ACE facilities

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ACE facilities

Discover spaces built for creators, problem-solvers and future innovators. At the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering (ACE), you’ll learn in industry-standard facilities that give you the tools, technology and confidence to bring your ideas to life.

Studying at UEL means access to:

  • Cutting-edge robotics labs and advanced materials testing equipment
  • 3D manufacturing, modelling and digital prototyping studios
  • World-class sustainability labs at the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS)
  • The UK Centre of Artificial Intelligence for the Public Sector – right here on campus
  • Specialist art, design and making workshops through the STEAM Community Support Centre (SCSC)

Whether you’re designing, building, coding or creating, our facilities are designed to push your skills further. You’ll work with the latest technologies, collaborate on real projects, and gain hands-on experience that prepares you for the careers shaping tomorrow’s world.

Your future starts in spaces built for it.

Explore our courses

Our workshops and laboratories

Woman using equipment in UEL dfUEL lab

dfUEL Digital Fabrication Labs

The Digital Fabrication Labs at UEL (dfUEL) is a collection of state-of-the-art facilities equipped with a wide range of advanced machinery and tools for digital fabrication and prototyping. The lab provides access to cutting-edge technology
to explore creative ideas across various disciplines within art, design, and engineering.

By integrating digital technologies with traditional fabrication techniques, the lab encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in design and manufacturing.

These labs are equipped with an impressive array of machines and tools, including 3D printers, Robotic Arm, 3D scanners, laser cutting, CNC milling, and many more. dfUEL has built strong ties with global design firms such as Grimshaw and Zaha Hadid. We are open to building strong partnerships to work on real-world projects and contribute to the advancement of the industry.

Robotics Lab

The Robotics Lab is dedicated to the advancement of robotics technology within the fields of art, engineering, design and architecture.

Robotics Equipment

The lab is equipped with a range of robotics hardware and components, including robotic arms, actuators, sensors, controllers, and more. It features an ABB robotic arm capable of scaling up manufacturing to real scale with a 2m range
and 150kg payload capacity, enabling precision manufacturing and large-scale fabrication for various applications. The arm is also fitted with an extruder allowing 3D printing of concrete as well.

Programming and Software Tools

The Robotics Lab offers access to software tools and programming environments for robotics development, such as ROS (Robot Operating System), MATLAB, Arduino, and Python. These tools allow users to develop custom algorithms, control
systems, and behaviours for their robotic creations.

Hands-On Learning

The lab provides hands-on learning opportunities for users to gain practical experience with robotics technology. Through workshops, projects, and collaborative research initiatives, there are opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world robotics applications and develop valuable skills in robotics design, programming, and integration.

Research and Innovation

The Robotics Lab serves as a platform for research and innovation in robotics technology with applications spanning art, design, engineering and architecture. The lab is constantly engaged in cutting-edge research projects, exploring new
concepts, techniques, and methodologies to push the boundaries of what robotics can achieve.

Robotic brush machine painting silver paint
Robotic 3d Printing machine

3D Printing Lab

By offering access to advanced equipment, versatile materials, and expert support, the lab empowers users to unleash their creativity, push the boundaries of design and fabrication, and realise their creative visions in three dimensions.

High Quality 3D Printers

The lab features a range of high-quality 3D printers capable of producing detailed and precise prints using various materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, resin, and more. With support for multiple technologies—FDM (Fused
Deposition Modelling), SLA (Stereolithography), and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)—allowing users to choose the best printing method for their specific project requirements.

Sustainable Practices

The 3D Printing Lab promotes sustainable practices in additive manufacturing, encouraging users to consider environmental impact and material efficiency in their design and printing processes. By offering access to biodegradable
and recyclable materials, as well as support for design optimisation and waste reduction, the lab aims to minimise its ecological footprint and promote responsible making practices.

Training and Support

The lab provides training sessions and support resources to help users learn how to operate the 3D printers safely and effectively. Experienced staff members are available to offer guidance and assistance, ensuring that users can fully leverage the most of the lab’s capabilities and achieve successful outcomes in their projects.

CNC Milling and Laser Cutting Lab

The lab is equipped with advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machines that are fully automated. All they need is digital instructions about cutting trajectories and tooling.

Integration of Digital and Traditional Techniques: At UEL we integrate current digital technologies with traditional fabrication techniques. This interdisciplinary approach combines the benefits of digital fabrication with the craftsmanship of
traditional methods, fostering innovation and creativity in design projects.

Hot Work Machinery: For hot work cutting, milling, weaving, and drawing are available, allowing the exploration of a wide range of fabrication techniques and processes.

Vacuum Forming: Both small-scale and large-scale vacuum forming capabilities, to create complex shapes and prototypes using vacuum-formed materials.

mechanical chemical aeronautical engineering and concrete lab

Explore our facilities by subject area