In an effort to take our science fiction fantasies from the Twilight Zone into reality, entertainment network Syfy (previously known as the SCI FI Channel) has unveiled their first-ever innovation lab, which will function as the meeting point between emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, and the Syfy network’s imaginative content. In addition to 3D printing, Syfy Labs will also implement virtual reality and second screen experiences to enhance the storytelling behind a number of Syfy television programs including The Expanse, The Magicians, and 12 Monkeys.
“Syfy has long history of using technology in innovative and unexpected ways to enhance our television programming,” said Matthew Chiavelli, the Senior Vice President of Syfy Digital. “The launch of Syfy Labs formalizes our commitment to giving our viewers new ways to experience the network’s content on a variety of platforms.”
The entertainment network will team up with MakerBot in order to offer fans content from their favorite Syfy shows in the form of printable 3D models, which will be made available on the MakerBot Thingiverse market for download. For example, fans of Syfy’s new space drama ‘The Expanse’ will have access to a number of 3D models based from the show, including The Knight and The Donnager spaceships. The partnership marks the first time a major television network has shared exclusive content on the Thingiverse market, and should help to foster a long-lasting relationship between Syfy shows and 3D printing.
Syfy will showcase the Syfy Labs initiative at Booth GL-4 at CES 2016. Among the demonstrations at their CES booth, Syfy will feature a MakerBot Replicator 3D printer equipped with the new Smart Extruder+, which will be 3D printing the various models based on Syfy’s shows. All in all, Syfy’s collaboration with MakerBot is an attempt to expand their science fiction content from the television format into new territories of tech.
Among the other tech initiatives outside of 3D printing, fans will the have the opportunity to step into outer space via the virtual world of The Expanse, utilizing Samsung’s Gear VR device and Syfy’s own The Expanse VR app. Syfy will also enable fans to customize their home lighting to fit their shows through Syfy Sync, which was built in tandem with Phillips Hue smart lighting. Though I’ve never personally seen The Expanse or any other recently developed Syfy show, there seems to be no better entertainment network to implement 3D printing and virtual reality into their programming than Syfy. As a matter of fact, I might just have to start watching The Expanse alongside my 3D printed spacesuit and ships.
