Join Vision Miner on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Caltech's Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST), one of the most prestigious and advanced research laboratories in the world! Our host, Patrick, is guided by Reza Nemovi, the Chief R&D & Innovation Officer at Caltech, instrumental in the groundbreaking work happening under Reza and Dr. Morteza Ghareeb. We explore the labs where future technologies are born, from advanced robotics for space exploration to autonomous systems that will reshape our world, both on Earth and beyond.
Discover the rich history of Caltech, a place Ray describes as where the "industrial military complex was created," playing a pivotal role in World War II and the Space Race under JFK. We delve into how Caltech's research, known for its incredible accuracy ("the number of zeros after the decimal point"), helps commercialize visionary ideas, including landmark achievements like NASA's Mars Perseverance rover and the Ingenuity helicopter – the first powered flight on another planet.
In this video, you'll get a close-up look at cutting-edge projects like the M4 (Multi-Modal Morphobot), a versatile robot capable of driving, crouching, and even transitioning to flight using its integrated thrusters. We were thrilled to see how Caltech utilizes Vision Miner's 22 IDEX 3D printer, with Reza noting that a good 70% of the M4's exterior and interior components are 3D printed using materials like Carbon Fiber Nylon and even PEEK. You'll also see "Stork," an M4 variant designed for autonomous last-mile package delivery, showcasing how Caltech is tackling real-world logistics challenges.
The tour continues into Caltech's remarkable testing facilities. We visit what Reza calls the "world's largest indoor flight arena," equipped with 48 motion capture cameras soaring 45 feet high to track autonomous systems with human-hand accuracy. Then, prepare to be amazed by the "Real World Main Generator," an enormous fan array with 2600 individually addressable fans used to replicate complex wind conditions – from Martian atmospheres for testing the Ingenuity helicopter, to terrestrial turbulence for scaled aircraft models. This facility is key to Caltech's ability to de-risk projects, moving from concept to validated prototype with minimal real-world failures.
We also get a peek into the graduate laboratories, where Vision Miner's 3D printers, including the 22 IDEX and AON3D Hylo (chosen for its larger build volume for high-performance materials), are taking fabrication to new levels. Reza highlights the use of advanced materials like ULTEM PEI (polyetherimide) and carbon fiber composite materials, enabling the construction of parts as robust as titanium. The video showcases several fascinating drone concepts born from Caltech's problem-solving approach: a VTOL "flying ambulance" inspired by the boxfish, a drone-in-a-box system for studying microbial life on hurricane-stricken islands, and the "Squid" drone, launched by an air cannon for upper-atmosphere research.
This journey through Caltech offers a rare glimpse into a world where scientific boundaries are constantly being pushed, with historical artifacts like the SR-71 Blackbird wind tunnel model and stories of Einstein walking the campus adding to the inspiring atmosphere. It's a testament to the power of collaboration, research, and advanced manufacturing technologies, including the functional 3D printing solutions Vision Miner is proud to support.
At Vision Miner, we specialize in Functional 3D printing, especially high-performance plastics like PEEK, ULTEM, PPSU, PPS, CFPA, and more. We also have extensive experience with 3D scanners, and a whole array of solutions available for purchase. If you're interested in using functional 3D printing and materials in your business, feel free to reach out, and we can help you make the right choice for your application.
Call 833-774-6863 or email [email protected], and we're here to help!
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:28 CASTx (Center for Autonomous Systems & Technology) Laboratory
00:58 What's the history behind Caltech?
01:32 What's it like starting a project here?
02:25 M4 Mars Rover
04:20 Another M4 Robot?
07:07 World's largest indoor fan array
11:45 Machine shop
13:33 Three Autonomous 3D Printed Drones
17:59 Let's go upstairs!
20:26 Let's enjoy nature :)
20:47 JPL: Jet Propulsion Laboratories of NASA
21:21 Caltech Rocket Club
22:16 Reach out, we're here to help :)