Defense Secretary Announces $317M Futuristic Textiles Project At MIT
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (CBS/AP) — Massachusetts has been chosen to host a $317 million futuristic textiles manufacturing hub.
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter joined Gov. Charlie Baker and other state leaders on Friday in announcing the new public-private partnership based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.
Defense Secretary Carter speaks to reporters after he announces creation of Manufacturing Innovation Institute.#wbz pic.twitter.com/lDZb56CGJP
— Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) April 1, 2016
Carter says the revolutionary fibers and textiles that are being developed will have significant potential for the United States defense mission.
"(With) light-weight sensors woven into the nylon of parachutes, we'll be able to catch small tears that might otherwise expand in mid-air, risking paratroopers' lives," he said.
"Uniforms with electronics embedded in their fibers will be able to detect potential chemical and radiological agents," Carter added.
Baker says the state is pledging $40 million in matching funds to support capital projects at the facility which will be known as the Revolutionary Fiber and Textile Manufacturing Innovation Institute.
@CharlieBakerMA; Manufacturing Innovation Institute will change the way we think about old & new technologies. #wbz pic.twitter.com/Bi7LXeCxoC
— Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) April 1, 2016
The project's goal is to help develop cutting-edge fabrics — everything from gear to protect firefighters from the hottest flames to innovations that can weave the sensing capabilities of a smart watch into a lightweight fabric.
Other participants in the project include the University of Massachusetts and Quinsigamond Community College.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
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