Event – Fab Lab discussion forum – Weds, 22 April 2009
The Fab Lab Forum offers a unique opportunity for a discussion with Prof. Neil Gershenfeld (Director, The Center for Bits and Atoms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology) on a grass roots, community project to deliver aid through invention, here in the North West – Fab Labs.
What is a Fab Lab?
It is a fully-fitted digital fabrication workshop where anyone can go to learn skills, make products that they want for themselves, develop small business ideas, be part of a linked global community and strengthen local links by working together on products to help their own communities.
There are already Fab Labs across the World, from inner cities to the villages of Africa, connected by a global network which enables the sharing of ideas, designs and knowledge.
How will it work?
First, and best of all, standard use of this resource will be free to you and your group. The workshop can be used by anyone who has an idea that they would like to make – they can come along, learn how to create what they want, make it and then take the product away.
We will also be running sessions for groups to start the ideas flowing and take them through the practical skills of using the machinery to produce items.
The workshop really encourages users to interact with and learn from each other, swapping ideas and techniques, and is a fabulous opportunity to be part of a global community.
With all the world-wide Fab Labs linked by live video conferencing, users are able to connect with other users from all over the globe, encouraging cooperation and facilitating cultural learning.
How can you get involved?
Right now we are looking for your input to make sure this project is tailored to your needs. One of the best ways for you to find out more and get involved would be to come along to our Fab Lab Forum Discussion in April (there’s a flyer in PDF format about the event here), where we have secured the founder of Fab Labs, Professor Neil Gershenfeld (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), as a speaker.
The Forum Discussion will bring together our local supporters and potential users such as yourselves, providing a great opportunity to shape the future of the project.
Agenda for the event
- 09:30 Reception: Tea, coffee and breakfast rolls
- 10:00 Dr Julie Madigan: Introduction to The Manufacturing Institute
- History of The Manufacturing Institute
- Charitable objectives
- Community links/activities
- 10:10 Prof. Neil Gershenfeld: Personal introduction and the concept of Fab Labs
- About Neil Gershenfeld and the MIT Centre for Bits & Atoms
- Digital fabrication – the new revolution
- Fab Labs – conception and history
- International Fab Lab Community
- 10:40 Dr Eddie Kirkby: North West Fab Lab – implementation and possibilities
- Why a Fab Lab in the North West
- Implementation plan – timescales, location, etc
- Possibilities – what could a Fab Lab mean to the community?
- 10:55 Break: tea, coffee and biscuits
- 11:15 Panel discussion:
- Jonathan Lawson – The Manufacturing Institute – Chair, Neil Gershenfeld – MIT, International Fablabs, Julie Madigan – CEO, The Manufacturing Institute, plus three expert contributors – to be confirmed
- How to make it happen – getting the most out of the Fab Lab.
- Set questions and open discussion – how could parties contribute to the ‘success’ of the Fab Lab and what would this look like
- 12:45 Lunch
- 13:45 Close
How to attend
If you would like to come along to the Fab Lab Forum Discussion on the 22nd April, contact Jonathan Lawson by phone on 0161 874 3241 or by email at jonathanl@manufacturinginstitute.co.uk.
Please be aware that places are limited and will be in high demand.
Where and when
Starts 9.30am, ends around 1.45pm, Wednesday 22 April 2009.
The Manufacturing Institute, Quay West, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1HH
Who’s organising this event?
The Manufacturing Institute, in partnership with the Innovation Investment Fund, who are facilitating the pull from several North West communities and groups to see the frst UK Fab Lab pilot set up here in our region. You can find out more on the Manufacturing Institute’s website.
