Mobility, speed, precision and sustainability - who needs it? Athletes and engineers. Find out how science and technology will deliver an excellent performance at the Games this summer and in future at the Science Museum, London.
Throughout the summer, the Science Museum has four small exhibits dedicated to looking at the science and technology behind the Games.
Press launch 9.30 -11am Thursday 19 July at Science Museum
Interview exhibitors and supporters
RSVP to
Laura.Singleton@sciencemuseum.org.uk
or Tel: 0207 942 4364 by Wednesday 18 July.
The four exhibits include:-
Is simple design a fast track to a sustainable future?
The London Velodrome is one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings of its kind. The internal temperature is tightly regulated without any active heating or cooling and the roof collects rainwater to be used in the toilets and gardens. Plus, to reduce the need for electric lights – the roof has a series of long windows to allow natural light in. Supported by SITA Trust.
Will wearable sensors advance sports training?
How do scientists monitor athletes at breakneck speed? Scientists at Imperial College created small, smart sensors that give the low-down on health and performance without big bulky kit. Supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Will phones replace cash and cards?
Turn your phone in to a ‘mobile wallet’. Find out more about the technology that will let you ditch cash and cards and just carry your phone. As well as buying things, you can use your phone to send money to people and transfer funds between your accounts. You can track your payments, and see where your money is going. The technology will be used in the Olympic Village. Supported by VISA.
How can new technology improve mobility?
Whether it’s for a casual stroll or a super-fast sprint, the design of a prosthetic leg will need to match its function. Two prosthetic legs, the Genium Bionic Prosthetic System and the running blade, improve mobility for different uses and are both on show. The Genium uses innovative technology to create more natural movement. Controlled by sensors and computer processors, it closely mimics the human leg when standing and walking. The running blade has a single use: athletics. You run on the balls of your feet, so the blade has no heel. It’s curved shape stores and releases the athlete’s energy. Both are made from carbon fibre that can withstand the pressure of everyday use and the intense demands of sport. Supported by Ottobock.
Where: Antenna Science News gallery, ground floor Wellcome Wing
Cost: Free
Plus, in addition to the four exhibits, the Science Museum has a series of Live events.
Super Speedy Sprint, 14-17 Aug, 11am - 4pm
Elite athletes are lucky enough to have their running shoes made especially for them. Will this technology take the leap to the high street? Take part in real scientific experiments with scientists from Loughborough University to see what difference shoes can make in your performance.
Sports Sense, 21-23 Aug, 11am – 4pm
How do scientists monitor athletes at breakneck speed without slowing them down? Scientists at Imperial College created small, smart sensors that give the low-down on health and performance without big bulky kit. See their sensors in action and meet the minds behind them.
Making Strides – date tbc
How do you fix up a Paralympian’s prosthetic or high-performance wheel chair? Meet the engineers from Ottobock who run the Games workshop. Check out their high tech tools and get close up to running blades.
Salsa Dancing Scientists, 7-9 Aug, 11am – 4pm
Is dancing really a good form of exercise? Come and find out with our Salsa dancing scientist from Kingston University. Find out how they measure energy levels, have a go at their interactive dance video and see expert dancers in action.
Where: Live Events - Antenna Gallery, FREE - ground floor Wellcome Wing
Cost: Free
Science Museum Visitor Information:
Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD.
Summer opening hours
Every day Monday – Sunday till 19.00.
Special late opening 28 July – 5 August, open until 22.00.
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk / 0870 870 4868
Twitter – @sciencemuseum Facebook – www.facebook.com/sciencemuseumlondon
Ends
For further information please contact, Science Museum Press Office – Laura.Singleton@sciencemuseum.org.uk or Tel: 0207 942 4364 @LauraSingleton3
Notes to Editors
Science Museum
The Science Museum’s collections form an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical change from the past. Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise.
