Creative Mechanical Design
David
Experience Information
Employer: Axis Automation
Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Automation company focused primarily on automotive part production automation, though currently diversifying. Smaller company with ~100 employees, so has local and approachable feel to it overall.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Designed an entire gameboard for intern project robot enclosure that holds parts in reliably the same place for the robot to pick, senses when parts are present, and actuates a rotating door based on programmed criteria. Detailed and ordered all parts necessary, redesigned as needed, supported controls engineers where necessary. Designed end of arm tooling for collaborative robot that grabs hold of cups and fills them with beer of various kinds.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Plenty of Solidworks knowledge was gained here. There wasn't a day that I didn't use Solidworks. There also wasn't a day that I didn't learn something new in some regard. I also learned how to spearhead / take lead on aspects of a project that needed completion, and take initiative where I see needs it.
Favorite Part of the Experience
I had creative freedom to try whatever I saw fit. If I thought a solution would work, I tried it out, designing based off ideas, and iterated designs to better ones when problems arose. I also loved that the environment at work was generally friendly and wholesome. No toxicity. Wonderful people.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I know to prioritize a healthy work environment like this place. I also know now how I feel when working on the same thing for a long time, as well as how I feel when I'm juggling different projects at once. I am fully aware now of how I enjoy producing something new and exciting, and desire even more to have work be a creative outlet.
Internship Format
In Person