everything from immersive virtual reality and artificial intelligence to content creation and digital media.
During today’s visit, Board members had the opportunity to experience one of the MDL’s virtual reality demonstrations for themselves, taking a virtual journey to the African savannah in Kenya using the VR headsets.
The experience offered a glimpse of the type of immersive and engaging workshops the Mobile Digital Lab can bring directly to communities throughout the region.
The visit also highlighted the important role the Mobile Digital Lab is playing in supporting digital inclusion, skills development and access to new technologies across the EBR area.
For many communities, having access to technologies such as virtual reality, AI, smart devices and digital content creation equipment would not normally be possible without travelling to a dedicated technology centre. The MDL is designed to change that by bringing the technology directly to people where they live, work and learn.
Dette Hughes, Programme Manager at East Border Region, said:
“It was fantastic to have the opportunity to bring the EBR Executive Board on board the Mobile Digital Lab today and give members the chance to see the facility and technology up close. The progress made over the past six months, with more than 600 visitors and over 40 workshops delivered across the region, demonstrates the real value of bringing these digital experiences directly into our communities.”
The Board visit provided an opportunity to showcase not only the technology available within the MDL, but also the growing programme of activity taking place across the East Border Region.
With the Mobile Digital Lab continuing to expand its programme, further deployments are planned across the East Border Region over the coming months.
Whether it’s exploring virtual reality, getting hands-on with AI, discovering smart technologies, developing digital media skills or simply experiencing new technology for the first time, the MDL provides an accessible and engaging way for communities to explore the digital world.
To find out more about the Mobile Digital Lab, arrange a visit or book a deployment in your area, contact your local MiniDigiHub partner or visit www.mindigihub.com.
