MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The state's top high tech companies
will come together to highlight Minnesota innovation as part of the Wonders of
Technology exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair. The exhibit is the result of
efforts by the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), through the Minnesota
High Technology Foundation, to showcase a variety of interactive and
educational displays that highlight technologies from more than 20 Minnesota
companies and organizations.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the premier technology showcase
and will feature the latest high tech developments in the areas of
transportation, education, medical technology, engineering, entertainment and
personal use.
"The Wonders of Technology exhibit has become a State Fair favorite," said
Kate Rubin, President of the MHTA. "As we celebrate its 10th anniversary,
other fairs around the nation are seeking to imitate our success."
The Wonders of Technology exhibit attracts more than 800,000 visitors each
year, making it the largest educational display of technology in the country.
Displays are designed to engage kids and families, to help them understand
Minnesota careers in technology and to encourage the study of math, science
and technology.
"The value of studying math, science and technology cannot be overstated,"
said Rubin. "The Wonders of Technology presents these subjects to children in
an educational and fun way."
This year's exhibitors represent a cross-section of statewide innovation.
Companies included well-known institutions like 3M, IBM, Qwest and Unisys as
well as other leading companies such as Applied CAD/CAM, Inc., MTS Systems,
Orbit Systems and QuestStar Medical.
Skatewave, a Delano, Minnesota based company that builds modular skatepark
systems, will feature multiple ramps and street obstacles with performances by
professional skateboarders, including Andy Macdonald, a three-time number one
ranked skateboarder and eleven-time X Games medalist.
Transportation technology will have a high profile at this year's Wonders
of Technology. Taxi 2000 will demonstrate "SkyWeb Express", a system of
three-passenger vehicles that travels on a network of elevated guideways.
Other transportation exhibits included:
-- An SUV that gets 40 miles to the gallon, uses renewable fuel and meets
California's strict "Ultra Low Emissions" standard.
-- The St. Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium will feature two
innovative, energy efficient vehicles: a 2003 Toyota Prius hybrid gas-
electric sedan, and a Pedalcoupe four-wheeled human powered vehicle.
-- Mobile Entertainment, a newly formed company focused on innovative
technologies, will introduce Segway, the personal transporter device
designed by noted inventor Dean Kamen.
For the second year in a row visitors to the Minnesota State Fair will be
able to check their email at Metropolitan Library Services Agency exhibit.
Last year this exhibit proved to be one of the most popular at the fair.
Other exhibits of interest:
-- Learn more about the "yips", a sudden hand twitching motion that
affects golfers currently being studied by the Mayo Clinic.
-- View the latest in professional 3D modeling software and manipulate the
structure of a Battle Bot at the Applied CAD/CAM exhibit.
-- Protect a house from a computer-generated tsunami wave in a 20-foot
long clear plastic wave tank.
About MHTA
The MHTA accelerates the growth, success and sustainability of Minnesota's
technology-based economy. MHTA members include organizations of every size -
involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production,
application and education in Minnesota. More information on the MHTA can be
found at http://www.mhta.org .
SOURCE Minnesota High Tech Association
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Related links:
http://www.mhta.org
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/144694.html
CONTACT:
Tina Volpe of Minnesota High Tech
Association, +1-952-230-4552, cell, +1-651-341-7681; or Ayme
Zemke of Padilla Speer Beardsley, +1-612-455-1740, cell,
+1-612-859-3253
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