The Animation Station is a 3D printed flip book that allows users to create short animated videos. It has exceeded its fundraising goal on Kickstarter and is portable and easy to use for animators and hobbyists. The device can be customized with different backgrounds, characters, and props, and finished animations can be shared online.
Lab on the Go is a portable electronics lab that fits in a backpack and allows users to conduct experiments and build projects on the go. It includes a variety of sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers, as well as a mobile app for programming and data visualization. The project is currently being funded on Kickstarter and has exceeded its fundraising goal. Lab on the Go is suitable for students, educators, and makers who want to learn about electronics and robotics.
The 3D Printable Wall Clock is a customizable clock that can be printed using a 3D printer. It comes with five escapement mechanisms, which are the components of a clock that regulate the movement of the hands. The clock can be personalized with different designs and colors, and the escapement mechanisms can be swapped out to change the movement of the hands. The project is currently being funded on Kickstarter and has exceeded its fundraising goal. It is suitable for makers and enthusiasts who are interested in clockmaking and 3D printing.
What technology or gadget are you currently enjoying and would recommend to other aspiring and licensed engineers? Let us know in the comments below.
Thank you for reading this month. For this newsletter, I ask: What engineering in plain sight have you not noticed until recently?
My example of Engineering in plain sight is the dams and lakes in Calgary – they are often revered for their beauty but overlooked at the engineering marvel that they are!
In Winnipeg, the river ice skating trail recently opened up. Thanks to the low levels of the river this year, skating through the trail revealed massive discharge culverts I’ve never noticed before. A nice glimpse to the city’s rainfall-runoff system and how urban water management plays a big role in keeping the city safe especially during spring freshet.
Great example. Thank you for writing, Chelsea.
My example of Engineering in plain sight would be subway tunnels and the construction methods using tunnel boring machines.
The way that skyscrapers are able to withstand the forces of gravity and remain upright. The next time I look up at a tall building, I will be in awe of the engineering that went into its construction.
My example of Engineering in plain sight would be underwater tunnels and the construction methods using the immersed tube method, how the sections are fabricated off-site and delivered to the sea.
The design of everyday clothing and how it is tailored to fit the human body. I never really thought about it before, but the way that garments are cut and sewn to fit seamlessly on the body is a testament to the engineering that goes into their design.
The technology behind self-driving cars. While I have always been aware of the existence of autonomous vehicles, I recently started paying more attention to the sensors and algorithms that enable them to navigate roads and make decisions on their own.
Stormwater management is often overlooked but it’s really important in protecting our environment as well as people and property.
I am always pointing out culverts when taking my little one for neighborhood walks! Most recently we looked at how nearby utility poles have guy wires that cross over the sidewalk and the need for struts attached to each pole to provide enough clearance for us walk under the guy wires…simple but necessary.
Greg, I think it’s great that you’re teaching your little one about the engineering world. There’s no shortage of engineering sights on a local walk.
Hi Gavin, as always, thanks for your work and the information you provide to our Engineering community. Regarding your question, I would say traffic lights and how we take them for granted. They’re reliable and serve an important function, and they’re evolved over time to better manage traffic flow.
Great one, Kevin. It would be great to see Canada adopt the late-night flashing yellow/red at intersections which is more common in the USA. This would help to cut emissions by giving higher-volume roads more priority.