The new lab will put the university "at the leading edge of digital fabrication", providing a major extension of the university's existing architecture workshops, including two new purpose-built spaces for advanced digital making facilities, UoW claims.

The big idea is that it will teach students how to digitally fabricate chips using the latest flexible computer-controlled tools.

A university spokesman said that the new state-of-the-art facilities will complement the suite of 3D printers and laser cutters in the university's Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment and add a wide selection of digital equipment.

"Amongst the processes taught will be ABS and plaster 3D printing, CNC knife cutting, large scale CNC routing, CNC metal milling and robot fabrication,"

"The collection of robots uniquely includes an industrial robot arm running on a five-metre rail across a window visible from Marylebone Road."