The Mobile Digital Lab continued its three-day deployment in Bangor and Ards & North Down today, bringing emerging digital technologies directly to local businesses and organisations.
As part of the programme, a Digital Technology Showcase was held at Bangor Marina, giving participants the opportunity to get hands-on with technologies including Virtual Reality, Smart glasses, AI-powered iPads and Video Tech. The 2nd sesssion was tailored for Digital Tech for Tourism with local food producers attending to see what the latest digital technology could offere for their business.
One of the highlights of the session was the opportunity for attendees to experience Virtual Reality first-hand.
The VR demonstration provided an insight into the type of immersive digital experiences that can be delivered through the Mobile Digital Lab, allowing participants to step into completely different environments and explore the potential of VR as a tool for engagement, learning, tourism and business.
Alongside VR, participants were able to explore smart glasses, AI-enabled iPads and laptops, giving local businesses an opportunity to see how rapidly developing technologies could have practical applications within their own organisations.
The technology showcase forms part of a wider programme of activity taking place across Bangor and Ards & North Down this week, with the Mobile Digital Lab working with tourism providers, food and drink businesses and SMEs.
The Mobile Digital Lab is designed to make emerging technology more accessible by bringing the equipment and expertise directly into local communities.
For businesses, this provides an opportunity to see, touch and experience technologies that they may not otherwise have access to, while also considering how digital innovation could support their future development.
The current deployment, delivered in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council, includes workshops and technology showcases across Bangor Marina and Ards Business Hub.
The session was also attended by Councillor Craig Blaney, Mayor of Ards and North Down, who joined participants to experience the Mobile Digital Lab’s immersive VR technology.
The President of Ards Chamber of Commerce ( Newtownards Chamber of Trade) Derek Wright also attended the session, providing an opportunity to showcase how new and emerging technologies can support the local business community.
The programme is part of the Mobile Digital Lab’s wider work to encourage greater engagement with digital technologies and provide practical, hands-on experiences for businesses and communities across the region.
A special thank you goes to Louise and Niall from Ards and North Down Borough Council for their work in coordinating the events and helping bring the Mobile Digital Lab to Bangor and the wider Ards & North Down business community.
The strong engagement from local business representatives and civic leaders highlights the growing interest in understanding how technologies such as VR, AI and smart devices can contribute to innovation and future opportunities across the borough.
The Mobile Digital Lab will continue its programme of deployments across the region in the coming months, working with businesses, community organisations and other groups to provide access to new and emerging digital technologies.
Whether it’s exploring Virtual Reality, discovering the potential of AI, experimenting with smart technology or finding new ways to use digital tools, the MDL provides an opportunity to experience the technology first-hand.
To find out more about the Mobile Digital Lab, arrange a workshop or explore a deployment in your area, contact your local MiniDigiHub partner or visit www.mindigihub.com.
