University of Central Florida students who engineered a 3-D printed arm for a 6-year-old and then gave it to him will attempt to break the Guinness world record for continuous high-fives on Friday, Feb. 27.<\/p>\n
Microsoft OneNote is organizing the event as part of a campaign called The Collective Project. \u00a0Friday\u2019s high-five chain, along with other on-campus events throughout the week, are raising awareness of how students can come together using technology to rally around a cause and make a difference in the world. The chain of high-fives needs about 1,700 people to break the record. It will kick off with Albert Manero, the student leader of Limbitless Solutions. The first recipient of an arm, 6-year-old Alex Pring, is scheduled to end the chain. \u00a0The activity begins at noon at Memory Mall on the main campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all about changing the world,\u201d Manero said. \u201cWe want to be able to give a limb to every child who needs it and empower others to be a part of the effort.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s that kind of attitude that caught Microsoft\u2019s attention. The company launched its Collective Project campaign to harness the power of students to set aside their individual goals and agenda in favor of something bigger that benefits many. #UCFChangestheWorld<\/p>\n
To see a video about Limbitless Solutions and its work click here.<\/p>\n
Limbitless and Manero exemplified that message. In addition to going for a world record, Microsoft OneNote is also sponsoring a Build-a-Thon on Thursday, Feb. 26. Students from across campus can meet Limbitless team members and construct mechanical hands from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. in Engineering II. No engineering experience is needed.<\/p>\n
Artists, engineers and 3-D designers are invited to join the team at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in Engineering II to help create artistic designs for the arms. Then at noon, everyone is invited to make history and break the world record at the high-five chain.<\/p>\n
Microsoft also installed a 3-D printing farm to show students the power of the technology. It is helping address a variety of global problems from supplying bionic limbs to creating tools aboard the International Space Station.<\/p>\n