Expand the CARTA | SoA Robotics and Digital Fabrication (RDF) Lab to VH 100

Cost: $783K (As outlined in pending FY23-24 Tech Fee Proposal)

Expanding the SoA RDF Lab from PCA 135 (1,224sf) to VH100 (2,490sf) for a total of 3,714sf will allow the university to significantly advance our interdisciplinary teaching and research missions by providing students and faculty access to state-of-the-art equipment and dedicated lab, studio, and classroom space.

The proposed expanded SoA RDF Lab will continue to explore the latest innovations in resilience, sustainability, and robotics through existing partnerships with the FIU Institute of Environment and the FIU College of Engineering and Computing. With this initiative, FIU will continue to prepare students for leadership roles in emerging fields, positioning the university as a leader in technology, environmental resilience, and research excellence.

The proposed expanded SoA RDF Lab will provide additional space to implement cutting-edge resources, enabling both students and faculty to fully immerse themselves in hands-on learning and research. This expansion allows entire studio classes to collaborate seamlessly with advanced technology, while also accommodating the growth of our K-12 programming. With the additional space, our studio students can now pursue collaborative projects without encroaching on lab researchers, fostering a more productive and collaborative environment for innovation and exploration. This move has the potential not only to positively impact VH 100 but also to repurpose the surrounding areas, making them more appealing and functional.

The existing CARTA classes in VH100 such as dance, opera, musical theatre and theatre movement classes will be seamlessly relocated to the Wertheim Performance Arts Center (WPAC) and to other locations on campus and will not have a negative impact on students’ success, including retention and time to graduation.

Goals in Support of FIU Experience Impact 2030

• Expand excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration;
• Support the university’s commitment to build a preeminent FIU Experience;
• Enhance our existing skill-based curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and our students’ success as measured by the Florida Board of Governors’ key performance indicators; and
• Strengthen our impactful community engagement initiatives and our strategic alliances with key anchor partners.

Strategic Advantages

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The RDF Lab expansion will allow to accommodate more experts and students from architecture, engineering, and environmental sciences to explore robotics and fabrication technologies. This collaboration promotes cross-disciplinary learning and innovation, supporting FIU’s 2030 strategic plan.
• Attract Global Talent: a larger space to house additional robotics and fabrication technologies will attract global talent, additional industry partnerships, and additional funding opportunities.
• Hands-On Learning Opportunities: The lab will provide students with more opportunities for practical experience in robotics and sustainable materials, preparing them for careers in rapidly evolving industries.
• K-12 Programming Opportunities: With a larger space, the lab can provide an increased number M-DCPS students and faculty with opportunities to visit and complete programming in robotics and fabrication technologies.