DETROIT, May 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Toyota
Motor North America (TMNA) and the Michigan Science Center (MiSci)
unveiled the new Toyota 4D Engineering Theater (TET). The theater
is designed to inspire the next generation of science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) learning. Through exciting programs and
engaging films, the TET will showcase the fun and dynamic world of
STEM and provide a resource for future generations of STEM
professionals.
"We're thrilled to be a partner with the Michigan Science Center
and help them nurture future innovators," said group vice president
of TMNA Research and Development Jeff Makarewicz. "Toyota is
committed to playing a role in building the future STEM workforce.
Exposing children to engaging STEM experiences like those in the
TET are critical in fostering innovative thinking."
The all-new TET is prominently featured on the lower level of
MiSci. The exterior of the theater features an interactive wall
that allows visitors to engage in unique STEM activities. Once
inside, the TET delivers a unique four-dimensional experience that
engages multiple senses. It houses a state-of-the-art HD projection
system with 3D viewing capabilities and enhanced space and lighting
for a more immersive experience. The TET is the only theater in
Michigan to incorporate "spark"
effects without heat, smoke or pyrotechnics. Additionally, advanced
viewing technology enables MiSci to live stream video footage to
and from virtually anywhere in the world bolstering the facility's
distance learning programs.
"We're focused on empowering and enriching all children and all
communities with STEM," said Dr. Tonya
Matthews, Michigan Science Center president and CEO. "Our
partnership with Toyota, and the TET, with its new technology, will
help reach communities across Michigan and build a legacy and inspiration of
STEM education for students, schools, and families."
Toyota has made Michigan its
hub for North American automotive research and development. Through
its Ann Arbor-based, state-of-art
product development facility, the company has access to a talent
pool of experienced engineers. "Because of places like the Michigan
Science Center, there will be a good number of students who are
inspired to go into science, inspired to think to the future and do
great things," said Detroit
native, Chris Reynolds, executive
vice president of Corporate Resources, chief diversity officer
& managing officer at Toyota Motor Corporation.
The theater's public grand opening is Saturday, May 27 to celebrate, MiSci is offering
free general admission and TET tickets for the entire weekend to
the world debut of the National Geographic film "Extreme Weather
4D," exclusively produced for MiSci. The film is an interactive
experience that transports visitors as they discover the dynamic
and complex forces shaping our planet - and the surprising
connections that help us understand and adapt to our ever-changing
weather. Pre-registration is required and can be found at
Mi-Sci.org.
"We are excited to open our doors and allow the community to
experience this one-of-a-kind experience for free and want to thank
Toyota for their continued support," added Matthews.
About the Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science
Center inspires nearly 300,000 curious minds of all ages every year
through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)
discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across the state of Michigan. As the STEM hub of the state, we
focus on developing and introducing expanded education programs,
exhibits, and initiatives that enable us to empower and enrich all
children and all communities with STEM. Through our Traveling
Science Program and distance learning initiative, we are expanding
beyond our Detroit-based facility,
with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With Toyota's 4D Engineering
Theater, live stage shows, Michigan's only IMAX® Dome Theatre, a
Planetarium, lab activities, 250+ hands-on exhibits, and more,
there are dozens of ways to customize your MiSci visit. The
Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and
does not receive support from the city of Detroit or the state of
Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit
the website, Mi-Sci.org.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S.
and North America for 60 years,
and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility
through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota
has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed
to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33
million cars and trucks in North
America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the
U.S.) and directly employ more than 46,000 people (more than 36,000
in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly
1,500 in the U.S.) sold almost 2.7 million cars and trucks (2.45
million in the U.S.) in 2016 – and about 85 percent of all Toyota
vehicles sold over the past 15 years are still on the road
today.
Toyota Motor North America Research & Development (TMNA
R&D) aims to redefine next-generation cars as not simply a form
of transportation, but as a fully connected vehicle. In fact,
Toyota is the leader in automotive patents, including autonomous
vehicle patents (over 2,000). Centered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Toyota puts the brightest
thinkers from all across America together to focus on letting
people live more safely and comfortably. Globally, Toyota spends
approximately $1 million per hour on
R&D to ensure that Toyota rapidly and continuously develops
cutting-edge, high-quality, and appealing vehicles.
To date, Toyota has contributed more than $900 million to American nonprofit groups.
For more information about Toyota's contributions in the U.S.,
visit http://www.toyota.com/about
Media
Contact:
|
|
Shannon
Mackie
|
Praveena
Ramaswami
|
Michigan Science
Center
|
Toyota Motor
North America
|
313.577.8400, ext.
437
|
734-695-5738
|
Shannon.Mackie@Mi-Sci.org
|
praveena.ramaswami@toyota.com
|
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America