Photography by Keith Isaacs.
About the Kao ICS
The Integrated Engineering Design Kao Innovation & Collaboration Studio aims to provide resources to students in the form of technology, tools, and knowledge in order to help them materialize their ideas. Here, students can turn their ideas into projects, and through collaboration with staff and other students these projects will become reality. The Kao ICS is student-led with staff ready to help you create everything from 3D printing parts to programming microcontrollers.
We do have the right to refuse to create certain objects, parts, or files. These include but are not limited to anything that could be considered a weapon according to UT’s “Student Code of Conduct” section 4.17 “weapons”, improperly sliced prints, overly large prints, or anything that is considered “out of reason” to our technicians. All suspicious activity will be reported to the appropriate authorities and/or lead to permanent suspension from the Min H. & Yu Fan Kao Innovation & Collaboration Studio.
PLEASE NOTE: Regardless of user, the Kao ICS is not a “service” lab. We are an “assistance” lab. We can assist the user through all the processes necessary for them to complete the project, but we will not do the project for them. We encourage the users to ask questions, especially if they are unfamiliar with the machines.
The Kao ICS is a student-managed makerspace supported by the Tickle College of Engineering and is located in G166 Zeanah Engineering Complex. Visit us on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
Want to tour the ICS?
Project Materials Fund
The Project Materials Fund aims to support Engineering Vols and TCE student organizations in need of materials and supplies for various projects. If you are interested in applying, please see the Project Materials Fund website for more information.
Hours of Operation
We follow the University of Tennessee’s holiday and administrative closing schedule and also close for semesters-end maintenance for five work days leading up to “Study Day” before final exams start. Due to the Kao ICS Consultants being off and limited staff is on hand, we will be open during spring, summer, fall and winter breaks but on a case-by-case basis. Please plan accordingly and come during times of full operation to get trained up before Study Day. Email us if you have any questions.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Our Equipment
Check out some of the tools available in the Kao ICS:
3D Printing
We have several printers available for you to use on school assignments and personal projects.
Woodworking
Our wood shop is equipped with a variety of tools for wood and metal work for your next creation.
Laser Cutting
If you’re looking for a more refined cut for your next project, check out one of our laser cutters.