Our technology
As makerspaces emerge, we find that similar questions are revisited. For example: what are the goals of a makerspace? How do we connect users, projects, and tutorials? How do we track and manage tool usage? How do we effectively share projects?
We have developed tools to address these questions and have some content available for download.
Makerspace Card-Sorting Task Cards
by Riley Jack Meehan
This is a great place to start planning your makerspace. We have designed a card-sorting task to help you build a makerspace that better serves your community. Download and sort the cards to guide you in deciding what you want in your makerspace.
Makerspace Website
Makerspaces need a place to collect events, projects, and resources. This site connects all resources that are available to the Tufts community to one place on the web. Check it out at maker.tufts.edu.
Features:
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Open source website
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Event creation
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Tool reservation
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Profile pages – badges, expertise search
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Idea sandbox/bounty board
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Training documentation/handbooks
RFID Tracking System
It can be hard to track and manage usage of equipment in a makerspace. The RFID system is an open-source, Raspberry Pi-powered device that can more closely connect your website to your makerspace and significantly expand your space management capabilities. It uses simple RFID tags to enable tool access control, and can be extended with cameras and/or monitors to enable additional features like inter-space telepresence or in-classroom documentation.
Features:
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Sign in station, tool interlock
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Communication to website – badges, student data
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Documentation, installation instructions
Documentation station
Capturing a snapshot of ideas or the physical artifact itself is helpful in terms of being able to share projects (i.e. class presentations), building student portfolios, and tutorials. In some instances, teachers may find it helpful for assessment as well.
Augmented Reality CNC mill interface
This is an augmented reality interface for a CNC mill that allows users to visualize where they are placing their cut on the material as well as a clamping mechanism that allows for a quick an easy setup. This interface allows users to draw their cutting paths and generate Gcode. Read more here.
Features
- Camera holder
- Clamping mechanism
- Software for calibration, drawing a path and generating Gcode