Success stories
Turn your dreams into reality
Success in the Anderson Student Innovation Labs means many things. It might be a completed project for a course, printing your first 3D sculpture, working with your fellow student group members to make an Anderson-made drone, or finishing the prototype for your world-altering invention.
See below for recent projects built using resources from the Anderson Student Innovation Labs.
Land O'Lakes Bot Shot
The University of Minnesota Robotics team took 3rd place in this competition that pit robots against each other in a game of H-O-R-S-E. Coinciding with the 2019 men's college basketball championships in Minneapolis, the Bot Shot competition challenged students to build a robot that could shoot baskets consistently at the same motor speed and angle. Read more about the road to the Bot Shot competition.
Goldy Rescue - CSE Anderson Labs Orientation
Incoming University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering students learned about the Anderson Student Innovation Labs in a fun way at Orientation by solving clues to rescue Goldy Gopher. From 3D printing keys to deciphering computer code, the students were able to test out Anderson Labs equipment in an escape room-esque setting
Saxophone playing robot
Mechanical engineering student and University of Minnesota Marching Band member Neil Garcia created this saxophone playing robot in Anderson Labs for his ME 2011 class. Inspired by a conducting robot built by one of his fellow band members, Garcia decided to build a robot that would play the "Minnesota Rouser."
University of Minnesota Rocket Team
This UMN Rocket Team is a student group that designs and building a variety of high-powered rockets to launch in competitions throughout the year, such as the Spaceport America Cup. In 2017, the Rocket Team won the Bayer-Big Ten Alda-Rocket Challenge by setting the Guinness World Record for the highest flying Alka-Seltzer powered rocket, which was manufactured using the 3D printers in Anderson Labs. Read about the team's Alka-Rocket success.
University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project
The UMN Solar Vehicle Project (UMNSVP) is a student-run team that designs and builds a solar-powered car. Some of their most recent decorations including winning the Formula Sun Grand Prix and placing second in the 2018 American Solar Challenge. UMN SVP makes their foam molds using the CNC Router in Anderson Labs and manufactures aerodynamic car coverings using our 3D printers.
2019 CSE 1012 Class Project Showcase
A 3D-printed model windmill, glove drier, chess set, skates and skis were just a few of the projects students displayed at the CSE 1012 Class Project Showcase. The freshmen experiential learning class teaches teamwork and project management, and allows students to utilize the resources offered at Anderson Labs.