Together with the help of two major technology companies, the University of Central Florida has opened four new fully-equipped laboratories on its main campus, aimed at helping students turn ideas into innovations.
UCF President John C. Hitt, Texas Instruments Executive Vice President Brian Crutcher and Harris Corporation Senior Vice President Robert Duffy unveiled the Harris Corporation Gathering Lab, Idea Lab, Texas Instruments Innovation Lab and Manufacturing Lab during a special ceremony on.
The new “Maker Space” labs aim at offering students a dedicated space to gather and collaborate, generate creative ideas, vet those ideas, then build and fine-tune working prototypes, all in one convenient place that allows for easy movement between labs.
“We are giving students dedicated creative space and mentoring from professional advisors to build prototypes faster than ever before at UCF,” said Michael Georgiopoulos, dean, UCF College of Engineering and Computer Science. “These four lab spaces send a loud message to our college’s 8,000 students and the world that UCF is serious about the role of creativity in the innovation process, and about providing students as many opportunities as possible to enable professional success.”
UCF is the largest producer of engineers and computer science graduates in Florida, and among the largest in the nation. The ultimate goal of these new spaces is to help student create from their ideas and become prepared for the professional industry.
“Turning an idea into a reality, and even better, a business, will lead to more successes for more students,” Dale Jackson, director of the Texas Instruments Innovation Lab, said.
Texas Instruments employs 61 UCF graduates, most notably Crutcher, and retired TI Principal Fellow Gene Frantz who both hold UCF electrical engineering degrees.
“Great creative ideas are fueled by collaboration and hands-on learning experiences; experiences that bring those ideas to life. This entire space including the TI Innovation lab will do just that. Texas Instruments is excited to be a part of UCF producing great engineers and future leaders that will change the world for the better,” said Crutcher.
About the Maker Space Labs
Harris Corporation Gathering Lab – Groups meet and discuss projects in this space, located in the Engineering II Atrium, equipped with round white-board tables designed by UCF faculty.
Idea Lab – Users enter this glass-enclosed spaced, located in the Engineering II Atrium, to go through hosted brainstorming exercises, sketch out ideas on the walls and tables and use the idea-generating technology provided.
Texas Instruments Innovation Lab – Users bring their ideas to this space, strategically located next to the Idea Lab, to quickly build prototypes with 3D printers, laser cutters, TI components and equipment and other high-tech machines. Materials such as plastic, foam and metal are also available.
Manufacturing Lab – Users can build and refine more late-stage prototypes in this space, which includes heavy manufacturing equipment for cutting, bolting, sanding and more.
