SparkX Cell open house showcases cutting-edge technology

The SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center at Joint Base Andrews, Md., works with Tesseract, an Air Force maintenance-run program, to develop life-like 3-D models such as this vertebrae part to help medical students in the Air Force train for procedures and understand the human body. The SparkX Cell Center’s Phase Two Open House on Nov. 13, 2020, was intended to showcase the newly added equipment and their capabilities, build networks with different teams and businesses across the National Capital Region, and promote a growth mindset. (U.S. Air Force Photo by A1C Brandt Self)

Presenters at the SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center at Joint Base Andrews, Md., demonstrate their new use of Augmented Reality to attendees. The AR can be paired with environmental scans to provide accurate maps of large areas. The purpose of the SparkX Cell Center’s Phase Two Open House on Nov. 13, 2020, was to demonstrate their newly added equipment and capabilities. (U.S. Air Force Photo by A1C Brandt Self)

The SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center at JBA, Md. presents one of their remote-controlled robots. Robots can be used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel to disarm explosive devices without endangering service members. This robot was showcased during the SparkX Cell Center’s Phase Two Open House on Nov. 13, 2020. (U.S. Air Force Photo by A1C Brandt Self)

The SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center demonstrates the use of lasers to make 2-D designs for patches and awards across the Air Force. The laser works by engraving the symbol backwards, then flipping the material over. The SparkX Cell Center’s Phase Two Open House on Nov. 13, 2020, at JBA, Md., showcased their newly added equipment and capabilities. (U.S. Air Force Photo by A1C Brandt Self)

Col. Tyler Schaff, 316th Wing and JBA commander, visits the SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center’s Phase Two Open House on Nov. 13, 2020, to connect with Airmen in the SparkX Cell and see how their innovation is improving the Air Force mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force Photo by A1C Brandt Self)

The SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center at Joint Base Andrews, Md., uses a combination of 3-D printing and laser engraving to make complex figures such as face shields for dental workers, awards, and tools for aircraft. The SparkX Cell Center’s Phase Two Open House on Nov. 13, 2020, showcased their newly added capabilities and equipment. (U.S. Air Force Photo by A1C Brandt Self)

Col. Tyler Schaff, 316th Wing and Joint Base Andrews commander, and Mr. Mike Madsen (right), director of strategic engagement for the Defense Department’s Defense Innovation Unit, speak with a lab instructor at the SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center about the importance of 3-D printing and its capabilities in the Air Force, from medical equipment to tools on the flight line. The SparkX Cell Center’s Phase Two Open House on Nov. 13, 2020, was intended to promote a growth-oriented, innovative mindset amongst Airmen and showcase the newly added equipment and their capabilities across the National Capital Region. (U.S. Air Force Photo by A1C Brandt Self)

Maj. Vincent Giacomino, chief innovative officer at the SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center, welcomes visitors to the Joint Base Andrews, Md. SparkX Cell Center’s Phase Two Open House, on Nov. 13, 2020. The event was intended to build networks with different teams and businesses across the National Capital Region, and promote a growth mindset. (U.S. Air Force Photo by A1C Brandt Self)

Mr. Mike Madsen, director of strategic engagement for the Defense Department’s Defense Innovation Unit, speaks about innovation, trajectory and the relationship with the Department of Defense during the SparkX Cell Center’s Phase Two Open House at JBA, Md., on Nov. 13, 2020. Mr. Madsen was invited to speak at the SparkX Cell Innovation and Idea Center event to inform Air Force leaders about the importance of leadership. (U.S. Air Force Photo by A1C Brandt Self)