Allison Finley Contributor
High school students from Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette and Madison counties and Lake Park, Ga. explored the fields of mechanics, electronics and computing during North Florida College's (NFC) Mechatronics Camp held from Monday, June 20, to Thursday, June 23.
Students became mechatronic engineers during this four day camp on NFC's campus, where they learned about engineering design and 3D printing and create 3D designs with SolidWorks 3D modeling software. They also learned precision measuring, using micrometers and calipers, while utilizing machining concepts to create final mechatronic projects. Their hands-on experience is done within the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology Program's (AMPT) lab and classroom, led by Bill Eustace, AMPT instructor at NFC.
"This camp is to introduce students to future careers in mechanical and design engineering fields," said Eustace. "Many large, automated factories use Mechatronic Engineers to layout factory routing, placement of equipment and work cells. Having a knowledge of 3D design software is a career asset and will open doors for students with this experience."
The Mechatronics Camp introduces students to a multidisciplinary field that addresses automation and manufacturing industry needs. Students can take these building blocks and implement them into a higher learning environment where they can achieve either a workforce certificate or degree. Careers in the mechatronic field include, but are not limited to artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, robotics and telecommunications.
For more information about NFC or its summer camps, call (850) 973-9481 or email belld@nfc.edu.