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Overview
The Learning Factory is an industry-university partnership to produce world-class
engineers by integrating design,
manufacturing and business realities into the engineering curriculum.
Active learning, real-world problems and hands-on experience in a modern facility
are our primary teaching tools. The Learning Factory
offers students in traditional engineering disciplines an
experience that directly prepares them for careers in
design, manufacturing, and product realization.
Integrated Facilities and Curriculum
The Learning Factory is the hands-on laboratory for the Product Realization Minor,
as well as 17 other courses in six engineering departments. We coordinate industry- sponsored design projects
for all students in IE, EE, ME and CSE departments. Since 1995, over 500 sponsored projects have been completed for 140 companies. The Learning Factory
provides modern design, prototyping, and manufacturing facilities, including machining (CNC and manual)
rapid prototyping, welding, metrology, and CAD/CAM. Training classes are offered in shop safety, machining
and welding. Any engineering student can use the Learning Factory on a walk-in basis for a course-related activity, and instructors
can schedule all or part of the facilities for an organized class activity. More than 2,500 students
use the Learning Factory in a typical year. Other
supported activities include student design competitions, industry short courses, and outreach programs
for K-12 students.
Industry Partnership
The Learning Factory was developed to meet industry's need for engineering professionals
who can compete in a global market. An industry
advisory board continuously monitors and improves our program. A wide variety of companies generously contribute financial
assistance, equipment, student projects, guest lecturers, mentors for our students and new experiences
for our faculty.
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What is The Learning Factory ?