High Tech : Featured Stories

When it opened in 2005, Lorain County Community College's Fab Lab (think fabrication) was the second such facility in the country. The other was at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Today, students and community residents alike are making use of its collection of machines that can be used to "make just about anything with features bigger than those of a computer chip." hiVelocity takes you behind the scenes.

Four years ago, a grand plan was rolled out for the "315 Research and Technology Corridor," one that envisioned coordinated, concentrated development of high-tech industry in an area roughly along Columbus's I-315. Since then, development has taken another course -- one that shows that the vision, if not the original game plan, is still alive.

While the image of farmer Brown milking a cow from a stool may linger in the imagination, old Bessie today is more likely to make her way through a sophisticated milking parlor wearing an electronic collar -- not a bell. And while the image of farmer Brown may be one of a humble man in overalls, his world today is one of college degrees, self-steering combines, and use of Twitter and Facebook as a way to connect with other farmers and a hungry population.

Ever wonder how an airplane propeller is made? hiVelocity traveled to Piqua to get a first-hand look. Our host was Hartzell Propeller (see our Dec. 17 story), which made its first blade in 1917. By the way, the company says Piqua's a great place to do business. 

Ohio is at the forefront of a new economy, creating new ideas, innovative businesses and new jobs needed for the 21st century. It's an important story. Now, hiVelocity is here to tell it.