What the ATL Tinkering Lab actually is

An ATL is not a subject lab — it is an ideation-to-prototype workspace where students identify a real community problem and build a working solution using 3D printers, electronics, robotics and IoT kits. Government schools, aided schools and eligible private/trust institutions can apply for the Atal Innovation Mission grant; DUET STEM manages the full cycle — proposal support, procurement-compliant equipment, commissioning, mentor training and annual utilisation reporting.

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01.
AIM-compliant equipment list

Every item on the standard ATL equipment list is sourced and installed to specification, ready for AIM audits.

02.
Problem-first pedagogy

Students start from a local problem statement, not a pre-boxed kit activity — the lab is intentionally open-ended.

03.
Mentor of Change support

Training for the school's nominated in-charge to independently run and report on the lab.

04.
Compliance & utilisation reporting

Annual usage logs, asset registers and grant utilisation certificates prepared on the school's behalf.

Lab Setup & Equipment

Spec sheet: what gets installed

Every component below ships, is commissioned on-site, and comes with a matching maintenance line item — nothing here is a "coming soon" placeholder.

DUET STEM · ATL Tinkering LabRev. 2026
ComponentSpecificationQuantity
3D Printer + filament stationFDM printers with a stocked filament library2 printers per lab
Laser-safe cutting/engraving toolFor prototyping flat components and enclosures1 per lab
Electronics & microcontroller kitsSensor + actuator kits for IoT and robotics builds1 kit per 2 students
Hand & power tool kitTinkering-safe tools for model assembly1 set per 6 students
Robotics construction setsWheeled and articulated robot-building kits1 set per 4 students
Computers with CAD softwareFor 3D modelling before printing1 per 2 students
Safety & storage infrastructurePPE, fire safety kit, tool-tracking pegboards1 set per lab
Curriculum & Grade Roadmap

A continuous pathway, not one-off

Modules build on each other year over year so a student's grade-10 session assumes and extends what they built in grade-6, rather than repeating fundamentals.

Grade 6

Orientation

Focus modules

Tinkering mindset Safe tool use First 3D print
Outcome: Confidence with tools

Grade 7

Ideate

Focus modules

Problem-mapping in the local community Empathy mapping
Outcome: Human-centred design

Grade 8

Prototype

Focus modules

CAD modelling 3D printing iteration Basic electronics
Outcome: Systems thinking, data-to-decision logic

Grade 9

Integrate

Focus modules

IoT sensors + robotics into the working prototype
Outcome: Systems integration

Grade 10

Present

Focus modules

Pitch-ready prototype Documentation ATL Marathon entry
Outcome: Communication & pitching
Rollout Journey

How a lab goes from empty room to running programme

01

Grant / Proposal Support

Documentation support for AIM application or renewal

Week 1–3
02

Equipment Commissioning

Procurement-compliant install with asset tagging

Week 4–6
03

Mentor of Change Training

In-depth training for the nominated staff in-charge

Week 7
04

Student Innovation Cycles

Rolling problem-to-prototype cycles through the year

Term 1-3
05

ATL Marathon / Showcase

Preparation and entry support for national ATL events

Annual
Skills & Outcomes

What students walk away able to do

Design Thinking
CAD Modelling
3D Printing
IoT Integration
Problem Framing
Rapid Prototyping
Pitching
Grant Reporting
Live practicals

Inside the Lab

Why DUET STEM

How this compares against the market

A feature-level look at how a ATL Tinkering Lab from DUET STEM stacks up against the offerings of STEMpedia, STEMROBO, Avishkaar and Robocraze, based on each provider's own published lab specifications.

Feature DUET STEM STEMpedia STEMROBO Avishkaar Robocraze
Full AIM-compliant equipment sourcing ✓ Full ✓ Full ✓ Full ◐ Partial — Limited
Grant proposal & renewal documentation help ✓ Full ✓ Full ◐ Partial — Limited — Limited
Mentor of Change certified training ✓ Full ✓ Full ✓ Full — Limited — Limited
Annual utilisation & compliance reporting ✓ Full ◐ Partial ◐ Partial — Limited — Limited
ATL Marathon coaching support ✓ Full ✓ Full ✓ Full — Limited — Limited
Multi-year onsite maintenance ✓ Full ◐ Partial ◐ Partial ◐ Partial ◐ Partial
Dedicated Pedagogical Support

Core Equipment & Lab Package Components

Package P1: Electronics, Microcontrollers & Sensor Development

High-grade microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, NodeMCU, ESP32) Comprehensive sensor packages (Ultrasonic, IR, Temp, Humidity, etc.) Actuators, DC motors, Servo motors, Stepper motors & Relay modules Prototyping breadboards, jumper wires, components & power supplies

Package P2: 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping & CAD Tools

High-precision 3D Printers (FDM Technology) Premium PLA/ABS filament spools in varied colors 3D Pens with refill filaments for spatial prototyping Easy-to-learn CAD/CAM modeling software

Package P3: Mechanical & Hand Tools Safety Workstation

Heavy-duty workbench & storage cabinets Precision hand tools & soldering stations Multimeter, drill machines & glue guns Complete safety gear (goggles, gloves, fire extinguishers, first-aid)

Package P4: Advanced Tech — AI, IoT, Robotics & Drone Kits

Modular DIY Robotics Kits with obstacle avoidance Drone development kits with flight controllers Edge AI development boards IoT gateways for smart automation projects
Impact & Scope

Why Implement an ATL Lab

Key Benefits for Educational Institutions

  • Elevate School Reputation
  • CBSE/ICSE/State Board Compliance
  • Enhanced Student Engagement
  • Competition & Hackathon Readiness

Applications of the ATL Tinkering Lab

  • Hands-On STEM Learning
  • Rapid Prototyping & Invention
  • Community Problem Solving
  • ATL Marathon & Science Fair Projects

Target Educational Segments

  • Middle Schools (Grades 6–8)
  • High Schools & Senior Secondary (Grades 9–12)
  • Colleges & Polytechnic Institutes
CSR Projects & Government Schools

Customization, Layout & Ergonomic Space Planning

DUET STEM understands that every institution has unique space and layout constraints. We provide tailored lab layout planning optimized for a minimum 1,000 sq. ft. area, featuring modular workstations, organized tool storage racks, prominent ATL branding, safety signage, and dedicated display zones for student projects.

Installation, Teacher Training & Handholding

  • Professional On-Site Installation
  • Master Teacher Training Program
  • Structured STEM Curriculum

Maintenance, Warranty & Ongoing Support

  • 1-Year Comprehensive Warranty
  • Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC)
  • Regular Student Workshops

Ready to see a ATL Tinkering Lab inside your school?

We'll walk your campus, map a grade-wise rollout, and send back a proposal with pricing, timeline and a curriculum sample — usually within five working days.

Transforming Education Through Science & Technology

Transforming classrooms into innovation hubs where imagination meets technology and learning becomes an adventure.