2018-2019-STEAM-Superheroes - Flipbook - Page 44
EPIC IDENTITY FEATURING PROF. LEIA STIRLING
Introduction
“To provide technologies that can assist astronauts and actually
make a group of people have more capability [is] really exciting.”
–Prof. Leia Stirling
A superhero’s ensemble can be critical to their powers: a wearable device, a customized gadget, or the
suit itself. Costumes and gadgets can all be classified wearable technology. MIT Professor Leia Stirling is
an engineer who develops new wearable technology, like specialized boots for astronauts, that enhance
the way humans perform. What’s more, she comes up ways to measure and quantify how effective
wearables are, i.e. how much more power, speed, or agility does the technology actually give its wearer?
The objective of Epic Identity is for Nord Anglia students to learn about wearable technology and its ability
to improve human performance.
The term “wearable technology” is relatively recent, but it applies to things we’re all familiar with: clothing
that keeps us comfortable in all types of weather, glasses and contact lenses that improve the wearers
eyesight, and sneakers that protect our feet from the elements and allow us to walk, run, and play sports.
What’s more, all of these can be customized to act as an expression of our unique personalities.
Wearable technology with electronics and sensors that measure activity and collect data are becoming
ubiquitous. The applications range from enhancing human performance, to keeping astronauts safe on
Mars, to making life better for those with disabilities. Prof. Leia Stirling, in MIT’s Department of
Aeronautics and Astronautics, does research on these topics and more. Epic Identity featuring Prof. Leia
Stirling highlights MIT research to inspire students to create their own wearable technology that gives
their superhero an edge.
Superhero Wearable Technology
• Iron Man’s exoskeleton armor
• Superman’s web shooters
• Wonder Woman’s Bracelets of Submission
• Batman’s utility belt
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