Vodafone and the University of Auckland Business School officially unleashed the 5G-powered technology hub, Te Ahi Hangarau, powered by Vodafone at a launch event last week. The tech hub is already helping to spark innovative ideas by enabling students to harness emerging technologies thanks to significant financial and technological investment from Vodafone in partnership with Nokia
At the launch of cutting-edge 5G technology hub Te Ahi Hangarau powered by Vodafone, it was fitting that a pair of voice activated, 5G-connected robot scissors cut the ceremonial ribbon.
When the magic words - "Alexa, open the technology hub" were spoken, developer Hayden Moore says they were picked up by a smart home device, a message was then sent to the internet over Vodafone’s award-winning 5G network, and on to the Internet of Things (IoT)-powered robot scissors before a motor was activated enabling the scissors to snip the ribbon - sans finger power.
The build, which took around ten hours, utilised emerging tech including 3D modelling and printing, a custom smart-home routine, and finally, lots of testing, says Hayden. This was just a small demonstration of the impact 5G can have on our world which delighted attendees of the opening.
Before the cutting-edge ribbon cutting ceremony, Vodafone’s Chief Technology Officer Tony Baird, Business School dean Susan Watson, and commerce student Isabella Bouwer shared their thoughts on the value of the future-focused tech hub, developed in partnership with Vodafone.
Te Ahi Hangarau is already meeting its potential as a hub of inspiration and collaboration: Over 800 students have explored the business potential of the Metaverse, while students from across campus have participated in a week-long sustainability innovation sprint, and hundreds of students have participated in equipment training – learning about 5G, Internet of Things, Virtual Reality and more.
Vodafone CTO Tony Baird spoke on the night about his experience travelling to the UK after he finished his degree at the University of Auckland and working with the first iterations of the technology we now know as 5G and the Internet of Things. He implored users of Te Ahi Hangarau to build innovation here within Aotearoa, so instead of having to immigrate to the UK to experience the best in tech, future generations of changemakers can change the world from their own backyard.
Susan Watson, Dean, Business School, University of Auckland
By engaging with these emerging technologies now, our students can develop the skills they need to succeed in the future. We are immensely proud to be the first business school in Aotearoa offering our students access to 5G and all the benefits that come with it. Te Ahi Hangarau - the Māori name gifted to the tech hub, symbolises our vision for this innovative teaching space. Ahi means fire, and hangarau translates to technology. This name encapsulates our goal of empowering our students through technology and helping them to ignite their potential as future change makers.
