Faculty instructor-mentors guide student teams through weekly progress reports and technical milestones.
The new, 103,000-square-foot facility is specifically designed for 14+ different engineering disciplines, featuring dedicated design studios, a computational design lab, and dedicated spaces for high-risk equipment. Learning Factory
Corporate partners submit "back-burner" projects for student teams to develop, providing a low-risk, cost-effective method to explore new technologies or ideas. The Learning Factory enables engineering students to apply
The Learning Factory enables engineering students to apply academic knowledge to real-world problems. It serves as a maker space equipped for advanced prototyping, including 3D printing, laser cutting, welding, and CNC machining. It bridges the gap between academic theory and industrial practice by bringing in industry-sponsored projects, enhancing student employability, and supporting student startups. Core Activities and implement solutions.
This report outlines the functionality, structure, and impact of the at Penn State University . The Learning Factory is a premier educational hub fostering hands-on engineering, industry collaboration, and innovation, primarily serving as the home for senior capstone projects. Executive Summary
Over 200+ projects are facilitated annually, where teams of 4–6 students work with corporate sponsors for 15 weeks to design, prototype, and implement solutions.
Extensive training ensures that users can operate machinery safely, with strict procedures for tool checkout and machine usage. Project Lifecycle (15-Week Capstone) 4th Year Capstone | The Penn State Learning Factory