Autodesk Technology Engagement Center
Welcome to the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center (ATEC), a new beacon of innovation and transformation at CSUN. Positioned at the forefront, ATEC is an upcoming state-of-the-art facility dedicated to bridging the equity gap in STEM education and inspiring underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Humanities, and Mathematics (STEAHM). Stay tuned to discover how we're pioneering new and inventive ways for students across CSUN’s campus to become more engaged with their academic programs.
ATEC Groundbreaking
CSUN broke ceremonial ground on the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center on April 14, officially launching the construction of the new building.
A Brief History
Autodesk's involvement in this initiative traces back to two years ago when it initially supported what was known as the Center for Integrated Design and Advanced Manufacturing at CSUN, affectionately termed the "Center of Possibilities" by university officials. With substantial support from California Governor Gavin Newsom, and thanks to the tireless efforts of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, and Congressman Tony Cardenas, this public-private partnership has blossomed into a $25 million project that will bring the community, educational partners spanning from preschool to college, and innovative educational pathways together.
About the Center
Designed by the renowned architectural firm AC Martin, this 32,000-square-foot facility is poised to open its doors in the fall of 2024, conveniently located near Jacaranda Hall. Inside, it will house state-of-the-art research facilities and dedicated spaces for design, digital capture, and fabrication. Equipped with these cutting-edge tools and laboratories, students and faculty will find it significantly easier to collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects while enhancing their educational capabilities.
High Bay Structural Test Lab
The High Bay Structural Test Lab enables comprehensive mechanical validation testing under one adaptable roof, empowering researchers to replicate real-world conditions and push structural components up to failure. The 1,100 square foot lab has central capabilities including a 15-ton overhead crane and 20-foot reaction wall to load test articles; a strong floor retrofitted with threaded inserts to secure custom test rigs; environmental chambers providing controlled temperature and humidity; concrete batch, curing, and standardized test apparatus; and hydraulic actuator systems paired with data acquisition tools.
Machine and Testing Lab
The Machine and Testing Lab provides a hands-on learning space complete with state-of-the-art equipment, where students will be able to conduct a wide range of tests on metals, concrete, and advanced materials through the state-of-the-art Instron and MTS testing machines. These kinds of tests will allow students to gather essential data with wireless LVDTs, data loggers, and instrumentation for specimen prep and analysis in the laboratory. The Machine and testing Lab will provide different testing capabilities under one roof to enhance capacity for practical experiential learning, enabling researchers and students alike to study material properties and performance through robust mechanical testing regimes.
Design Digital/Capture/Augmented Reality Lab
The Design Digital/Capture/Augmented Reality (AR) Lab provides the versatile infrastructure to explore digital media, networking, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity all within one central location. The main room features six high-end workstations, collaboration tables, group study areas with widescreen monitors, a reconfigurable LED digital wall for simulations, and Virtual Reality (VR)/AR demonstrations without goggles. A separate server room houses high-performance computing capability to enable smooth instances for all users. Workstation space offers a cybersecurity-focused setup with isolated networking and internet connectivity tailored for projects and competitions such as capture the flag and wargames. With robust computing muscle and dynamic presentation capabilities combined under one roof, this lab empowers the next generation of students to shape technology from Artificial Intelligence to Extended Reality firsthand through a digitally driven approach.
Fabrication Lab
The Fabrication Lab will provide an innovative space for students and faculty to experiment with emerging fabrication techniques. By having access to 3D modeling tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks and Fusion 360 on dedicated computers, researchers and students will be able to bring their creations to life with the latest software along with state-of-the-art 3D printers, resin transfer molding equipment, surface finishing/coating tools, material mixing stations and 3D scanners. With comprehensive digital design and hands-on fabrication capabilities under one roof, this lab empowers the next generation of innovators with an agile infrastructure to rapidly iterate and test concepts firsthand. Here, multi-disciplinary teams can learn through experience, collaboratively exploring and validating ideas that have the potential to shape the future.
Emerging Advanced Materials Labs
The Emerging Advanced Materials Lab’s job is to provide the community the ability to innovate through its cutting-edge infrastructure, enabling students and researchers alike to push boundaries in polymers, composites, metals, and pioneering processing techniques. The latest cutting-edge additive manufacturing systems, injection molding, ovens, hot press, mixing stations, and sputter coating equipment will be provided to users within the lab; alongside traditional tools for composites fabrication, polishing, and cutting. With versatile, high-end capabilities under one roof, researchers can enhance the quality of materials, reduce potential costs, and develop next-generation materials. As a research and development launchpad for both industry and government, the lab will receive continuous upgrades for our suite of advanced equipment to support impactful partnerships. Students also access practical learning through participation in diverse materials research and educational projects, getting hands-on experience by bringing these advanced materials to life.
Makerspace and Discovery Lab
The Makerspace and Discovery Lab foster hands-on exploration through versatile fabrication capabilities open to CSUN students and beyond. This interdisciplinary space welcomes collaborators across campus disciplines and outside campus to solve pressing issues leveraging adaptable infrastructure supporting diverse materials like paper/cardboard, polymers, wood, and metal. Conceived as an on-ramp to STEAHM education, the space features dedicated zones for planning, 3D printing, building, and with specialized shop equipment available via supervised check-out. This space will enable the next generation to understand complex concepts through thorough in-person trainings and experiences.
Incubator Project Research Lab
The Incubator Project Research Lab's mission is to create a collaborative space empowering faculty and students to transform innovative ideas into viable business ventures. Within this lab, faculty and students will gain a pathway in which they’ll have access to tech-enabled brainstorming areas or be able to leverage adjacent prototyping labs to refine concepts into workable business prospects. A wet lab component will be provided to accommodate projects needing more specialized infrastructure alongside the lab’s supplementary programming. Student teams can connect with industry partners to transform napkin sketches into real-world startups. With dynamic presentation facilities complemented by versatile build spaces under one roof, aspiring entrepreneurs can refine proofs of concept into minimum viable products, ensuring they’re primed to secure funding for full commercial rollout.