Morning - Coffee, reviews and reading

The morning started with a much-needed cup of coffee, setting the right tone for a productive study session.

When I don't have classes, I usually study at the UofG James McCune Smith Learning Hub, a quiet space I enjoy for its focused atmosphere.

This morning's focus was on the elective course Rethinking Justice, which takes a critical look at the current criminal justice system. The course covers various theories of justice, including generative justice, restorative justice, transformative justice, etc. As a MSc Digital Society student, I find it both interesting and important to apply these theories to challenges such as cyberbullying and other forms of online harm. So, I reviewed some materials on this topic to better understand and analyse these issues. I also went through some materials on 5G robotics in preparation for the afternoon lab visit. With both theoretical and technological insights in mind, it was a great start to the day. 

 

Afternoon - exploring the Robotics Lab

Our core course this semester, The Living Lab, introduces leading technologies in the digital society. For example, the ViAreRo project (which means "Traveller" in Spanish) supports mobile applications for entertainment, work, and collaboration by promoting the use of immersive virtual reality and augmented reality (collectively known as XR), fundementally improving the travel experience for all passengers.

The highlight of today was our visit to the Robotics Lab in the James Watt School of Engineering. One of the coolest things we saw was a robotic arm controlled remotely via 5G. The arm was able to move in real-time with the low latency of 5G ensuring precise operation. With the help of tactile feedback, the operator could accurately control the remote robotic arm to perform tasks, showcasing the transfer of skills. Potential use cases for this technology include industrial teleoperation (such as working in hazardous or high-risk environments), remote teaching and learning, and remote surgery. 

All of this has allowed me to move from a theoretical understanding of the digital society to its practical application in industry. Technology is not just changing how we perceive social issues; it is also transforming how we operate in daily life and apply these innovations. 

Evening - sunset walk and Friday night fun

As the day wrapped up, I walked back to my accommodation, catching the beautiful sunset along the way. The evening was all about unwinding - met up with friends, grabbed some snacks, shared stories from the week, and simply relaxed, appreciating the moent. It was the perfect way to end a busy yet rewarding day. 

Each day may seem quite ordinary, but I am truly enjoyin every moment of studying in Glasgow. It's a place of personal growth, where learning goes beyond just textbook knowledge. It's about how we engage with and think critically about the society around us, and how different disciplines come together to shape our understanding. Here, every experience adds something valuable, making my time at university not just about gaining knowledge, but about expanding my perspectives and growing as a person. 

All photos in this blog are attributed to Man Luo

First published: 6 March 2025

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