On April 23, 2026, UTRS’s Advanced Manufacturing Division (UTRS AM) welcomed the next generation of makers and problem-solvers to its Robbinsville, New Jersey manufacturing facility for this year’s Take Your Child to Work Day. Embracing the national theme, The Future Is at Work, the day was designed to provide a hands-on look at how technology and engineering come together to create the essential tools and components of tomorrow.
The young visitors were given an immersive tour of the shop floor, where they met with the shop supervisor and several UTRS CNC machinists to learn about the precision required in modern manufacturing. A memorable part of the morning was a live demonstration of our milling machines. The children were more than just observers; they were invited to participate in the manufacturing process. Under close supervision, each of the children had the opportunity to press the run buttons on the machines to begin the milling of personalized aluminum cubes. These cubes, which featured a smiley face and each child’s name, served as a unique, custom-made souvenir of their visit.
The tour continued with a look at cutting-edge measuring technology and large-scale manufacturing. A UTRS machinist demonstrated how our largest milling machine is capable of producing substantial components and repairing large parts, utilizing a custom crane system to load and unload parts into the lathe to be machined.
Another highlight of the day was learning about additive manufacturing. Children observed a demonstration of how 3D printers are used to produce functional items. While the printing process itself takes hours, children were shown how the machines work and were able to take home specially designed 3D printed screw clamps, providing a tangible reminder of how digital manufacturing tools can create useful, everyday objects.
Beyond the machines, the day was about connection – between parents and children, and between today’s workforce and tomorrow’s potential engineers, technologists, and problem-solvers. UTRS staff shared their knowledge in an age-appropriate way, helping make the experience both educational and memorable.