When walking into 满帆大学’s 模拟 Lab, it’s difficult not to be taken aback by the incredible immersive technology that outfits the space. 运动平台 created by aerospace motion control company Moog and projection mapping on the walls allow visitors to be transported to new and exciting worlds through simulation. 但是是什么 模拟 & 可视化程序 buzzing is actually behind the curtain.

Stepping through a threshold in the massive projection mapping screens and into the lab's workshop reveals what students in the program and course director Pat Starace have been working on lately: A massive 3D-printed race car. 按比例建造, the model is a replica of 红牛 RB16, a Formula 1 racing car designed and constructed by 红牛车队. 一旦完成, the car will create an experience where users can simulate operating a Formula 1 vehicle.

红牛 RB13, the Formula 1 race car being replicated on 满帆’s campus.

“I think I can safely say that nowhere in the world has somebody 3D-printed a full-sized Formula 1 car,帕特说。, who sees students work on the project in months 19 and 20 of the 模拟 & 可视化程序. More than two dozen students have contributed to the build since it started, allowing them to gain invaluable experience in the AR/VR field.

When 红牛车队 caught wind of the project, they visited Pat and his students with F1 driver Scott Speed for a roundtable discussion. “Now these students can put on their resume that they assisted in the development and fabrication of a full-sized 3D-printed 红牛 Formula 1 car under the direction of subject-matter experts from Formula 1, 红牛, 红牛车队, 等等.......”

大约4,500个打印小时, students have played a pivotal role in bringing the racing simulator to life. For Pat, workshopping the fabrication of the car with students has been the most rewarding aspect. “I'm blessed to be around all of these genius students,帕特说。. “When we discuss something, we come up with a plan of action that works. I might lay down a procedure, ‘Okay, this is how I think we're going to do it.然后我就把它给他们. I'm ecstatic with what the students are doing here.”

As the project continues to develop on the 满帆 campus, Pat and his team will work to replicate the car down to its final details, 油漆工作等等. 下一个, they’ll move into the software development phase where they’ll design the virtual simulation to accompany the massive physical build.

“I think employers have to recognize that some of these projects are incredibly amazing, that they would love to have worked on something like this,帕特说。 of this unique work experience for students at 满帆. “When you can do that in your early stages in your career, it's only upward after that.”