Kendall Campus Launches ROBOTech Lab
The School of Engineering + Technology & Design (EnTech & Design) has launched the ROBOTech Lab at Kendall Campus.
Located in Room 6101, the $400,000 facility, which came on board last fall, gives engineering students access to state-of-the-art technology to hone their craft and obtain experience.
The 1,570 sq. ft space is outfitted with robotic and AI-themed wall decals, eight computers, a large-screen TV and four workstations.
Prior to the lab’s opening, most students didn’t have access to the latest engineering equipment and had to scavenge at home for parts or pay out of pocket for resources.
“[In] the last competition, students were forced to find resources [through] their workplace or people that they knew,” said Cristian Penciu, the lab’s manager and an associate professor. “That’s not sustainable because once those students graduate, what happens with the next group of students? We [need] resources in house to have a uniform program.”
The lab features a PCB Rapid ProtoMat S63, a machine that allows students to create printed circuit board prototypes, and a Haas CNC VF-2YT, a machine that shapes and fabricates metal works.
Similar to the prototyping machine, three Prusa i3 3-D printers allow students to manufacture their ideas three-dimensionally with thermoplastics such as polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate glycol.
In addition, the space features an Axiolab 5 digital lab microscope that can magnify objects up to 1,000 times and an Axiocam 208 color 8 megapixel camera.
When connected to the camera, magnified objects can be projected on the lab’s TV screen.
“I made a vending machine last semester,” said Miguel Loy, an electrical and computer engineering major and tutor at Kendall Campus’ engineering labs. “That’s by far the most ambitious project I’ve made on campus.”
Last fall, students used the facility to assemble a Unitree Go2 Robot Dog, a robotic dog that has been programmed to walk, run, rollover, jump and act like a real pooch.
Currently, a human android is being developed. Its arms have already been completed and the project is expected to be finished by the end of the semester.
In July, the lab will continue upgrading its equipment thanks to an anticipated $800,000 grant from the Department of Defense.
“The students love it,” Penciu said. “I have students that want to postpone their graduation so they can work in the lab more. Why didn’t we have this when we started?”
For more information, contact Penciu at cpenciu@mdc.edu.
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