A Burgeoning Mechatronics Program for Northern Virginia Students
Background
Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) recognized a growing demand for a mechatronics program as part of its Information and Engineering Technologies (IET) division to equip students with the skills necessary for today’s high-tech manufacturing and automation industries. However, the college faced a challenge: they didn’t yet have a dedicated space to house it. The solution was to create a new facility that would not only accommodate the mechatronics program but also serve as a hub for other essential workforce development labs.
Project Overview
NVCC decided to renovate a brand new building to include a new Fab Lab, classrooms, offices, and a variety of workforce labs. The vision for the ground floor was particularly ambitious. They stripped the space down to its support beams and started from scratch, carefully planning the layout to ensure an efficient flow throughout the entire building.
We partnered with NVCC from the early stages, touring the site and collaborating on the design and layout of each lab space. The goal was to create a state-of-the-art learning environment that would effectively serve students in mechatronics, electronics, and other technical fields.
Lab Spaces and Equipment
Mechatronics Lab
The mechatronics lab was designed to be a comprehensive training environment that simulates real-world manufacturing systems. NVCC selected equipment such as the Amatrol Smart Factory Training System, 6 Amatrol tabletop mechatronics trainers, and GMI technical furniture. The Amatrol Smart Factory Training System allows students to gain hands-on experience with automation technologies, while the tabletop trainers provide a scalable solution for individual learning.
Electronics Lab
This lab was designed to offer students a thorough grounding in electronics. NVCC selected equipment including, GMI electronic workbenches with powered risers (including power supply and scopes); Amatrol motor control trainers; Amatrol rotating machine trainers; and LJ Create Electronics trainers.
The workbenches were equipped with all necessary tools and equipment to support a range of electronics projects, from basic circuits to advanced motor control systems. The selection of Amatrol and LJ Create trainers ensured that the lab could support a wide array of courses, from introductory to advanced electronics.
Flex Lab
The Flex Lab was envisioned as a versatile space that could accommodate a variety of courses, including fiber optics. NVCC selected equipment including mobile GMI workbenches; Amatrol mechanical benches; and Amatrol fluid power benches. To achieve the desired flexibility, all equipment was mounted on wheels, allowing instructors to reconfigure the lab as needed. This approach ensured that the lab could be adapted quickly to meet the needs of different classes, making it a highly efficient use of space.
Implementation
Throughout the project, we worked closely with NVCC to ensure that each lab was equipped to meet the college’s specific needs. This included careful planning of the layout and design of the labs, selecting the right equipment, and ensuring that all furniture and fixtures were conducive to a productive learning environment.
By the time the project was completed, NVCC had a fully functional mechatronics program and state-of-the-art labs that would serve students for years to come.
Results
The successful implementation of the mechatronics program and associated workforce labs has positioned NVCC as a leader in technical education. The new labs provide students with hands-on experience using the latest technology, preparing them for careers in high-demand fields. The flexible design of the Flex Lab, in particular, allows NVCC to adapt to changing educational needs, ensuring that the college can continue to offer relevant and up-to-date training.
Conclusion
This project exemplifies how strategic planning, collaboration, and the right mix of equipment and design can transform a space into a cutting-edge educational facility. NVCC now has a robust mechatronics program and a suite of workforce labs that not only meet current needs but are also adaptable to future demands. We are proud to have partnered with NVCC in bringing this vision to life, providing a one-stop solution from lab design and layout to final installation.