FMAAA to host IoT session this month

FORT MADISON - The FMAAA Art Center is once again pleased to host a STEAM-related class during our student centric month of January.
Arduino Robotics: IoT Enabled Technology will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 1 pm to 4 pm. A nominal registration fee of $15 member / $20 nonmember of the FMAAA is being charged to help cover some of the equipment costs and travel for the young man who will be leading these sessions.
This workshop is for grades 9 and up with students focusing on developing small-scale Arduino-based technology solutions using IoT and automation.

IoT stands for the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things is a network of devices connected to the internet. Almost everything electronic is IoT such as a cellphone, computer, or Smart TVs. Arduino is the most common company that makes microcontrollers that can be used for different kinds of automation, according to Vaibhav Gandikota, a student himself who is offering this peer-to-peer learning program for others. Automation occurs when a machine performs a task without the help of humans. Washing machines going through a cycle and robots are examples of automation. During the workshop, students create automated devices like the robotics used in industry. Additionally, they will be featured on a US-led STEM initiative website showcasing rural tech empowerment.

Vaibhav Gandikota is a 17-year-old Pleasant Valley High School student from Bettendorf, Iowa. Bringing this opportunity to other students in Iowa has been his inspiration. Vaibhav learned his skill set after completing a course at Northwestern University. He decided to share these skills with others during a recent visit to India, where students are excited by technology-based learning but do not always have access. He sees parallels with this lack of opportunity for those who live in rural or underserved areas here in the United States. Vaibhav Gandikota states, “The goal of this project is to bring technology awareness to students lacking access to bridge the technology gap.”  The workshop he has designed brings technology awareness and explores applications through microcontrollers, sensors, and automation. Through hands-on experimentation and problem-solving, the project demonstrates how accessible technology can be. Vaibhav hopes having access to hands-on workshops will inspire possible career paths for others.

The FMAAA Art Center recognizes the role that creativity, imagination, and design play in underpinning technological innovation and development. We are committed to providing STEAM classes (STEM + Art) when the opportunity arises and hosted several sessions by Samuel McCullum of STEAM on Wheels from the Quad Cities, including 3D printing, Stop Animation and Drone video editing. Samuel, during a meeting with Vaibhav, placed a call to determine our interest. Luckily, the FMAAA was able to be a site for this workshop during January, a month that the FMAAA Art Center generally devotes to youth.

Advance Registration is required at Fortmadisonart.com if you have any questions, please contact the FMAAA Art Center at 319-372-3996.