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The Friends of the University had the chance to try out a virtual flying machine and meet a robot dog, when they visited The University of �鶹ֱ��’s refurbished School of Computing!

The Friends are a voluntary group which raises money to help students during their time at �鶹ֱ��.

During their visit to the school on the Verney Park campus, Prof Harin Sellahewa, dean of the Faculty and Computing, Law and Psychology showed them the fruits of a £3.2 million investment, including £1.6 million funding from Bucks Local Enterprise Partnership.

More than 20 Friends saw the AI, robotics, cybersecurity, games development labs and ‘Tech Incubator’ – where innovative tech solutions and services will be made available to enable tech start-up companies to grow. There will also be a café open to the public once work is complete.

The visit included meeting Spot, the robotic dog, which can be used in radioactive or smoke-filled areas or structurally unsafe buildings. Members also had the chance to try Birdly, an immersive virtual flying machine that enables the user to ‘fly’ like a bird over virtual landscapes.

Applications range from planning construction projects to health and wellbeing uses.

Members ‘flew’ over Central Park and a Jurassic landscape.

Prof Sellahewa said: “Local people are welcome to visit the School of Computing. A number of schools have visited.

“Our software development will keep �鶹ֱ�� at the forefront of AI and robotics teaching and research.

“We’re also keen to promote computing and AI to women – we have a higher-than-average number of female students on our courses.

“A knowledge of computing technology is no longer just needed for those going into IT – any subjects, from Law to Medicine, are now demanding a level of understanding in computing and AI.”

Friend Cherry Baker said: “It really was an inspirational visit. It was great to have an insight into what talent, drive and aspiration we have right here in �鶹ֱ��.

“My flight on Birdly was an unexpected treat.”

Friends raise funds through membership fees, events and donations to enhance the lives of students while at �鶹ֱ��, and they enjoy a programme of social events and activities.