UB’s Smart Laundry goes high-tech: ‘Opening Day’ maiden cycle set for April 10

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Laundry facilities at two University at Buffalo dormitories will make the traditional college cleaning ritual a thing of the past, thanks to a smartphone  application that links current technology with students looking for available washers and dryers.

“The era of students waiting for machines looks to be ending,” said Andrea Costantino, director of UB’s Campus Living.  “Our students appreciate convenience, and we’re always looking for ways to meet their needs. The CBORD smartphone-based system certainly is an easier way for us to provide an important service here on campus.”

What: An “Opening Day” unveiling of renovations at Wilkeson and Fargo laundries. Eighty-four machines were converted to interface with CBORD Mobile ID, a web and smartphone application.

Where: Fargo Laundry Lounge inside the Ellicott Complex on UB’s North Campus.

When: 1 p.m. Friday, April 10.

Suds and Settings: The smartphone application allows students to search for available washers and dryers from their room or anywhere on campus, view wait times for machines in use, anonymously alert previous users via text messages when their laundry is ready for removal and receive email or text message notifications when machines become available.

First Customer: Victor E. Bull, available for photos in freshly washed clothes.

In addition to technology upgrades, both laundries received extensive aesthetic redesigns, including comfortable lounge areas, new large-screen televisions and additional seating.

Refreshments will be served at the Opening Day festivities. Additional renovations are planned for Richmond and Porter Quadrangles by this summer.

For more information, call Kevin Kuchta in UB’s Campus Living at 716-645-5386 or Charles Anzalone in UB’s Office of Communications at 716-645-4600.