When Purdue University celebrated the opening of a Spatial Computing Hub utilizing Apple Vision Pro technology this fall, an example from the College of Veterinary Medicine helped tell the story. Purdue President Mung Chiang was joined by university leaders, Apple representatives and other members of the campus community at an event on September 22 in Wang Hall that showcased the cutting-edge facility that will bolster Purdue’s constant drive toward harnessing emerging technologies.
Spatial computing blends the physical and digital worlds by using augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and 3D mapping to allow people and machines to interact with space in more immersive ways. The hub utilizes Apple Vision Pro technology to enable collaborative research, innovative educational programs and industry engagement.
Attendees were able to see and experience various examples of how Apple technology can be used to transform how students learn and create through immersive technologies. One of those examples featured Dr. Sandy San Miguel, Purdue Veterinary Medicine professor and associate dean for engagement, and Dr. Stephanie Inoue, PVM senior lecturer, demonstrating how the technology can be used to enhance veterinary student learning.
Dimitrios Peroulis, Purdue’s senior vice president for partnerships and online, said collaborating with Apple further extends Purdue’s digital leadership in tech-driven education. “This next-generation computing and innovation will provide Purdue students the rare opportunity to explore, learn and master skills that once required million-dollar labs or physical access to restricted facilities,” Peroulis said. “With the Spatial Computing Hub, students will be able to virtually trace the journey of a silicon wafer through chip fabrication or simulate contamination control strategies inside a pharmaceutical facility.”
Purdue is integrating the future-focused technology into classrooms and laboratories to enhance learning, research and collaboration that will enable innovative training and workforce development for critical fields including semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Stay tuned as Purdue Veterinary Medicine develops ways to apply the technology to veterinary medical education.