Engineering in action

I had the chance to wander into Kettering Labs, the engineering building on UD’s campus, curious to see what engineering really looks like in action. At first, I thought I’d just be snapping photos of a few classes. But the more I watched, the more it turned into a story I never expected to tell.

I met students from different backgrounds, each bringing their own experiences and goals into the projects in front of them. And while every class was fascinating, three projects stood out.

In a Robotics & CNC class, students used machines to cut and carve metal into a “Flying D” bottle opener — precision work that felt both practical and artistic. In a Manufacturing Processes and Design class, I watched students handle liquid metal, shaping it into something new. And then there was the capstone project: the JavaBot, a coffee-making robot. Over the course of a semester, students were building a machine with a movable arm that could grab creamer, place it in a Keurig, and then brew the perfect cup of coffee. Honestly, it was incredible to see.

By the time I set my camera down, I realized I’d gained more than photos. I had a new appreciation for the creativity, patience and dedication it takes to turn an idea into a real, working object.

Whatever these engineers dream up next, you can bet they’ll find a way to make it happen.