Rosenberg Moon Habitat Named “The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois”
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Chosen by voters from an initial field of nearly 250 entries, the Rosenberg Moon Habitat made by Ingersoll Machine Tools in Rockford has been crowned the winner of the 2023 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.
With more than 300,000 votes cast throughout the eight-week competition, the Rosenberg Moon Habitat was awarded the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois by Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield. Manufactured by Ingersoll Machine Tools in Rockford in collaboration with the Institut auf dem Rosenberg of Switzerland, the habitat is a 3D printed polymer structure designed to house humans on the moon. Built to house a crew of two people, the habitat is the world’s tallest single-piece 3D printed polymer structure, with a height of 23 feet but a thickness of only 5 millimeters.
“Congratulations to the Rosenberg Moon Habitat made by Ingersoll Machine Tools for being named the 2023 Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. The habitat represents the very best of our state’s manufacturing industry, where creativity and determination turn dreams into reality— including living on the moon,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We are proud of the wide variety of products featured throughout this year’s competition, and hope this contest shines a light on the important work taking place on factory floors across Illinois every day.”
Previous contest winners include Rivian’s all-electric R1T truck made in Normal, the first all-electric truck in production featuring four motors, with one powering each wheel; the Self-Regulating Traffic Signal Heater by Termico Technologies in Elk Grove Village, which uses conductive particles to heat traffic signals so they remain free of ice and snow and traffic can safely navigate our roadways; and the 797F Mining Truck manufactured by Caterpillar, Inc. in Decatur, the world’s largest mechanical truck.
