KAUST's Workshop Core Lab has upgraded its scientific glassblowing workshop with advanced equipment like precision lathes and coating machines. The facility produces bespoke scientific glass equipment for KAUST researchers using borosilicate and quartz glass. Senior glassblowers Ernest Neil Davison and Emilio Harina create intricate designs from prototype sketches. Why it matters: This enhances KAUST's research capabilities by providing high-quality, specialized glassware that Davison claims rivals that of other top universities globally.
KAUST has launched vFabLab™, its first virtual lab, to provide online distance learning for semiconductor fabrication. The virtual environment trains users on end-to-end device fabrication sequences using CMOS technology. Developed by KAUST's CEMSE division, each training session includes an interactive Q&A. Why it matters: This virtual lab expands access to crucial experimental modules in semiconductor fabrication, particularly benefiting students and enthusiasts lacking access to expensive cleanroom facilities in the region.
KAUST students participated in a "Design and Build Your Own Robot" workshop as part of the University's 2016 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP). Students were divided into teams to design, fabricate, and test robotic systems, covering mechanical design, electronics development, and embedded programming. The seven robots developed were then showcased in a competitive race during the annual WEP Science Fair. Why it matters: This hands-on experience in robotics provides students with practical skills and fosters interest in STEM fields, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in Saudi Arabia.
A talk at the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) at TII will discuss rapid prototyping using laser-cutting facilities available at MakerSpace in Al Zeina. The talk will cover constructing prototypes from wood and acrylic and compare this approach to traditional 3D printing. The speakers will also describe the impact of the ‘4th Industrial Revolution’ on manufacturing in the UAE, and how makerspaces can contribute to Operation 300bn. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's focus on advanced manufacturing and the role of makerspaces in fostering innovation and developing local capabilities.