From an artifical intelligence motion-capture system to robotics, the world of art, science and engineering was on display this past Wednesday at the Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator on Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay campus.
FIU President Jeanette Nuñez toured the Ratcliffe, which offers students and others hands-on experience in emerging fields that merge art, science and engineering.
“The opportunity these students are given to have that vision and see that vision become a reality,” Nuñez said. “That was very impactful for me.”
Carlene Cassidy, CEO of the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, said AI is a useful tool for the projects.
“I love hearing the students’ stories, understanding their journeys, and seeing where they’re going,” Cassidy said.
Nathalia Padilla is studying fine arts to earn her master’s degree and is a Ratcliffe fellow. Her project involves designing a handheld robot with six assistants that will help her manage a medical condition that affects the nerves in her arm.
“The robot will be painting and doing everything I’m thinking about at the same time,” Padilla said.
She hopes to inspire others to create art and machinery for people like herself. Padilla has been working her project for over a month and has used a 3D printer to produce more than 178 pieces.
Padilla says she is grateful to FIU and President Nuñez for allowing students like her to design work that benefits the community.
“She really helped me a lot because she has given me many innovative and inspiring ideas for what I want to do and how to continue my project,” Padilla said.
Click here to learn more about the Ratcliffe Center and student work.
