Two state-of-the-art robotic dogs have joined the Activate Learning Education Trust (ALET) thanks to a generous donation from Yondr. As part of Yondr’s commitment to making a positive impact on communities worldwide, this initiative will nurture future engineering and IT talent through hands-on experience with some of the world’s most advanced robotic models. 

Unveiled on 31 January during a strategy session for ALET’s Digital Futures Programme, the introduction of the robotic duo – named Snoop and Spotnik – will inspire students to consider a career in the digital infrastructure industry.  

Developed by Boston Dynamics, the four-legged Spot robots are worth more than £80k each and are known for their agility, dynamic sensing and ability to navigate and adapt to complex environments. Originally designed for research, they’ve been used by industries including construction and energy.  

Now ALET, which manages two secondary schools and four University Technical Colleges (UTC), is set to integrate these advanced robots into their curriculum. Offering students unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience in programming, autonomous systems, and real-world robotics applications. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Yondr Group for their generous donation,” said Joanne Harper, CEO of ALET. “This gift will significantly enhance our students’ educational experience, giving them the opportunity to work with one of the most advanced robotic systems in the world. Yondr’s support is a testament to the power of collaboration between industry and education, and we are excited to see the impact it will have on our students’ future careers.” 

The donation of these robotic dogs builds on close ties formed between Yondr and the Trust  after Yondr-ites volunteered at UTC Heathrow and Reading to deliver the Digital Futures Programme. This support benefited over 300 students in 2023, with training in CV writing, presentation skills, and Yondr-led challenges. Support that’s already paving the way for students to embark on exciting technical apprenticeships.  

“We are proud to support ALET and its commitment to providing high-quality technical education,” said Paul Hood, COO – Global Data Center Operations at Yondr Group. “The donation of two Spot robots to the Trust will enable students to engage directly with state-of-the-art robotics, giving them a head start in developing the skills required for the rapidly-evolving technology sector. Yondr is passionate about supporting the next generation of engineers and innovators, and we are excited to contribute to their learning journey.”