As one of the first U.S. universities with its own Maker Lab, Santa Clara has a long history of creation, and our new Innovation Zone brings that culture to the center of campus.
The Innovation Zone belongs to everyone at SCU. Faculty, staff, and students of all majors are invited to learn the basics of hand tools, power tools, 3D printers, laser cutters, and circuit board fabricators.
With faculty oversight and support, students learn about the manufacturing process and are taught to design products with the user in mind.
Courses in the Machine Shop teach practical experience with tools like mills, lathes, and band saws. The on-site Support Lab can create parts for faculty and student projects.
This isn't just a space but a commitment to innovation. Scientific exploration is brought to the foreground, encouraging students to inspire and challenge each other.
Ingenuity in Action
No Idea Too Big
Oversized external doors leading to large project spaces mean projects of almost any size can live, grow, and go in SCDI. Whether you want to build a boat, large robot, autonomous GEM vehicle, mini-Baja SAE vehicle (pictured), solar collectors or work on large engines, just about any project can fit through the doors of SCDI.
From Land, Air, and Sea
Led by Professor Chris Kitts, the Robotics Systems Lab is a world-class robotics program. Interdisciplinary teams of students can get involved in a variety of projects, like developing advanced robotic systems and autonomous control technology missions for everything from aerial drones to land robots to underwater profilers that can collect and test water samples to find the source of pollution.
Helping Hand
In conjunction with the Robotics Systems Lab, a student team is helping Jaipur Foot Foundation develop a life-altering prosthetic for amputees in India. The technical design of the prosthesis is just one part of the project. Students have to take into account what will work best with the Foundation’s process in India, what charging options are available, and what will be accepted aesthetically by both prosthetists and users.
“You walk into this building and the labs are fully on display. Student work is being showcased and research is right out in the open. It’s designed to inspire, to help people collaborate and create.”