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Category: Digital Fabrication

Category: Digital Fabrication

Digital Fabrication

Unveiling Flood Detector – Type 2!

Sit tight, we have news for you! Mercy and Felix, members from the I.O.Me001 FabLab, have created a new flood detector, something that works a little different as compared to the first one. The first flood detector worked by detecting when waterbodies were about to break their banks, whereas this new version has sensors around an area to monitor flash floods during the rainy season. How it works is that sensors will communicate with each other during floods, and if they register the same/similar data they will send out alerts. This is helpful, as this will be able to differentiate between a flash flood and when someone pours a bucket of water on the ground. This new version of the flood detector is more portable as it works using lithium-ion batteries and GSM network vs. the older floor detector that works using solar power and LTE network. The motivation behind this new model came from the flash-floods in Kijabe in 2024. There was wide-spread devastation where families were wiped out and people had to start their lives again from scratch. All of that could have been prevented by an alert system.  

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Digital Fabrication

Training Session: Ideation, Prototyping, Manufacturing

We had a training session led by one of our lab members, Brayton Anderson, on Ideation, Prototyping, and Manufacturing. We explored how to research effectively, prototype rapidly, and navigate regulatory landscapes (KEBS, patents, and compliance).   Tips include: When in the stage of ideation, you need to do a lot of research, and you need to be intentional about what you are researching on. Additionally, what helps whilst researching is to think through the lens of the end-user instead of the builder When it comes to manufacturing, think of which manufacturers to use at which stages Also think about what the existing regulations are, together with what the regulating bodies are for compliance Then also remember how the regulations and compliance differs with the different country markets (e.g the European market and the American market) Also think about the different forms of testing, especially when it comes to electronics.

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Digital Fabrication

Printing The Future: 3D Fun at I.O.Me254

The first few weeks of this year have been focused on 3D printing technology. At I.O.Me254, we’re turning learning into an adventure, one layer at a time. Armed with the Autodesk Fusion 360 software, participants transformed their wild ideas into sleek 3-dimentional parts. The real turning point was having those complex digital designs come together seamlessly after hours of dedication to the craft. An added bonus was that we had the opportunity to learn more about the production of 3D printed prosthetics and life-saving equipment. Our latest week-long workshop was with 3D printing guru Enrico Bassi, who gathered curious creators who were ready to take a crack at the world of digital design and fabrication. This training saw even the experienced graphic designers scratching their heads. These 3D printing workshops weren’t just a “press print and watch” kind of deal. Everyone got their hands busy with learning: how the printer works,which materials make the magic happen, and how to finesse those high-quality prints. Sure, there were a few hiccups—it’s not a workshop without a wonky print or two—but that’s where the real learning (and laughs) kicked in. Beyond the gadgets,these sessions showed how far 3D printing can go, from product design to saving the lives, one layer of filament at a time.

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Development

Plastics and Face-Masks into Products

Who knew a plastic shredder and a plastic injection molding machine could turn into the ultimate sustainability sidekicks? Recently, makers jumped into action, learning how these magic contraptions transform discarded plastic into reusable materials. They got hands-on, learned the ropes, and, of course, nailed the safety rules like professionals. To add some warm spices into the mix, on Valentines Day we had our youth members creating personalized upcycled gifts out of Manila paper, cardboard boxes and plastic bottles. This exercise was more than a rapid making of presents; it was about demonstrating that true love lies in the thought and effort put into a gift. We got kids into the mix, from Hindi Drama Club, to make sturdy boards out of expired face-masks from the Coronavirus pandemic era. In demonstrating that creativity isn’t confined to the stage but rather it can be a powerful tool for real-world change, they transformed what was a symbol of the past pandemic into a beacon of sustainable innovation. The youth reminded each other that the most meaningful expressions of affection are often born from the heart, fueled by a spark of creativity and a willingness to see potential in the readily available materials around us.

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Digital Fabrication

CAD – CAM Software and CNC Workshops

Within the bustling confines of the innovation lab, remarkable transformations have been unfolding. Kenyan youths, driven by a desire to contribute positively to their community, immersed themselves in projects that transcended digital fabrication. They delved into the nuanced art of finishing touches, understanding that true innovation lies in the details. Participants delved into digital product modeling with SolidWorks and VCarve programs. These young minds began to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications. Additionally, students were exposed to another type of digital product modeling software by the name of Aspire, and this was the 15th lot of students being trained through peer-to-peer mentorship. These trainings have been part of a series of initiations into the language of innovation, where ideas take tangible form in the digital sphere. This project became a crucible for skill development, a testament to the power of hands-on learning. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with experienced staff at the lab, the young innovators gained invaluable experience on digital fabrication. They poured their hearts into every step, demonstrating a dedication that spoke volumes about their commitment to building a tech-savvy community. The fruits of their labor stand as a powerful symbol of their hard work and a compelling call to action. It serves as a reminder that investing in youth development, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive, is more than a social imperative; it is a catalyst for community growth.

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All School

World IP Day 2024

Innovators and entrepreneurs met at the IOME001 Social Innovation Centre to commemorate World Intellectual Property Day on the 26th of April, with an enlightening workshop focused on intellectual property matters.  The attendees were introduced to various types of intellectual property, including copyrights, trademarks, and technovation, and explored the processes and prerequisites for acquiring these protections. The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of intellectual property, highlighting its importance in protecting creative and innovative works. Participants learned about the different types of intellectual property and their specific applications, such as how copyrights safeguard original works of authorship, trademarks protect brand identity, and technovation encourages technological advancements. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the workshop included practical sessions where participants could engage in discussions and case studies, helping them understand the real-world implications of intellectual property rights. The concept of open source hardware and software solutions was also discussed. This year’s theme was “Building a Common Future with Innovation and Creativity”  

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