Student Computer Innovation and Fabrication Institute (SCIFI)
Where Creativity Meets Technology
The Student Computer Innovation and Fabrication Institute (SCIFI) is ACS’s dedicated maker space where imagination turns into reality. From robotics and 3D printing to hands-on craftsmanship and media production, SCIFI empowers students to design, build, and explore through innovation and collaboration.
The ACS SCIFI is a maker space designed for students, applying an engineering-based approach to its layout and functions. It features a robotics lab, a factory, a workshop with a storage area, and an audio-video studio.
Robotics
Robotics was the first section of the ACS maker space to open its doors to students for regular use. In the lab, you won’t see — at least not yet — large industrial arms welding cars, but rather two of the most popular platforms for learning electronics and programming: Arduino and Raspberry Pi. By combining electronics, coding, and basic mechanics, students dive into the world of robotics. The beauty of these systems lies in their accessibility, the vast range of learning resources available, and a global community ready to collaborate. Combined with the other facilities at SCIFI, the possibilities are endless.
Factory
Welcome to the realm of production and assembly! Thanks to 3D printing technology, students can design a model on a computer using CAD software, laser-cut parts, and even create ceramics from scratch—and within hours, hold the finished piece in hand. Modern engineering turns ideas once thought impossible into reality, from printing jet engine parts to custom implants.
At ACS, we have five 3D printers: Bambu Lab models, the Ultimaker 3 Extended, and the Form 2. The Bambu Lab printers have become a global favorite for their innovation and ease of use, while the Ultimaker is a reliable, high-performance model. Both are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers, meaning they extrude melted polymer filament layer by layer. The Form 2, on the other hand, uses a liquid photopolymer and a laser to build models upside down, layer by layer.
The factory also includes a vinyl cutter for intricate poster and sticker designs; a thermoforming machine that molds heated plastic sheets for repetitive production; a laser cutter capable of precisely cutting or engraving wood and acrylic down to millimeter detail, and two sewing machines.
Workshop
The workshop bridges the gap between digital creation and hands-on craftsmanship. This is the realm of the most powerful tools at SCIFI. Safety is our top priority, which is why strict procedures based on international standards are in place. Students may use the workshop only under the supervision of trained teachers.
The SCIFI Committee of the Student Council regularly organizes mini-sessions where students can learn safe use of the space. Our Bosch-powered equipment — table saws, miter saws, drills, and sanders — are professional-grade. A small CNC mill expands creative potential for larger projects.
Storage
This space houses materials, tools, and projects, providing designated storage for clubs and events. Part of the room serves for event preparation and student club activities, or simply as a creative space to unwind.
Audio - Visual (AV) Studio
If we have a robotics lab, why not a news studio? The SCIFI AV Studio hosts a range of student activities, including the Phoenix News student broadcast. Here, students film and edit high-quality audio and video projects, supporting school events and exploring media production as a craft or potential career. With tools like green screens and professional editing software, they learn all aspects of content creation — from filming and acting in front of the camera to post-production editing.
The SCIFI Community
SCIFI’s spaces and resources are open to the entire ACS community. They are used daily by academic classes, student clubs, and individuals who wish to tinker, build, or explore new ideas. Active clubs include Robotics, Ceramics, Woodcarving, Sewing, and more.
ACS educators also integrate SCIFI experiences into the curriculum, giving every student the chance to engage hands-on with emerging technologies. After all, the best way to discover a passion is to try it. Among our students today may be the innovators, makers, and engineers of tomorrow—and many will trace that inspiration back to SCIFI.