JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J.- –
The newly completed Infinity Spark innovation lab is now open to the Joint Base community at building 2508, here, Oct. 3.
The centrally located lab is open 24/7 for any one on Joint Base MDL with a DoD ID that has an innovative idea to make their work centers and career field operate more efficiently. Service members can come in after obtaining authorization to utilize the resources available in the lab.
“All you need is a good idea,” said Master Sgt. Scott Jacobs, 305th Air Mobility Wing process manager. “There will be someone at this lab that could push that idea through for you. This is a great place for networking, so if you’ve got a great idea but you don’t know how to get it across, there could be someone here that could help you out and if not, we will find someone.”
The innovation lab features a projection area where classes and demonstrations can be held. The walls are painted with white-board paint, so that ideas can be drawn on any wall. The lab has many capabilities such as four 3D printers for plastic, nylon and kevlar; app building; software developing; a sewing machine; soldering; and digital electronic stations. Robotics and drone stations are also being developed.
“Airmen will be potentially coming up with ideas [with] the technology that they can explore when they come inside here,” said Breeden. “We want to create a culture of innovation so we want everybody to feel that they have a part and now everybody has access.”
According to officials with continuous process improvement, the idea is to get young service members into the lab to make their great ideas a reality, by implementing the inventions right here on Joint Base MDL and within their own units.
“I hope that word spreads and that people get out here and use [the lab], so that we actually get some tangible items that come from it to improve Air Force life.” said Jacobs.