The device enables live beaming from anywhere in the world for real-time, interactive learning experiences – expanding options for teaching and research while reducing its carbon impact.
Using Proto, Loughborough is now able to live-beam guest speakers from global universities and industry into lectures to give talks and answer students' questions, just as if they were in the room together. This gives students and staff access to professionals who they may otherwise not have the chance to engage with.
In addition, the technology will be used for presenting 3D digital objects for closer inspection – for instance for engineering, architecture, design and sports science classes – where they can be rotated and studied in detail. Similarly, students will be able to showcase their own outputs – such as product designs or fashion shows – to broader audiences.
The unit will also be used to present pre-recorded messages and talks from industry partners and distinguished alumni, and using Proto’s industry first AI hologram avatar capability, to provide interactive guidance and information for prospective students, their parents and guardians during events such as university open days.
“This new technology will enhance the learning experiences of our students, enabling us to offer more interaction with external guests, particularly those based overseas,” Professor Rachel Thomson, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience said. “We look forward to exploring just what is possible with the Proto hologram technology.”
“Education has always been a key use case as we developed the Proto platform,” said David Nussbaum, Inventor and CEO of Proto Inc. “And in Loughborough we have a perfect partner to show all the ways the technology can boost education, in an environmentally sound way, for the first time in the UK.”
Proto is the original, patented hologram device and platform, and is in use globally by Fortune 500 companies, universities, hospitals, museums, sports venues, retail and the entertainment industry. Previously in education, Proto has been used at Harvard, Dartmouth, Hobart, Gallaudet, the University of Central Florida, and many more. In the UK, Proto is a partner with Verizon, BT, IBM, and VirginMedia 02, and has been used by stars like Lewis Hamilton, Usain Bolt, Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min, and England Rugby players.