Learn about integrating creativity and technology from local professionals and hands-on activities for families
Cedar Rapids Public Library 450 Fifth Ave. SE. (Cedar Rapids Public Library)
CEDAR RAPIDS — Technology and creativity meet at the Cedar Rapids Public Library for Maker and Technology Fest, April 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Downtown Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE.
The fest will include demonstrations, hands-on activities, and presentations showcasing how local organizations and makers are using both maker and emerging technologies, including technologies available in the library's Maker Spaces. It will be.
At 11 a.m. in the library's Whipple Auditorium, medical experts from UnityPoint Health will speak about developing makerspaces within hospitals. Presentations will be given by UnityPoint Health Nursing Research & Innovation Coordinator Rose Hedges and UnityPoint Health Makerspace Program Coordinator Nick Dodds. They will dig deep into the valuable lessons learned and showcase the innovative projects clinicians are creating in a presentation called “Innovation at the Heart of Healing: A Journey in the Hospital Makerspace.”
At 1 p.m., Collins aerospace scientist will give a presentation on artificial intelligence in Whipple Auditorium. Speaker Joseph Engler created his Collins Aerospace Enterprise AI named Allison. He is responsible for the direction of his Allison AI Lab, including research and development, product generation, and AI services.
OPN Architects design team member Jacob Cournoyer uses a VR headset to explore the proposed design for the new Westside Library during the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation's Inspirational Big Dreams Capital Campaign launch event. Exploring virtual models. Cedar Rapids at the Rudd Library in January. 25. Guests use Oculus 3D virtual reality headsets or game controllers at Saturday's Maker and Technology Fest at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450th Ave., SE, Cedar Rapids. There is an opportunity to. (Nick Rollman/The Gazette)
Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to walk through the pre-construction digital building using an Oculus 3D virtual reality headset or game controller. Learn how designers and architects at Cedar Rapids firm OPN Architects use virtual reality and visualization software to conceptualize new ideas, experience volume and scale, and integrate materiality into space. Look at physical architectural models and learn how architects use 3D printing technology and digital fabrication when designing new buildings.
A high school robotics team will demonstrate their robots and play mock competitions. Students and coaches from the Metro High School, Xavier High School and Linmar High School robotics teams will answer questions.
Sam May, 15, works on wiring a robot during a robotics class at Metro High School in Cedar Rapids on October 5, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Other activities on Saturday include:
- Light up your cards at Collins Aerospace: Families are invited to participate in this hands-on, interactive activity to take home.
- Iowa City Public Library Digital Makerspace: Cedar Rapids Public Library laser printers and Iowa City Public Library tools are combined in this activity to create and print your own designs using Adobe Illustrator.
- Marion Public Library Makerspace: Learn about the technology available at the Marion Public Library and tour the knitting machines.
Maker and Technology Fest is supported by Sunrise Builders and Alliant Energy.
