UCLA students can build electronic skateboards, a robot that plays the piano and other electronics at a new engineering makerspace.
The makerspace, which will open in Boelter Hall on Wednesday, will have 3D printers, laser cutters, power tools, electronic fabrication and a virtual reality station, among other equipment. These tools can be used to create LED light displays, robots, cars, 3D-printed objects, little electronics, sound systems and more.
A growing trend among universities, makerspaces provide students with tools and equipment to construct anything they want, said Jacob Schmidt, a professor and the undergraduate vice chair of the Department of Bioengineering who led the development of the makerspace.
Schmidt said he thinks engineering students, in particular, will be able to use the makerspace to hone their skills and gain practical experience while still in…
