Makerspace presentation; Introduction to AR/VR/3D HP tech grant program at Columbia

A  Presentation by Mohamed Haroun, Manager of the Columbia Makerspace.

What does Mohamed do at Makerspace? He organizes super-user activities which include: seminars, workshops, machine builds, and all different types of fabrication. He is also the fabrication adviser to Columbia’s FSAE Formula 1 race car team and technical adviser to the Columbia Space Initiative. He is also a founder of NYC-Makerspace, a non-profit partner with the New York City Parks Department seeking to create maker spaces within recreation centers at city parks. Makerspace was founded in 2014 by students and at present is housed in Mudd Hall, home to several departments of the Fu Foundation School for Engineering and Applied Science.

What’s notable about Makerspace? It’s free for all and at present has approximately 900 users.  It’s open to students, staff, and faculty members within the Columbia University community. Users of Makerspace are required to take safety training. The space is run by “super users” who offer seminars and information about the possibilities of Makerspace. 3D printing is available as well as the use of Ultimaker 2 extended, Ultimaker 3 extended. Formulabs Form 2, Makergear, and 2 Laser Cutters: the VLS 3.50 - 50W and the Nova51 - 130W. Additionally, users are free to use equipment for sewing and embroidery. Other electronics, vinyl cutters, metal and wood working tools are also on hand and super users may provide counsel on how to embellish individual projects.  Graduate projects have included creating a complete turntable and a radio.

Coming SOON! A new 3,000 square foot MakerSpace!  

Gus Schmedlen, Vice President for Worldwide Education at HP presents: How can we create students that are flexible and adaptable to changes in technology and make them better learners? Gus directs HP’s education strategy, solution, development and marketing channels and will introduce a new AR/VR/3D tech grant program that will bring monetary, equipment and knowledge resources to grant awardees. 

Where does HP’s worldwide education channel work? They concentrate primarily in grades K-12 in established and emerging markets as well as in the higher education market. There are 4 key issues in higher education: Student success, academic reputation, operational efficiency, and managing risk. The HP Campus of the Future is located in Ithaca, New York. HP’s areas of development are: XR - Extended Reality, XR modalities - virtual, mixed/blended, augmented reality, Z backpack - untethered immersion, Omen - 3D consumption, HP Mixed Reality HMD (Head mounted display), HTC Vive, Vive Pro, Microsoft HoloLens, Oculus Rift, Lasers, the HP Z 3D Camera - Sprout Pro, XR Capture - 3D capture scanners, and the HP JetFusion 3D Printer.

What institutions benefitted from XR?

• A partnership with Yale in 2017 created animal 3D prints for museums
• Holographic Anatomy was made for Case Western University
• Hamilton College used XR for 3D workflows
• MIT used CLEVR – which illustrates abstract ideas (i.e., what is going on within an atom)

What’s in HP’s future? Partnering with Columbia and ETC.

• xR modalitis may be used