A futuristic virtual environment centre - one of the most advanced in the world and unique in Europe - is officially launched by MP Hazel Blears at the University of Salford on Friday 16 February 2007
Hazel Blears will open the university's Think Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that harnesses leading ICT developments to solve current and future challenges of industry, commerce and the community.
Delegates including leading national business figures will be given demonstrations of the centre's latest technology, including cutting edge video conferencing, 3D visualisation, robotics and an optical tracking system capable of identifying human motion and marked objects within its workspace.
On display will be a tele-operated robot hand, a robotic gorilla capable of playing football, and the latest developments in a euro12.3m European project directed by the university focussed on developing workspaces of the future.
Hazel Blears, the local member of parliament, said: "Salford University is once again at the forefront of innovation and creativity, leading the world in harnessing the latest ICT developments for the benefit of the whole community.
"I am absolutely delighted that the university is at the cutting edge and I know the centre will be a great asset in attracting more business, investment and jobs to the city and help boost even further, the regeneration which is taking place in Salford.
"This is another positive step forward for Salford and its people".
Director of the Think Lab, Professor Peter Brandon said: "These unique facilities are capable of revolutionising the way we interact and do business.
"The Think Lab is already engaged in some of the world's leading research in fields such as virtual urban planning, creative games design and workspace technology.
"The possibilities for industry are huge".
Researchers at the Think Lab are already planning collaborative projects with other virtual environment centres worldwide and are looking for business partners who will benefit from the facilities.
Brandon said: "The Think Lab offers a wealth of opportunities for cutting edge research in the international arena.
It is designed for interaction and collaboration and we look forward to applying its innovative technology to industry.
We are delighted to welcome Hazel Blears and our delegates to this launch event."
