CHICAGO, March 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) announces the opening of Wired to Wear, the first-ever exhibit dedicated to the future of wearable technology. The 8,000 square foot exhibit brings together cutting-edge technologies from industry pioneers and creative visionaries, showcasing how our clothing is becoming infused with tools to make us stronger, smarter and healthier.

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry Wired to Wear Exhibit

"Wearable technology has been steadily gaining momentum for years and is on the cusp of taking hold in mainstream society. We believe this is the absolute right time to show people the innovation underway and help our guests understand why their closet will look radically different in only a few years," said David Mosena, president and chief executive officer, MSI. "We are thrilled to open Wired to Wear and are confident that the experience will redefine how people think about wearable technology and what it can become."

Wired to Wear features items from brands, designers, engineers and artists across 15 countries, bringing the world's most innovative technologies to MSI, including:

  • Global brands such as Dainese, Google, Intel, Microsoft, NASA and Gravity Industries;
  • Renowned universities and laboratories including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University and Northwestern University;
  • Celebrated artists and designers that include Anouk Wipprecht, Behnaz Farahi, Melissa Coleman, Suzi Webster, Jordan Reeves, Lisa Lang, and Amy Winters, Ph.D.

Experiencing the Future
True to MSI's hands-on approach to science, Wired to Wear is purpose-designed to let guests touch, feel and even try on these technologies:

  • SpiderSense Vest: Created by Chicago-based entrepreneur Victor Mateevitsi, Ph.D., and built by technological futurist firm Quantum XPR, guests will put on a vest that provides haptic feedback as they navigate through an obstacle.
  • Iridescence: Created by renowned designer and technologist Behnaz Farahi, this collar's quills use hundreds of actuators and vision-activated technology to follow your gaze and react with life-like behavior. For example, when an angry face is detected, the collar expresses anxiety with fast jittery movements.
  • Smart Tattoo: Placed on mannequin arms, the conductive tattoos, designed by Microsoft, turn the body into an interface. Guests will be able to swipe the tattoo to create notes on an instrument, and even control lighting.
  • Infinite Flow: Created as a collaborative interactive installation between Jacquard by Google team and Japanese creative firm WOW, guests direct Google Jacquard fabric using the interactive cloth as an interface to control a series of fans and lights that allow it to float gracefully.

"Wired to Wear will bring some of the most cutting-edge innovation to our community and drive more exploration of STEM career opportunities," said Daniela O'Leary-Gill, Executive Vice President and U.S. Chief Operating Officer, BMO Financial Corp. and MSI board member. "BMO embraces the spirit of innovation and proudly champions MSI's quest to educate and inspire people of all ages."

Looking into the Future
Throughout Wired to Wear, guests will see examples of how wearable technology is fueling innovation to revolutionize the benefits clothing can and will provide, including:

  • Gravity Industries' Jet Suit, which is comprised of five miniature jet engines and an exoskeleton, which can travel more than 30 miles per hour and ascend to 12,000 feet
  • Nike's self-lacing shoes from Back to the Future Part II, on loan from the collection of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, along with Nike's HyperAdapt 1.0 and the recently announced Nike Adapt BB shoes
  • Seismic Powered Clothing™, a lightweight alternative exoskeleton providing extra strength for standing and sitting to help reduce injury and preserve mobility 
  • Dainese D-Air Racing Suit monitors the wearer's position 1,000 times per second to determine if embedded airbags need to instantaneously inflate to protect the wearer from injury
  • Jacquard™ by Google is a technology platform that will allow any personal effect to have interactivity and connectivity, connecting you to the most important things in your life anytime, anywhere and on-the-go straight from the things you love and use everyday. Learn how the first product developed with this platform, Levi's® Commuter™
    Trucker Jacket with Jacquard, works.

Designing the Future
 As an institution dedicated to hands-on learning, MSI is simultaneously launching Makers United, a complementary experience where guests will assemble their own wearable product. In Makers United, sponsored by ArcelorMittal, guests get hands-on with circuit building and fabricated materials to make their own glowing circuit band and connect with the maker experience. Guests will learn about the ever-growing maker movement, a culture that encourages curiosity, creative thinking and hands-on building.

Wired to Wear is presented by BMO and will be at MSI through May 2020. Makers United is sponsored by ArcelorMittal and will run through January 5, 2020. These experiences are not included in Museum Entry and require additional timed-entry tickets, $12 for adults and seniors, and $9 for children ages 3-11.

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. From groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that can't be found anywhere else, to hands-on opportunities that make you the scientist—a visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Welcome to Science Initiative, the Museum offers a variety of student, teacher and family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to MSI's larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open 9:30–4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Extended hours, until 5:30 p.m., are offered during peak periods. The Museum is grateful for the support of its donors and guests, who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.

For full press kit, hi-res images, video and b-roll please click here.

About BMO Harris Bank
BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through nearly 600 branches and fee-free access to over 40,000 ATMs across the United States. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the United States. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, visit the company fact sheet. Accounts are subject to  approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a highly diversified financial services provider with total assets of CDN$807 billion (as of January 31, 2019), and more than 45,000 employees.

Contacts:
 Amy Patti, amy.patti@msichicago.org, (773) 947-6005
Isabel Morales, isabel.morales@msichicago.org, (773) 947-6003

 

MSI (PRNewsfoto/Museum of Science and Industry)

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