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Robotics learning expanding at VVC [Daily Press, Victorville, Calif.](Daily Press (Victorville, CA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Dec. 15--VICTORVILLE -- While a 3-D printing machine steadily constructed a blue plastic vase in the background, Victor Valley College students met to discuss the future of their robotics club. Students from the campus organization known as REEL, or Robotics Electrical Engineering League, are setting the stage to enter college-level competitions with the new mid-sized 3-D printer, President Adan W. Jaramillo said. The machine is the latest addition to the club's equipment, which will aid in building parts of its competition robot. "It's a huge help," Jamarillo, 27, said looking at the first and smaller 3-D printer the club owns. "Because it took us about four months to actually come up with the $300 as our little ambitious plan to buy a 3-D printer." It was also one of the first projects the club collaborated on this past fall, he said. They'll use the larger 3-D printer to manufacture the parts to build additional machines as well as quadcopters, a miniature multicopter that is lifted and propelled by four rotors. It was purchased with a grant by the Victor Valley College Foundation that was awarded to VVC Professor Khalid Rubayi. Rubayi is an instructor in the college's electronics and computer technology department and says they are currently developing new classes and certificates in robotics, which he hopes will be open to students by the fall semester of 2014. "We've seen a lot of growth in the field of robotics in the last few years," Rubayi said . "With the current trends in industry automations, there is a steady and growing demand in the High Desert and vicinity for people with backgrounds and experiences in robotics and industrial automations." Rubayi said employers today are looking for well-rounded engineers who know something about electronics, mechanics and computer engineering. He cites the use of drones and automation programs in distribution centers and warehouses for companies such as Amazon and Wal-Mart. "It's more toys to play with and learn about," Jamarillo said, "and expand our horizons on what we can do and what our minds can take us to." After he completes his associate's degree at VVC, Jamarillo said he plans to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona to study mechatronics, a degree with the combination of electronics, mechanics and computer engineering. According to Darrell Herriman, an adjunct faculty member at VVC and electronics lab specialist, the new robotics courses will closely relate to electronics and industrial electronics courses already being taught at VVC. The robotics certificates will also combine computer information systems learning as well as computer integrated design and graphics skills. REEL students are coaching and mentoring high-schoolers of Millionaire Mind Kids, a local nonprofit that teaches robotics to High Desert students. MMK is hosting a US FIRST regional robotics competition at VVC from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 8, Jaramillo said. To volunteer with MMK at the competition, email [email protected]. For more information about VVC's electronics and computer technology department, visit www.vvc.edu/academic/electronics/. Brooke Self may be reached at 760-951-6232 or [email protected]. You can also follow her on Twitter at @BrookeSelf. ___ (c)2013 the Daily Press (Victorville, Calif.) Visit the Daily Press (Victorville, Calif.) at www.vvdailypress.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |