CONTACT: Lisa Resnik
Chief External Affairs Officer
Kentucky Science Center
502-560-7159
[email protected]

Human + Engineering = Zero Impossibilities: Kentucky Science Center to Host: Human Plus: Real Lives + Real Engineering

The Exhibition is Headed for Kentucky Science Center from May 19th to September 3rd

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – LOUISVILLE AND SURROUNDING AREAS – When cutting edge science and engineering join forces to assist the human body, the possibilities for improving day-to-day lives are endless! Human Plus: Real Lives + Real Engineering will make its way to Kentucky Science Center on May 19th, and will be on display through September 3rd. June 29th and 30th, special programming around the exhibition will be provided by area partners.

The exhibition offers guests of all ages the chance to explore and create a range of low- and high-tech tools that extend the abilities of the human body. Funded by the National Science Foundation, Human Plus: Real Lives + Real Engineering showcases compelling stories from a unique field of engineering that not only helps people carry out their day-to-day routines, but also helps them realize lifelong dreams.

“It is no longer a conversation about overcoming deficiency…It’s a conversation about potential.” – Aimee Mullins, Paralympic champion, actor, model, inspirational speaker and double amputee.

“Kentucky Science Center’s third floor has long been focused on health and the human body” said Kentucky Science Center Chief Programs Officer, Kim Hunter. “Now that we’re exploring the ways we can reimagine our third floor with new perspectives, bringing in an exhibition from a world class facility was a very exciting prospect to us.”

Every Body Plays
Throughout the exhibit, guests will be able get their hands on a broad range of actual ability-enhancing tools. Exhibits include a simulated downhill mono-ski course; a DJ station built out of a wheel chair and controlled by the wheels; a touch panel that translates music into vibrations guests can feel; a hands-free computer mouse, controlled through slight movements of the head, that allows the guest to type messages, edit photos or watch videos; and a neuroprosthetic limb that can be controlled by a person’s thoughts! Guests can even re-design themselves in a full body simulation and test body enhancement technologies that supersize their strength, showcasing the new horizon of engineering that was once the stuff of science fiction.

Ask, Imagine, Create
The engineering process always begins by asking the user what he or she wants to achieve. The exhibition poses design challenges from real-life users, such as “can you make a tool to help a wheelchair user feed a pet? Or a tool that helps the visually impaired detect hard-to-detect obstacles? How about a canoe that someone can paddle without using arms?” After viewing some of the amazing technology developed by today’s engineers, guests will be able to put their own engineering skills to the test as they build and try out their own inventions.

Compelling Stories and Videos
From busy moms to engineers, adventurers to dance performers; people who use these new technologies – as well as the innovators themselves – share their stories through videos as well as the real life tools they use every day. Whether about caring for three children, or reaching the summit of Mt. Everest; these stories captivate listeners.

Human Plus opens May 19th and closes September 3rd. Admission to the exhibit is included in admission to Kentucky Science Center: $13 for adults 13 and over; or $11 for children ages 2-12. Members of Kentucky Science Center or partnering ASTC organizations get in free. Visit KYScienceCenter.org for more information.

The Exhibition was created by the New York Hall of Science in partnership with OMSI and the Quality of Life Technology Center with funding from the National Science Foundation.

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About Kentucky Science Center (KYScienceCenter.org)
Kentucky Science Center is a nonprofit educational institution that encourages people of all ages to do science in engaging, educational and entertaining ways to inspire a lifetime of learning. Designated the “State Science Center of Kentucky” by the 2002 Kentucky General Assembly, Kentucky Science Center features interactive exhibits and engaging programs for children, families and adults. Kentucky Science Center is committed to growing a scientifically literate community that investigates, questions, and challenges.

About Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) (omsi.edu)
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit www.omsi.edu.

About New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) (nysci.org)
Built initially as a pavilion for the 1964 World’s Fair, the New York Hall of Science is now New York City’s hands-on science and technology center. Since 1986, NYSCI has served over seven million children, parents and teachers. NYSCI’s mission is to convey the excitement and understanding of science and technology to children, families, teachers and others by galvanizing their curiosity and offering them creative, participatory ways to learn. NYSCI features the largest collection of hands-on science exhibits in New York City. Visitors of all ages can explore over 450 interactive exhibits.

About Quality of Life Technology Center (www.cmu.edu/qolt/)
Run by Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh; The Quality of Life Technology (QoLT) Center is a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center focused on the development of intelligent systems that improve quality of life for everyone while enabling older adults and people with disabilities. The QoLT Center addresses the needs and activities of everyday living by prototyping personal and assistive robots, cognitive and behavioral virtual coaches, safe mobility and driver assistance technologies, and human health and wellness monitoring, awareness and assistance solutions for home or community. QoLT Research emphasizes human-system interaction with attention to social, clinical and policy factors for consumer deployment and user adoption. In addition to R&D, the Center offers educational programs, commercialization initiatives and unique partnership opportunities.