#2BFayetteville

EXPERIMENT. CREATE. CREATE. FABRICATE. IDEATE. BRAINSTORM. Strengthening the area's workforce "We're teaching our residents from 7 to 70 to be leaders. We provide the space and the equipment to do great things," Clark noted. "The next step is how you'll apply what you've learned." Although the Fab Lab is a whole lot of fun, another upside is its real-world benefit to the area's economy. "By training residents in 21st- century skills that will be needed in the workplace, the Lab is improving the talent pool in our community, and that helps our overall economic development," Clark continued. "We want the Fab Lab to teach not just skills, but skills that increase your employability or maybe help you become an entrepreneur." Science at work, not just play The ability to make prototypes— using robotics, 3D printing, resins and plastics—means that a product can be created for testing and presentation in a matter of days or weeks, instead of months, and at a fraction of the cost. "People can't solve problems they can't see," said Clark. "The Fab Lab has the equipment and software to solve problems of any scale…from how do I sew this seam, to how do I invent shoes that don't hurt my feet. This is the essence of design thinking— a process that redefines problems and creates innovative solutions with consumers' real-world needs in mind." Whitman, who was a user of the Fab Lab before becoming director, agreed. He formerly worked in computer technology for the Rogers School District. He also owns Gear Gaming, a game and hobby shop with locations in Fayetteville and Bentonville. Whitman uses the Fab Lab to help create better efficiencies for his stores. "I made a square box out of wood using the laser cutter to fit my specific display needs. I use it to bring product forward on my shelves," explained Whitman. He's also working on a robot that can sort collectible trading cards. "It will take a picture of a card, decide what card it is and then sort it into a specific cup when it's complete. We're currently training the AI [artificial intelligence] now." Real-world solutions Whitman would like to help folks explore the practical uses and efficiencies the Fab Lab can offer. "I see a lot of people using the 3D printer to make Goldberg machines, key chains, bottle openers, etc.," he said. "I would like to be able to give them the skills to solve real problems or make things easier on themselves." He gives the example of using 3D printers to fix and repair equipment. "Especially now with supply chain issues—instead of waiting three weeks for a part, it could be printed overnight on the 3D printer," he pointed out. "It's all about creating a solution." Whitman recently helped a crafter, for instance, using the laser cutter and 12

• Cover