Last week was nothing short of amazing as our microfactory was filled with inquisitive minds of students participating in the 2018 Destination Imagination competition. Destination Imagination (DI) is a non-profit organization focused on developing students and preparing them for their careers by way of art and social entrepreneurship, and STEM education programming and challenges.
Students compete on a local and state level across the world and then congregate annually in Knoxville, TN for the global final competition celebrating their creativity. You would think “wiz kids” is an appropriate term to describe the complexity and brain power of these students, but it is certainly an understatement. Their creativity alone places them in another category of extraordinary.
Inquiring minds want to know! Students and parents examining the weight of 3D-printed material.
At Local Motors, we are known for pushing the envelope on creativity and possibilities, so to host DI participants for a second year in a row when Visit Knoxville asked for our participation was an honor.
Microfactory tours commenced twice a day on Wednesday, May 23 and concluded on Friday, May 25. Our 65 DI guests traveled from all over the country including Michigan, New York, Texas, Ohio, California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Virginia, New Jersey, plus Mexico. They were given options to participate in other activities, but they chose to visit Local Motors and we were thrilled.
Our first group tour!
Tours kicked off with an overview of the company and our heritage vehicles on the showroom floor. Guests learned about Olli, the world’s first co-created, electric, cognitive shuttle with Watson and its 3D-printed chassis that’s in development; load-testing, design and production methods.
Our 3D-printed Olli chassis isn’t camera shy and neither are our guests!
During the tour, DI participants received a presentation from Siemens on its Solid Edge software. They learned how to make fidget spinners and also learned about some of Siemens’ customers that manufacture products the students use, such as Razor.
Siemens Solid Edge presentation.
Upon entering the mainlab, the students were introduced to Billy and Kyle, our mad scientist. Okay, Kyle is not quite a mad scientist, but he and Billy are really cool engineers! They briefed the groups on materials testing and machinery used to collect data. The groups were then ushered onto the side of the microfactory where the magic happens, 3D-printing vehicles.
LM engineer Kyle giving a materials demonstration and briefing.
LM engineer Billy wrapping up the tour with some pretty cool 3D-printing facts.
The production of vehicles, equipment used, and up close and personal dialogue with engineers that manufacture vehicles was an unparalleled experience for the DI participants. Local Motors develops forward-thinking transportation and it was a blast to provide an experience that gives a glimpse of how we co-create and manufacture products.
Local Motors
Local Motors is a ground mobility company focused on shaping the future for the better. Visit our website often to stay up-to-date on company updates and Olli developments.
Destination Imagination
Destination Imagination, Inc. is a leading educational nonprofit dedicated to teaching students the skills needed to succeed in school, their careers and beyond. Destination Imagination develops project-based learning programs that blend STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education with the arts and social entrepreneurship. To learn more about Destination Imagination and its programs, visit destinationimagination.org.
Visit Knoxville
Visit Knoxville is the official Convention and Visitors Bureau for Knoxville and Knox County. Its mission is to accelerate sustainable economic growth and development by increasing visitor and convention business to the community. Want to visit Knoxville, explore visitknoxville.com to find out how.