When student research assistants need some guidance when doing some mechanical assembly on a project, Cam McCrackin is there to lend some expertise.

Cam, technologist for Niagara College’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program, has taken on a project lead role for students on several past ventures, including a robotics build and competition done in conjunction with local organization NEERD (Niagara Electronics. Re-use and Recycling Depot).

The competition saw two groups of college students build small, remote-controlled robots, which took place in a series of head-to-head games, such as racing and navigating obstacle courses.

Plans are in the works for a second project with NEERD that would see students work to build the best computer possible out of scrap parts.

Cam’s vast experience in electrical and mechanical applications make him a valuable player on the Niagara Research team. He built B1N1, a remote controlled droid robot that can often be found roaming the halls of the Niagara Technology Centre.

He is a member of the Niagara Region Droid Builders club and wants its members to have a meeting at the Technology Centre and get a chance to utilize the mechanical and engineering facilities located there.