Syfy Labs Partners with Thingiverse: 3D Print Your Own Spacecraft

Fans of Syfy TV shows can now download and 3D print their own exclusively licensed memorabilia from Thingiverse, courtesy of new offshoot Syfy Labs.

Syfy has announced an exciting partnership with MakerBot to offer exclusive 3D printable files via Thingiverse. They’re the first major television network to share content on the popular 3D printing platform, and each 3D model will be related to popular programs like The Expanse, Hunters, and 12 Monkeys.

The official name for the initiative is Syfy Labs, an “innovation lab” dedicated to creating immersive, multi-platform content for a unique story-telling experience. As well as 3D printing, this also involves virtual reality, second screen experiences, and integration with the Internet of Things.

Matthew Chiavelli, Senior Vice President, Syfy Digital, said in a statement:

“Syfy has a long history of using technology in innovative and unexpected ways to enhance our television programming. The launch of Syfy Labs formalizes our commitment to giving our viewers new ways to experience our rich content in a variety of exciting ways, on many different platforms.”

Available on Thingiverse so far are several space ships from Syfy show The Expanse, including The Canterbury, The Donnager, and The Knight. Syfy Labs is promising fans further printable files from their favorite shows later this year.

Syfy Labs: the future of interactive storytelling?

Other uses of technology from Syfy have included the release of the iOS and Android Google Cardboard-enabled versions of The Expanse VR app, allowing users to explore spacecraft and settings from the series in high-quality 3D VR.

Syfy Labs will also build upon its current collaboration with Philips Hue lighting — using Syfy Sync which enables consumers to use the lighting in their homes to create a unique and immersive experience with customized “lighting tracks.”

If you’re lucky enough to be in Las Vegas this week, you can check out all these immersive experiences and speak with the Syfy Labs team from January 5-9, 2016 at CES.

Their interactive space is located at Booth GL-4 in the Grand Lobby, and features products such as MakerBot’s Replicator and the new MakerBot Smart Extruder+.

Source: Variety