Clarendon House Residents Discover Cutting-Edge Technology at the University

Residents from Clarendon House, Buckingham, visited The University of Buckingham’s School of Computing last month to learn about some of the latest advances in robotics and immersive technology.

The visit was organised by Psychology undergraduate student Sina Zadeh, who also works at Clarendon House. Working with the School of Computing and the Faculty Registrar, Sina arranged a day of learning, discovery and social engagement for the residents.

A highlight of the visit was seeing our Boston Dynamics Spot robot in action. Residents were fascinated by Spot’s mobility and capabilities, asking questions about how it is used in practice. Staff explained how Spot is deployed for inspections and in hazardous environments, helping organisations carry out tasks in areas that may be unsafe for people. The group also saw Birdly, our virtual flying machine. While the residents were unable to experience Birdly themselves, they watched with interest as their carers enjoyed the virtual flying experience, gaining a unique insight into the immersive technology.

The visit also created opportunities for residents to share stories from their careers and reflected on how technology had changed throughout their lifetimes, creating a valuable exchange of experiences and perspectives with Computing staff.

Sina welcomed the opportunity, saying:

“The visit provided the residents with an opportunity to learn about new technology, explore different experiences, and spend an enjoyable day outside the care home. They were very interested in the demonstrations and enjoyed seeing how technology is developing and being used in everyday life”.

The School of Computing was delighted to welcome the group and looks forward to further opportunities to engage with the local community, inspiring curiosity and fostering meaningful connections across generations.