The Smart Zone

Welcome to the Smart Zone – the gateway to next generation technologies.

Be a part of the future of technology in our Smart Zone, a bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation. The area spans over two floors, and houses dedicated workshop space, the latest in digital technology, and high-end computing facilities.

The brand-new £1.3m space is packed with facilities and is the biggest collaboration space on campus, connecting potential with expertise and problems with solutions.

Whether you’re a student, staff, or partner, you can bring your ideas to life using the latest digital and immersive technologies in our unique engineering and maker spaces. No matter what your specialism – whether it be fashion engineering, computing or health – the Smart Zone encourages you to work and learn alongside each other, opening up endless opportunities for the fluid and dynamic use of facilities.

Smart Technology Facilities

Our Technical Services department is home to a wide range of Smart Tech facilities

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The walkthrough

Ground floor

As you enter the Mellor Building on our College Road campus, you’ll be greeted by the dedicated fabrication lab. Where students and partners are constantly working with the latest robotics, sensors and soldering equipment. You’ll also see the inventors of the future working on both small and large-scale projects in dedicated pods, using workbenches, laser cutting and milling tools to create new and innovative products. You’ll also find our state-of-the-art 3D Printing Bureau, where it’s possible to scan, design and manufacture working components.

First floor

Step into a digital world to find a high-spec, large capacity computer room, where new software and hardware is constantly being developed and tested. Part of the Immersive Lounge also includes our green screen studio and VIVE equipped VR arcade that can literally plug real-world objects, and even people, into a virtual environment. Keep one-eye on the skies too, as the first floor contains our dedicated indoor drone space – dedicated to the development of camera and flight technology. 

Specialist Laser Cutting

Get access to our Trotec Speedy 400 laser cutter and practice with technology used for industrial manufacturing applications.

Visualisation and Simulation Area

This space comprises of a studio space for photogrammetry, indoor drone flying, and a variety of 3D scanners including the Faro S 70 and Mech Scan Macro


Contacts us

The Smart Zone
Mellor Building 
College Road 
Stoke on Trent 
ST4 2DE  

Telephone: 01782 294400
Email: 3Dfactory@staffs.ac.uk

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021