High-Tech Demos

Preview new technologies that have the potential to impact the way we experience games and simulations. LEEF has previewed technologies such as Microsoft Surface, Virtusphere simulation environment, iZ3D 3D LCD monitor, AppMobi and more.

SimsUShare
Equipment Simulations LLC

Using virtual simulations to re-create actual or potential emergency incidents, instructors can effectively transmit real-world experiences, without the danger and expense of real-world consequences. Such performance-based practice, where hands-on practice is not practical or safe, develops the capabilities of firefighters, police officers, and other emergency responders to make better decisions and communicate more clearly, resulting in saving more lives and property.

However, the cost and time involved in creating simulations are prohibitive. That is, until now: with SimsUShare.  SimsUShare will reduce the time it takes to make such simulations from 20, 40, or 60 hours or more, to 1 hour, and similarly, reduce development costs dramatically.

SimsUShare is the first subscription-based, patent-pending online simulation development and sharing platform. Part SlideShare, part Google Docs, and part magic, SimsUShare helps fire, police, HazMat, and other safety instructors worldwide easily make and deliver effective training content. SimsUShare lets members build virtual environments with simulated hazards and conditions or extend/adapt those of other instructors, using photographs, text, videos, animations, interactive simulations, web services, and other media assets. This will lead to real benefits in the field–effective responders who can better protect our communities.

MakerBot Replicator
MakerBot Industries: Robots That Make Things!

The MakerBot Replicator™ is an affordable, open source 3D printer that is compact enough to sit on your desktop. With a build envelope roughly the size of a loaf of bread, The MakerBot Replicator™ gives you the power to create new ways to make the things your need. Make an entire chess set with the press of a button. Friends, classmates, co-workers, and family will see the things you make and say “Wow!”

The MakerBot Replicator™ creates anything you can imagine with the new MakerBot Stepstruder™ MK8, the extruder is the part of the machine that turns raw feedstock, like ABS (what Lego® is made of) or PLA (a biodegradable material made from corn), into the objects you desire. You can order your MakerBot Replicator™ with single or dual MakerBot Stepstruders on it. By choosing the dual extrusion option, you’ll print with two different colors at the same time. MakerBot Dualstrusion™ unlocks the ability to make beautiful combinations of colors and opens the door to experimenting with with multi-material objects.

The MakerBot Replicator™ is the tool from tomorrow, today. In the two years since the company was founded, the capabilities of a MakerBot have grown from printing cupcake-sized objects in 2009 to printing things as large as an entire loaf of bread today. MakerBot Industries continues to demonstrate its dedication to putting the tools of creativity into the hands of the those brilliant and bold enough to bring their imagination into the physical world. And with the online community at Thingiverse.com users can post digital design files, document their ideas, and collaborate on open source hardware digital fabrication.

If you have a product in development, or you’d like to nominate a new technology that should be discovered at LEEF, please email us at LEEF@HarrisburgU.edu or complete our online registration form.

LEEF was an interactive professional development event that explored the use of games, simulations and virtual worlds for learning. The program showcased how learning and entertainment technologies have converged, and continue to evolve, to produce new, immersive solutions that are redefining the learning experience.