In a big box-shaped manufacturing building in Liberty Lake , Washington , there is a small corner dedicated to Willy Wonka learning tools for the future . It is command central for one of the country ’ s leading-edge drone / robotics educational programs — Minds-i . Started in 2005 by Altek President Mike Marzetta , and his wife , Christy , Minds-i seeks to excite students about STEM-related careers through a variety of robotic and drone curriculums , education labs , and kits .
To create Minds-i ’ s educational system , Mike combined his childhood fascination with remote-controlled cars , models , and LEGO bricks with his professional background in automation , technology , and manufacturing . Mike ’ s office sets the stage with rows of action heroes and toys lining the shelves . The class materials come with documented Common Core Math and Next Generation Science guides to fit with education standards , which your parents will like .
The company ’ s patented “ quick-lock ” construction system allows users to connect / disconnect pieces together easily , while allowing for rotating arms , levers , and suspension systems . Connectors and small beams of varying sizes can be formed into frames , chassis , or foundations that can be static , robotic , or motorized . The Minds-I component technology improves on the traditional Lego-style and erector set systems to foster more creativity for the young minds to explore .
“ One of the things that sets us apart is that our products are designed to not only be easy to build and durable enough for indoor or outdoor use , Marzetta explained , “ but they can easily be modified so a student can truly think and design something out-of-the-box .”
WINTER ISSUE — 2022 | 2023 — ISSUE NO . 01 15