New Robotics Lab design needs your input

[DonRotolo]

Your concept of havin a 'clean' area and a 'dirty' area is a good one. We have three areas, in two rooms, that we use.

The 'very dirty' room is the old auto shop, where we do the heaviest and dirtiest work, and also anything that needs a lot of space (it has higher ceilings and a large door to the outside). But, we can do without it if we have to.

The 'dirty' and 'clean' areas are in the same classroom, about 20' wide and 40' long. 90% of our work occurs here, although programming happens in a nearby classroom, as do brainstorming sessions.

The front 2/3 is carpeted classroom with tables, computers, whiteboard, etc. The back 1/3 is concrete floor with lathe, saws, drills, sanders, two maple worktables, storage. I wish we had more electrical outlets.

Also in front, but next to the room, is about 250 square feet of storage, about 50 of that for robotics stuff.

Although not dedicated as a robotics room, it serves us well



Storage, especially small lockers so students can store 'projects' without fear that someone will mistake a carefully fabricated piece as scrap and destroy it, is important. We use copier paper boxes, but something better would be, uh, better.

Hand tools need dedicated storage. If you took shop in the '70s, you probably understand what this means. Same with hand'held power tools. Set it up so ANY missing tool will be obvious with just a glance.

Large power tools can be powered by a key-operated circuit, to reduce the chances of kids working unsupervised.

Remember to get a sink for washup. A flammables cabinet. A central vacuum system for all the power tools. A welding area with serious ventilation. Smooth floors (painted, or stained then sealed, concrete is fine; epoxy can chip and degrade over time) help clean up. Good lighting, including task lighting. Good workbenches, higher than regular table level.

A painting area will be difficult, since today there are significant environmental protection issues.

What a great opportunity, good luck with it.