A multidisciplinary team of students from the University of Waterloo turned a whimsical idea of building a fun vehicle from pop culture into reality in just four days.
Anson Yu, a systems design engineering student, teamed up with classmates and friends to build a life-sized model of the Grumobile from Despicable Me. The electric vehicle was a hit on campus, delighting everyone who saw it, including Dr. Mary Wells, dean of Waterloo Engineering, who took it for a spin.
The team used the Faculty of Engineering's Sedra Student Design Centre as their workshop, where staff provided invaluable guidance. Overcoming challenges like tight timelines and unfamiliar tools, they quickly learned skills such as welding. Encouraged by peers who joined in with expertise and enthusiasm, the project became a celebration of creativity and teamwork.
“These kinds of projects are invaluable, highlighting the importance of creativity in engineering education,” Wells said. “When students collaborate on bold and unconventional ideas, they push the boundaries of what’s possible and create lasting memories that inspire the entire campus community.”
Yu described the experience as a source of joy for the campus community, embodying the spirit of playful engineering that turns bold ideas into unforgettable moments.
Go to Building an iconic movie car for the fun of it for the full story.
Wednesday, December 11, 2024