Welcome to Makers@UW
This article introduces Makers@UW, highlighting our mission, ongoing projects, and opportunities for students to get involved in building real-world prototypes through collaboration and shared resources.
Welcome to Makers@UW
Makers@UW is a student-led engineering and maker organization at the University of Washington. Our goal is simple - to foster a supportive environment for student-built projects through collaboration, mentorship, funding, and access to shared resources and tools. Our interdisciplinary teams bring together students from engineering, computer science, design, business, and beyond, united by a shared commitment to build impactful solutions. We focus not only on ideas, but on building them into real, functional prototypes.
This newsletter documents our work, provides project updates, features student innovation, and connects with the broader UW community that shares our passion for building.
Our Main Project: Interactive 3D Campus Model
This year, one of our main focus is on developing a physical miniature 3D model of the University of Washington campus. The objective is to build an interactive and accessible model of the campus landmarks, integrating architectural detail with engineered systems. To design individual buildings, we are using computer-aided design (CAD), fabricating components through 3D printing, and collaboratively assembling sections as the model further develops.
Throughout the process, our teams enhance the structural precision and functionality while acquiring hands-on experience in design thinking, prototyping, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Active Sub-Projects
Beyond the campus model, several teams are working on innovative systems across hardware, automation and technology. Currently, we have three active sub-projects: AIRA, SPARCS, and Lock-In.
AIRA is an AI-powered robotic arm engineered for research and automation applications. It combines mechanical design with automated control systems.
SPARCS works within the health technology space. Students are prototyping an ECG and digital stethoscope device that is aimed at improving accessibility in personal health monitoring.
Lock-In (Phone Hotel) is an emerging project exploring design solutions that encourage focus in educational spaces by creating structured device storage systems.
All projects are actively recruiting and provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience in engineering, systems integration, and collaborative product development.
Join us
Attend the first hour of our weekly meetings, open to all current UW students, and connect with a member of our executive team to begin the onboarding process. You can also fill out our interest form to stay updated and be added to our mailing list. This project is more than a model, it’s a demonstration of what collaboration, engineering, and creativity can achieve together. We’re excited to keep building.
Email: mtru23@uw.edu ; alsmerk@uw.edu ; gvo@uw.edu ; asmu@uw.edu
The MILL | Every Monday | 3–6 PM(3-4PM Open for All) |
