Hands-On Education Gets Boost From NI miniSystems

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- National Instruments (NASDAQ: NATI) today introduced NI miniSystems. These miniaturized versions of real-world systems, such as roll-chassis dynamometers and electrical smart grids, are developed in collaboration with leading educational suppliers to bring instant relevance to math and science theory as students begin to pursue engineering degrees.

Lab platforms have historically been too inaccessible for widespread use in a typical classroom and are often disconnected from the professional tools that are actually used in research and industry. Using the integrated hardware and software approach of graphical system design, NI miniSystems eliminate the cost, time and space barriers that limit educators' abilities to overcome theory-only education by engaging students through hands-on experimentation. NI miniSystems give first-year university or college students a tangible connection between their studies and their future jobs.

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"We've seen how the graphical system design approach helps scientists and engineers be more innovative by giving them a unified language and set of tools," said Dave Wilson, director of academic programs at National Instruments. "We're extending this approach into our education platform so that all students, regardless of who they are or where they come from, can access the innovations of great scientists, engineers and educators from around the globe." 

Available NI miniSystems
myQuake
myVTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing)
myTemp
myGrid

Learn more about NI miniSystems with these additional resources:
Overview: ni.com/minisystems
Video: Engineering Concepts Come to Life With NI miniSystems

Click to Tweet: NI miniSystems from @NIGlobal give #engineering students and educators affordable hands-on experimentation #STEM http://bit.ly/PmHuJD

About National Instruments
Since 1976, National Instruments (www.ni.com) has equipped engineers and scientists with tools that accelerate productivity, innovation and discovery. NI's graphical system design approach to engineering provides an integrated software and hardware platform that speeds the development of any system needing measurement and control. The company's long-term vision and focus on improving society through its technology supports the success of its customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders.

LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI and ni.com are trademarks of National Instruments. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

Editor Contact:     Sarah Beck, (512) 683-5126

SOURCE National Instruments