Shanghai Expo: From 3D scans to ‘light bulb’ cows

As many as 70 million people are expected to attend the massive Shanghai World Expo during its six-month run, and GE’s ecomagination and healthymagination technologies are front and center in the Expo’s USA Pavilion and Future of the City Pavilion. On May 1, the Expo — which has the theme “better city, better life” — officially threw open its doors, drawing more than 400,000 people during the first weekend. GE’s interactive exhibits focus on renewable energy, water treatment, smart grid, greener locomotives, eco-friendly aircraft engines, and digital medical imaging and diagnostic solutions. Visitors can try out the 3D body scanner — or activate motion sensors on the ecomagination wall to turn cows into CFL light bulbs in the biogas exhibit. As Mark Norbom, President and CEO of GE China, says in the video below: “GE has got a long history of participation in Expos starting in 1876 when Thomas Edison brought his telegraph to the World Expo in Philadelphia. And in the following Expos, he brought other inventions such as a power generator, light bulbs, and the gramophone. One hundred and thirty-four years later, the spirit of GE’s innovation now extends to Shanghai China.”

Flag day: A flag-raising ceremony was held in front of the Chinese Pavilion on April 30. “Our engagement with the Expo provides us with a tremendous opportunity to showcase for the world the healthcare and energy efficient innovative technologies our employees focus on everyday at GE,” said GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt. “The Expo is also an opportunity to discuss these key technologies while the United States and China work together to build effective cooperation on clean energy and sustainable economic growth.” Photo: Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Bright idea: In the Expo’s parade, dancers performed in costumes designed to show the mix of cultures that will be represented at the pavilions. Photo: Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Doing the wave: Embodying the “Rising to the Challenge” theme of the USA Pavilion, GE has developed an interactive ecomagination wall where visitors have the chance to get up close with GE’s solutions. Sensors on the wall capture the motions of visitors, allowing them to start wind turbine blades spinning or make solar panels shine. The displays range from clean energy, such as from biogas, to purifying water to greener locomotives and aircraft engines.

Inside out: Included in the USA Pavilion exhibition is GE’s “Visible You” 3D virtual scanner, which is inspired by GE’s advanced medical imaging technology. The scanner displays a real-time 3D model of visitors’ bodies, moving as they do. It cycles through simulations of their muscular system, cardiovascular system and nervous system. GE is also providing lighting, electrical distribution, security and water solutions for the pavilion’s building facilities.

CNBC provides an overview of the Expo in the video below (a brief ad will play first).

Walking tall: There are more than 190 countries represented at the Expo — plus 50 international organizations and corporations. The Expo is the largest World’s Fair in history. Photo: Expo 2010 Shanghai.

* Learn more about the Expo
* Learn more about the USA Pavilion

Find out more about our work in China in these GE Reports stories:
* “GE jet engine joint venture to power China’s new plane”
* “Joint aviation venture with China to create 200 US jobs”
* “China deals span coal, high-speed rail”
* “Pipe dreams become reality with GE in China”
* “GE powers China’s largest chicken waste biogas plant”
* “Tackling access with Brivo imaging technologies”
* “Reverse innovation: How GE is disrupting itself”
* “GE’s software helps Shanghai breathe easier”
* “China charts green goals with new partnership”
* “Winning micro customers in mega markets”
* “GE’s clean technology heats up Clinton’s China trip”