Explore by Category
Quickly navigate to the spaces and technologies that drive innovation at IDEELab.
Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory
The Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory is the cornerstone of IDEELab's innovation ecosystem. Completed as part of Phase 1 in 2024, this state-of-the-art space gives students and industry collaborators access to industry-grade machinery used in today’s most advanced engineering environments. From precision CNC machining and wire EDM to additive manufacturing and plasma cutting, the lab equips users with the tools and training to transform designs into reality.
In this facility, MSU engineering students gain certification through the America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) program, while faculty and partners prototype, test, and validate real-world solutions across mechanical, aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors.
Usage
Workforce Development & ACE Certifications
Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Labs
Graduate Research Projects
Industry Prototyping & Part Validation
Student Competitions (FSAE, Robotics, Manufacturing Club)
What You’ll Find
9+ CNC machines (3-, 4-, and 5-axis mills & lathes)
Waterjet and plasma cutters for steel and composite materials
Multi-material 3D printers for functional prototyping
MIG, TIG, and stick welding stations
Precision metrology and measurement tools
Workbenches, safety stations, and tool management systems
Featured Machines
1. Haas UMC-750SS
A 5-axis CNC machining center designed for complex geometries, aerospace-grade parts, and rapid multi-surface machining.
→ Ideal for: Research projects and advanced student training in part complexity and tolerance control.
2. Echojet 1313 Waterjet Cutter
Enclosed 5-axis waterjet system for precise cutting of metals and composites with no heat distortion.
→ Ideal for: Aerospace panels, carbon fiber cuts, and specialty material applications.
3. Bambu Lab X1E 3D Printers
High-speed, multi-material 3D printers supporting engineering-grade filament for rapid prototyping.
→ Ideal for: Complex student prototypes, robotics parts, and small-batch product testing.
Robotics & AI Innovation Lab (Phase 2 Construction is in Progress)
The Robotics & AI Innovation Lab at IDEELab is where mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence, and automation intersect. As part of Phase 2 expansion, this lab empowers students and faculty to build smart systems for manufacturing, rehabilitation, logistics, and more.
This space is optimized for human-robot collaboration, machine learning integration, vision tracking, and real-time control. Through industry-sponsored projects, students develop advanced skills in embedded systems, actuation, and robotics software — preparing them for roles in next-gen manufacturing and automation.
Usage
AI & robotics prototyping
Machine learning testing for automation
Research in human-robot interaction
Real-time control system experiments
Sponsored industry projects
What You’ll Find
Collaborative 6-axis robotic arms
Embedded development kits (Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson, Arduino)
Machine vision cameras and sensors
Haptic interfaces and actuator testing stations
Control system test beds and simulation software
Featured Machines
1. Universal Robots UR10e Collaborative Robot
Safe, adaptable robotic arm used for automation, vision-based tasks, and interaction research.
→ Ideal for: Testing collaborative assembly workflows, pick-and-place automation.
2. NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit
AI computing platform for edge robotics, machine learning inference, and autonomous control.
→ Ideal for: Real-time robotic decision-making and vision-based classification.
3. RoboDK Simulation Suite
Advanced robotics simulator for offline programming, path planning, and digital twin modeling.
→ Ideal for: Teaching students robotic kinematics and automation sequences without hardware risk.
Measurement & Scanning Lab
The Measurement & Scanning Lab features advanced metrology tools used to verify, inspect, and reverse engineer components with exacting accuracy. Anchored by the Keyence VL-700 3D Scanner, this lab is essential for validating machining work, comparing CAD models to real parts, and conducting dimensional studies.
Students use this space in design validation phases, while industry partners rely on it for prototype inspection and post-production QA.
Usage
CAD model-to-part validation
Reverse engineering
Research requiring tight tolerances
Post-machining inspection
Industry quality control assistance
What You’ll Find
Keyence VL-700 scanner with high-resolution capture
Calibration and inspection fixtures
CAD comparison software (SolidWorks Inspection, Geomagic)
Precision measurement tables and toolsets
Training modules for metrology & scanning
Featured Machines
1. Keyence VL-700 3D Scanner
High-resolution optical scanner for capturing accurate 3D part geometry and performing CAD validation.
→ Ideal for: Reverse engineering, tolerance checks, and pre/post-manufacturing inspection.
Maker Spaces
Open to all MSU engineering students, IDEELab’s Maker Spaces offer a flexible, tool-rich environment where hands-on learning takes center stage. These spaces support clubs, competitions, and personal projects with tools like 3D printers, soldering stations, and hand tools.
From the Formula SAE race team to side hustles and capstone builds, the Maker Spaces give students a sandbox for skill development and innovation.
Usage
Personal projects & prototypes
Student competitions (FSAE, robotics)
Innovation & entrepreneurship ideas
Learning CAD/CAM and fabrication skills
Capstone prep or independent learning
What You’ll Find
FDM 3D printers (PLA, ABS, carbon fiber filament)
Laser cutter & engraving station
Soldering irons, breadboards, circuit kits
Hand tools, vises, safety gear
Tool checkout and equipment scheduling system
Featured Machines
1. Manual Mills (5 Units)
Classic knee-type manual milling machines ideal for learning fundamentals of material removal and part shaping.
→ Ideal for: Student machining practice, simple prototype fabrication, and foundational skills development.
2. Manual Lathes (4 Units)
Traditional lathes used for turning operations, threading, and hands-on experience with round parts.
→ Ideal for: Intro-level training in part geometry, shaft creation, and hands-on engineering labs.
Collaboration Hub
More than just meeting rooms, these flexible spaces are designed for ideation, strategic planning, and agile teamwork. Collaboration Hubs are used for senior design, engineering competitions, visiting scholars, and project sponsors alike.
With mobile furniture, AV-enabled brainstorming tools, and smart layouts, the Collaboration Hubs ensure engineering ideas turn into executable plans.
Usage
Senior design project planning
Industry visits and team huddles
Design thinking sessions
Workshop and mentoring events
Prototyping kickoff meetings
What You’ll Find
Interactive whiteboards & smart displays
Modular seating, flexible tables
Conference-ready AV & projection
Writable walls and post-it stations
Private pods + open collaboration zones