Not only do the toys require a close likeness to the licensed character, they need to be interactive. Here's how one renowned US manufacturer pushed toy design to an all-new level. How Licensed Toys Are Made, From Artistic Freedom to Engineering Control Not only do the toys require a close likeness to the licensed character, they need to be interactive. Here's how one renowned US manufacturer pushed toy design to an all-new level. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Jun 4, 2026 Games, Film and TV Toys. They’re so much more than a piece of plastic. They help parents bond with their kids. They build childhood memories. They spark creativity. Many iconic characters, whether from Disney, the Simpsons, Super Mario™ or SEGA, have had their plastic counterpart made by the same team: the designers at Jakks Pacific, a major US toy manufacturer. Leading the Sculpting department is Eleazar Kim-Carmeli, director of 3D design and sculpting as well as of the creative resources team. Not a day goes by without him using Geomagic Freeform. It’s the most efficient way to design licensed toys that meet the high standards of quality that today’s customers have come to expect. Images courtesy of Hexagon and Jakks Pacific. “Nowadays people want a good product, not just pushing out plastic, whether it’s a 2-inch or a 10-inch figure. What that means for toy manufacturers is that you need the software that allows you to do that—not just easily, but effortlessly,” Kim-Carmeli says. High Quality Licensed Toys The first element that goes into making a high-quality licensed toy is likeness. The toy must look like the character from the film, series, or video game that it represents. Every design has to be approved by the brand that owns the franchise before it goes into production. And, in order for customers to be intrigued enough by the design to enjoy playing with it, moving elements are often incorporated. That can include hands, legs, paws, tails, heads, etc. How these elements come together is key. Images courtesy of Hexagon and Jakks Pacific. “I enjoy working on these because of the challenge to make something that not only looks right to the license, but is also playable, interactive, and has great articulation,” Kim-Carmeli says. Making great toys hinges on having both artistic freedom and engineering control. Plastic toys are essentially small sculptures with intricate details. They’re also mass-produced items that must meet specific requirements defined by manufacturing methods. The first type of design work requires organic modelling and the second the precision of CAD operations. Toy designers need both. Geomagic Freeform brings together the tools for digital sculpting with CAD, which enables designers to carry out a complete toy design workflow—from brief to prototype—in the same environment, and to ensure manufacturability Real-World Measurements The first thing a designer considers when looking at a brief is how to scale. Simply increasing a two-inch figure to six feet or vice versa is not going to cut it. Details can easily be lost or overblown. In addition, if an element is too thin or too small, it won’t come out right in manufacturing. These errors can be corrected in a further iteration, but not without delaying the delivery. Because Geomagic Freeform gives real-world measurements and dimensions, it’s easy to get features exactly right. Using the software, Jakks was able to create articulated toys that work perfectly once produced. They can set rotational pivots, check clearances for manufacturing, and create a toy that’s fun to play with. While these designs are often very complex, the software itself is easy to use. Kim-Carmeli explains, “When you’re using Geomagic Freeform, you don’t really think about the ins and outs of the program—you’re just working. That’s something that I’ve always loved about it.” The learning curve for Geomagic Freeform is low. Designers master it in a few days. “I’ve been working in toy design long enough to have seen toys done by hand, with early-stage digital sculpting tools that were very difficult, and with Geomagic Freeform. Other tools that have an esoteric interface or a linear method of working. Freeform is a tool that your designers simply pick up and make things,” Kim-Carmeli says. Below is a video of the latest new features for Geomagic Freeform 2026.1. Ease of use is particularly important today, especially in the toy industry which is moving surprisingly fast. Designers are asked to produce hundreds of designs a year. Creating high quality designs that work right is what makes the difference, and Jakks creates designs that look right and are manufacturable immediately. With a comprehensive toolkit for design and manufacture, Jakks creative team will continue to shape memorable creatures and characters, bringing joy to households across the globe. *Images courtesy of Hexagon and Jakks Pacific. For information: Hexagon Geomagic Freeform Jakks Pacific Read more about consumer designs >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Advertise with Us Why Advertise with Entertainment Engineering Magazine ? It's human nature to be curious and seek entertainment — that's why Entertainment Engineering exists in the first place! Here at Entertainment Engineering , we connect with our readers' insatiable curiosity to drive engagement, while providing an editorial package that focuses on content that is educational and valuable to our audience's jobs. The result is a publication that isn't just relevant, but fun, too! By prioritizing our readership, we guarantee a highly-engaged audience to our advertisers. We'd love to talk to you about how we can highlight the coolest and most innovative applications of your products to an audience that is enthusiastic, engaged, and interested in your product. Want to learn more about what we offer? Request a media kit below. First name* Last name* Email* Company name* Any specific inquiries you have? Submit 5 Ways to Attract a Design Engineer’s Attention The Entertainment Engineering Philosophy 1. Show Them Something Interesting - Entertainment Engineering incorporates the FUN design elements in editorial that focuses on the latest movies, games, amusement park, and more. 2. Teach Them Something They Don’t Know - Entertainment Engineering digs into TECHNOLOGY to find out what new unique electrical, mechanical, fluid power, materials, software and computer products are being used behind the scenes. 3. Excite Them About the Possibilities - Entertainment Engineering provides the platform to get an engineer’s CREATIVE processes flowing, allowing them to consider how the product they’re reading about will fit with the project they’re working on—we call it Tech Transfer. 4. Deliver Them to A Place of Information - Entertainment Engineering opens deep links pertinent to the page an engineer is reading, giving them the chance to deepen their learning and have access to the companies and products their interested in. 5. Repeat The Process - Entertainment Engineering provides the right formula of Technology, Creativity and Fun to attract an engineer month after month.

A deep dive into the hydrophone arrays and specific equipment used by scientists at Project Blue Whale at the University of Iceland. Noise Pollution is a Big Threat to Blue Whales — Here’s How Scientists Are Listening In A deep dive into the hydrophone arrays and specific equipment used by scientists at Project Blue Whale at the University of Iceland. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Jan 19, 2026 Growing up to 30 m long and 180 tons, the blue whale is the largest animal in the world. In addition to its impressive size, its calls can be heard thousands of kilometers away and far below the ocean’s surface. But there’s a growing threat to their communication: noise pollution. These highly intelligent — and endangered — animals have a similar communication frequency range as a variety of man-made sounds, such as ship engines, low-frequency active sonar, seismic air gun array explorations, other oil exploration activities, and more. With growing evidence that noise interference can disturb vital life functions of these whales — feeding, breeding, navigation, and communication — and with underwater noise pollution on the rise, it’s imperative that researchers gain a better understanding of how, why, and where blue whales communicate, as well as the level and effect of noise disturbance on their lives. Project Blue Whale The Húsavík Research Center at the University of Iceland is a leading authority in the study of marine mammals. The center is led by Dr Marianne Helene Rasmussen, who is the driving force behind Project Blue Whale, a research project dedicated to gaining knowledge about blue whales in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean to better understand the impact of increasing ship noise on their habitat. The project aimed to better understand the blue whale’s communication patterns. This required the localization of individual blue whales and the recording of what sounds they were making at what times. Scientists wanted to answer key questions such as whether it was always the same animal calling, what the difference is between animals, and whether they are able to change the frequency of their calls to account for background noise (something other species of whales are able to do). The project also aimed to find out if and how underwater ship noises affect these communications, which involved projecting noises at certain frequencies to mask the sounds created by blue whales and investigate their responses. Images courtesy of HBK. Hydrophones in Marine Research Dr. Rasmussen came to the project with broad experience in marine research using hydrophone arrays to record beam patterns and sound levels. In an earlier project in Northern Norway, her team recorded the sounds made by sperm whales using Type 8101 hydrophones from Brüel & Kjær. The project had been a great success, so it was a natural decision to use the same equipment again for Project Blue Whale. The Brüel & Kjær NOTAR recorder allows underwater sound recording for hours at a time — even without the need of a laptop. NOTAR is a small and rugged solid-state recorder that has no shock-sensitive moving parts (unlike tape recorders or PC hard drives) which means it can be used in locations where no PC-based recorder can operate. Hydrophone Type 8106 has a built-in preamplifier which gives a signal suitable for transmission over long cables. It is usable down to 1000 m ocean depth. Recording the Whales To record the whales, a digital recorder was custom made at Aarhus University and specially configured to be able to capture sound on one channel and to give an accurate GPS signal reading on the other for precise localization data. Images courtesy of HBK. To get accurate recordings, the team also needed calm seas and no wind; otherwise, the subsequent waves and ‘cable strumming’ noise from the hydrophone cables would cause additional noise interference that would render the results useless. The frequencies of interest were as low as 10 – 20 Hz. In order to achieve any bearing (directivity), the distance between the hydrophones had to be far enough apart to secure a certain minimum angle. The team utilized four boats and four hydrophones in a large hydrophone array; the distance between the hydrophones was either 1 km or 500 m and they were at a depth of 30 m. Once a whale was sighted, all that was needed was for the boats to stay in place and record the whale sounds and locations for approximately one hour at a time. Images courtesy of HBK. Analyzing the Whale Recordings Aside from a few days of bad weather and some minor technical glitches, everything went as planned and the team managed to gather over 100 whale calls, along with a wealth of good positional data. The recordings were then analyzed onshore. Of course, the study didn’t end there. The second part — examining how ship noises mask and affect the whales’ communication — is an ongoing project. Nevertheless, the data so far has already revealed some interesting results about the nature of these fascinating sea mammals, how they communicate, what frequencies they use, why, and when. These findings are, in turn, giving rise to a host of new questions, such as whether or not blue whales can change frequencies when calling, if there is any interspecies communication, and if this methodology can be used to study other types of whales.Never one to sit still, Dr Rasmussen is already planning to apply for financial backing for a range of other projects to look more closely into these and other areas. For a project like this to have gone so smoothly so far, with so many extraneous variables to manage and overcome, is a huge achievement.Project Blue Whale has not only helped to form a far deeper understanding of blue whales — Dr. Rasmussen and her team also hope that their results will be a catalyst for a new dialogue with authorities about shipping lane regulations and other safeguards to the whales’ natural habitat. And if all this leads to more and better ways of protecting this enormous, endangered, and enigmatic sea creature, then this is the best possible result. For more information: HBK NOTAR recorder Hyrophone Type 8106 Read more deep sea articles >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

A team of students from a broad mix of engineering disciplines designed, built, and raced a solar-powered car across 3,000 kilometers of Australian wilderness. Here's how they did it. Race Car Crosses Continent With Nothing But Solar Power A team of students from a broad mix of engineering disciplines designed, built, and raced a solar-powered car across 3,000 kilometers of Australian wilderness. Here's how they did it. Alex Edwards, Protolabs Sports Aug 28, 2025 Cool Stuff What does it take to build a car capable of crossing a continent on nothing but solar power? For the Brunel Solar Team, it’s a combination of deep engineering talent, relentless motivation, and an ability to adapt under pressure. As the world’s most decorated solar racing team prepares for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, I sat down with two of its members, Merijn Kroon, Partnerships, and Lucas de Jong, Mechanical Engineer, to explore the innovation behind their latest vehicle, their collaboration with Protolabs, and what it really takes to chase the sun across the Australian outback. Each year, a fresh team of students from TU Delft in the Netherlands puts their degrees on hold to focus full-time on one ambitious goal: designing, building, and racing a solar-powered car across 3,000 kilometers of Australian wilderness. The team draws from a broad mix of disciplines—mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, architecture, aerospace, industrial design, and more. As Merijn explains, “There’s no course at university on building solar cars. What really matters is motivation and the willingness to learn fast.” All photos courtesy of Protolabs and Brunel. Each team is carefully selected by the outgoing group, with a focus on complementary skills. “It’s not just about technical know-how,” adds Lucas. “It’s about creating a team that communicates well, adapts quickly, and supports each other.” A Race Against Time and Nature This year’s race (2025) introduces fresh engineering challenges. It is scheduled two months earlier than usual, in August rather than October—right in the middle of the Australian winter. That means fewer daylight hours and lower solar intensity, directly impacting the energy available to the car. Compounding the challenge is a major rules shake-up. “We’re now allowed to use six square meters of solar panels—up from four,” says Merijn. “But that doesn’t mean we can just scale everything up. A bigger solar array introduces aerodynamic and structural complications, and all of this with two months fewer development time.” To make matters more interesting, the allowable battery capacity has been slashed to one-third of previous years. That makes smart energy management not just useful, but essential. “We can’t just rely on speed,” Lucas says. “Strategy becomes everything. From wind and weather to incline and sunlight patterns, the winning team will be the one that adapts fastest.” All photos courtesy of Protolabs and Brunel. To build a car this innovative on such a tight timeline, reliable manufacturing support is critical. “We’re always looking for partners who share our values around sustainable innovation,” Merijn says. “With Protolabs, the enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate stood out from the start. Their speed and precision made them a natural fit.” Protolabs supplied key CNC-machined components including the brake pedal bracket—crucial for safety—and the front suspension damper brackets. “These are high-load, safety-critical parts that must be lightweight but durable,” explains Lucas. “We used aerospace-grade aluminum and relied on finite element analysis (FEA) to validate designs before manufacture.” Thanks to tight coordination, complex, high-tolerance parts were delivered and mounted on the car in time for early testing. Once complete, the team focused on less time-sensitive parts, which included spares. Additional components were later 3D printed via Protolabs Network, at longer, more cost-effective lead times, adding valuable flexibility to the manufacturing process. By partnering with Protolabs, the team could accelerate the manufacturing process when the pace demanded it, and cruise when efficiency was in the pole position. Engineering a Safer Solar Future While the car is designed for maximum efficiency and lightness, safety remains paramount. “We’ve got an impact-resistant occupant cell, a balance-bar braking system, and new this year—a roll bar similar to Formula One’s Halo structure,” says Merijn. “The entire system is built to comply with strict safety checks during scrutineering in Australia.” Even with the lightweight design, the car remains incredibly stable. “The aerodynamic drag increases massively as you go faster, so our cruise speed is around 90 km/h. It’s all about efficiency—not max speed,” says Lucas. In fact, the team’s 2005 car still holds the solar racing speed record, clocking an average of 131 km/h over 3,000 km. The race itself takes place on public roads, with speed limits and real-world weather to contend with. “You only have one shot,” says Merijn. “Anything can go wrong—weather, mechanical, even wildlife. We heard stories of teams waking up with snakes in their tents.” More Than a Race While solar racing isn’t (yet) the future of commercial transportation, it has a vital role to play. “We don’t expect everyone to drive a solar-powered car tomorrow,” Lucas admits. “But solar as a range-extending technology? Absolutely. Some manufacturers are already exploring that.” View: NUNA 12S 3D Experience Ultimately, the race is a showcase—a proof of what’s possible. “If 18 students can build a car that crosses a continent using nothing but sunlight, what’s stopping the rest of the world from embracing renewable energy?” Merijn asks. Beyond the engineering challenge, both Merijn and Lucas agree that the experience has shaped them personally. “The biggest lesson is how to be part of a high-performing team,” says Lucas. “You learn how to work under pressure, communicate effectively, and put trust in each other.” The team is even coached by a former Olympic champion from the Dutch national hockey team—underscoring the importance they place on performance culture as much as technical expertise. For more information: Protolabs Brunel Solar Team Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Contactless ultrasound scanning is a groundbreaking technology allowing researchers to look inside wild manta rays and learn more about their reproductive health. Groundbreaking Ultrasound Technology Used in Manta Research Contactless ultrasound scanning is a groundbreaking technology allowing researchers to look inside wild manta rays and learn more about their reproductive health. Summer Newton, Laamu Atoll Project Manager, Maldives Manta Conservation Programme Cool Stuff Aug 31, 2026 Lead image copyright: Guy Stevens The Manta Trust is pushing the boundaries of manta ray research with the use of ultrasound technology in Laamu Atoll. The use of contactless ultrasound scans to study the reproductive health of reef manta rays ( Mobula alfredi ) has become a crucial tool in understanding the species' biology and supporting its conservation. Unlike traditional ultrasound, which requires an animal to be captured or restrained, this technology allows researchers to scan wild manta rays while they are freely swimming. This provides an invaluable opportunity to study their reproductive biology without disturbing them. But getting an ultrasound image of a wild manta is no easy task. Image copyright: Miriam Staiger First, there has to be a manta. Then she needs to be female and, ideally, visiting a cleaning station. Once those conditions are met, the real challenge begins. The researcher must approach the manta carefully without disturbing her, hold position in what can be strong current, and bring the ultrasound probe to within around 10 centimetres of her body. The probe itself is only around the width of two fingers and needs to remain almost perfectly still to produce a clear image. And all of this has to happen while the manta is moving. Sometimes there are only a few seconds to get everything right. The ultrasound technology used in Laamu is the result of a successful collaboration between Ray Rochester, IMV Imaging, Vetsonic (UK) Ltd, the University of Cambridge, Six Senses Laamu, and the Manta Trust. This partnership led to the development of the Duo-Scan:Go Oceanic, a wireless, fully sealed and waterproof ultrasound scanner designed for use underwater. The device can display ultrasound images on a smartphone or tablet, allowing researchers to examine the internal structures of wild manta rays in their natural environment. This technology has opened up new opportunities for understanding manta ray reproduction. Manta rays reproduce slowly, and there is still much we do not know about their reproductive biology. Ultrasound can help researchers monitor pregnancy, investigate reproductive maturity and follow the development of pups. Combined with the long-term photo-identification work carried out by the Manta Trust in Laamu, ultrasound allows researchers to follow individual females and build a much clearer picture of their reproductive lives. Learning to use the technology has been a gradual process. The Manta Trust team has received specialist training and practical support from Ray Rochester, helping researchers refine their scanning techniques and interpretation of ultrasound images. The first scans were a learning experience, with researchers having to develop the skills needed to read the situation underwater, anticipate the manta's movements and position the tiny probe at exactly the right moment. Image copyright: Summer Newton That experience has continued to pay off. One of the most significant breakthroughs came when the team successfully captured an ultrasound image of a developing pup inside Oulaya (M4499). Seeing a manta pup developing inside a wild manta ray on the ultrasound screen is something the team does not take for granted. Sometimes there are obvious external signs that a manta is pregnant. Sometimes, as was the case with Oulaya, there aren't. Being able to look inside and find evidence of a developing pup when there are no visible signs of pregnancy is an incredible result for research. Ultrasound provides information that simply cannot be gained from observing manta rays from the outside. By combining scans with long-term photo-identification data, researchers can follow individual females and learn more about pregnancy, reproductive maturity, gestation and pup development. With more than 150 reef manta rays documented in Laamu, the ongoing research conducted by the Manta Trust team is providing valuable insights into the reproductive behaviour of this population. The work also builds on previous research conducted in Laamu, including published research demonstrating the use of underwater contactless ultrasonography to investigate the reproductive activity of manta and devil rays. As the Manta Trust team continues to develop its ultrasound research, each successful scan adds another piece to the puzzle of manta ray reproduction. The technique may only take a few seconds, but getting those few seconds right can take months or even years of learning. With continued research, training and collaboration, ultrasound technology will allow the team to make even greater strides in understanding manta ray biology and informing conservation efforts. For information: Manta Trust Maldives Underwater Initiative IMV Imaging Vetsonic Ltd. University of Cambridge Go here for a deeper dive into this research >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Customizations necessary for large-scale stage production rotational applications require the right components to deliver accuracy, repeatability, and safety in any environment. Precision Rotational Stages Enhance Performances at Concerts, Theaters, Theme Parks, and More Customizations necessary for large-scale stage production rotational applications require the right components to deliver accuracy, repeatability, and safety in any environment. Stage Events Sep 5, 2025 Large-scale rotational applications, such as those used in theatre settings, for concerts, and theme park attractions, require precise motion feedback to gain optimal performance, safety, and efficiency. Custom encoder design provides an innovative solution for these applications, similar to other high-demand products such as forklifts, MRI machines, mobile equipment, and a wide variety of specific stagecraft turntables. Reliability and accurate positioning of the rotational element is key. Encoder Products Company has designed a custom encoder design that leverages a spring-loaded gear or wheel system to provide absolute motion feedback. The challenge with such applications is that large diameter rotary motion introduces unique problems because traditional encoders struggle to provide accurate feedback. The reasons for this are many. For example, accurate tracking of large diameters requires specialized designs, which can often involve large, fragile, difficult to install, and very expensive optical sensor rings. Further challenges include environmental durability, space constraints, and safe operational control. In addition, gear ratios that result in irrational numbers can be difficult to work with. Image courtesy of Encoder Products Company. Encoder Products has designed a gear slewing technology that allows their encoders to calculate the correct position of a large ring gear when installed on a smaller drive gear using any gear ratio. The company’s A36R Absolute Encoder is a 22 Bit ST/24 Bit MT single turn/multi-turn absolute encoder that uses BiSS C or SSI communications. The device has a low profile of just 1-inch (25.4mm). The encoder offers flex mount options to eliminate couplings and the option of a battery/backup power interface for data retention in the absence of primary power. Custom Solutions For large-scale rotational projects, Encoder Products Company eliminates the need for engineers to spend time piecing together parts and assembling components themselves. They offer customizable solutions that combine the housing from their TR1 Tru-Trac® wheeled encoder and the stability of the A36 Absolute Encoder with a spring-loaded gear or wheel system tailored to each application's unique requirements. Image courtesy of Encoder Products Company. TheTR1 Tru-Trac is rugged and versatile. Its housing provides robust protection against environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and vibrations, while its modular design allows seamless integration into diverse systems. Known for its compact size and exceptional performance, the A36 encoder delivers precise absolute motion feedback even under harsh environmental conditions. The inclusion of a spring-loaded gear or wheel mechanism enables precise tracking of large-diameter rotary motion, ensuring maximum positioning accuracy. Image courtesy of Encoder Products Company. Particularly valuable in stagecraft where the turntable must rotate smoothly and precisely to create seamless theatrical or production experiences, the company’s spring-loaded gear or wheel system pushes the limits on accuracy for large-diameter motion and position tracking. This ensures flawless operation in a variety of high-pressure settings. The encoder can also be used as secondary feedback for safety, giving position data right at the point of motion itself. Encoder Products Company’s custom encoder solutions are redefining motion feedback technology across industries. By combining the rugged TR1 Tru-Trac encoder housing, high-performance A36 absolute encoder, and a precision gear and wheel system, the company is able to deliver an all-in-one solution that provides engineers with the tools they need—without the hassle of assembly. For more information: Encoder Products Company A36R Creative Conners *Lead photo is a general photo from Depositphotos.com Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The Axceleron LED lighting fixtures bring unprecedented flexibility to theater, museum, convention center, and industrial/commercial settings. Axceleron LED Lighting Fixtures The Axceleron LED lighting fixtures bring unprecedented flexibility to theater, museum, convention center, and industrial/commercial settings. Terry Persun Stage Events Jun 16, 2025 Aquarii, Inc. offers customized LED lighting solutions as showcased in their Axceleron, broad application LED down light fixture. Axceleron is a tested and recognized ETL, DLC, LM79, and LM80 down light designed for facilities that need an energy efficient fixture for high performance or round-the-clock lighting. Four wattages are available up to 150W. At 150W, Axceleron delivers up to 15,000 lumens, with color rendering indexes (CRI) of up to 90. By mating a state of the art LED printed circuit board and heat sink, the unit manages thermal loads without the need for fans, making it the ideal light for environments that require quiet operation. Customers can select one of four different color temperatures—from 3,000 to 5,000 degrees Kelvin. The units can be mounted in pendant, flush mount, C-clamp, yoke or recess configurations, making it easy for them to fit into any new or existing building. Six different lens configurations include 14, 18, 28, 36, 70 or 110 degrees, allowing facilities to select the angle that suits their specific application. Photo: Aquarii LED light. By using an 8-bit to 16-bit processor that is RDM ready, the Axceleron emulates the smooth dimming curves of incandescent without any visible dimming steps while using only one channel for control. Users have the option of on/off operation, 0 to 10V dimming, or operation of their Axceleron fixtures using DMX—but with fewer addresses to manage per unit. While off-white and black are standard offerings for the outer housing, essentially any color, pattern, image, or logo can be provided to match the color palette or theme of the facility. Axceleron provides outstanding durability, is designed for maximum service life, and requires virtually no maintenance. Eliminating bulb changes and the hazards of servicing fixtures in difficult locations can greatly increase the savings beyond those found with its energy efficiency. Adding to the savings, Axceleron comes with a 10-year warranty. For more information: Aquarii Inc Home Aquarii LED Products Aquarii LED Controls Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Inspired by the automation used in Halloween props, this engineer used creativity and technology to pull together a Halloween Box specifically designed to scare trick-or-treaters. How an Engineer Used Spare Automation Components for Spooky Halloween Fun Inspired by the automation used in Halloween props, this engineer used creativity and technology to pull together a Halloween Box specifically designed to scare trick-or-treaters. By Jay Rees, PE, “The Independent Integrator”, Rees Engineering Corp. Cool Stuff Oct 6, 2025 DIY/Home Applications In every haunted house, you’ll find automated props: chairs that rock on their own, slamming doors, rattling chains, drawers opening and closing as if by some supernatural force. These “tricks” enhance the “treat” of getting the life scared out of you. The process behind making a Halloween prop can be quite simple. Here is just one example of how a system integrator put used and spare parts to good use to frighten any trick-or-treater. This article is a perfect example of how creative design engineers are. As soon as Jay got his hands on a wooden crate, he knew it could be something much more than it was. —the EE staff. Trick or Treat I purchased a DURApulse 60HP variable frequency drive (VFD) from AutomationDirect as a replacement for a customer’s damaged VFD. When the shipping container was delivered to my shop, I immediately knew what the wooden crate would become. This crate was just the right size for building a Halloween Box. You may have seen similar Halloween props covered with labels, such as “Danger” or “Wild Animal”. I didn’t know at the time what the final result would be, but I could see “The Box” had potential. I wanted The Box to give the impression that some type of wild creature was inside and was desperate to escape. Because this was a hobby project, keeping down costs was a primary objective. As the owner of a system integration business serving multiple industries, I have accumulated spare components and hardware from retrofitting and upgrading applications. Case in point, the VFD shipping container came courtesy of a wastewater pumping station application. All photos courtesy of Jay Rees. The Box’s controller uses a CLICK programmable logic controller that was removed from a metal alloy chiller system. A C-more EA7 HMI, pulled from a fracking fluid control system, is used to provide displays and audio; I used pneumatic cylinders from previous applications and purchased a couple of new Nitra solenoid valves to assemble “the creature.” Finally, a Rhino power supply was borrowed from stock. Due to my odd assortment of pneumatic cylinders, the next challenge was to figure out what I could do with what I had. A couple of squat cylinders would fit on the bottom of the box, placed between the legs at opposite corners to rock the box and make it look like there was something moving around inside. All photos courtesy of Jay Rees. To give the impression that the ‘thing’ or ‘creature’ inside the box is trying to escape, a cylinder is used to push the lid open. With a padlock hasp connected to the lid, the staple and lock appear to hold the lid closed. What the observer doesn’t know is that the staple is installed in a slot, concealed by the hasp, and a small cylinder is used to hold it down so the lid only moves up and down a little bit. After a few ‘locked’ lid bounces, the cylinder retracts and the lid opens another couple of inches, giving the impression that the creature had broken the lock and is getting ready to escape. To add to the experience, when the lid pops up, a claw (from a Freddy Krueger costume) emerges from the gap in the open lid. All photos courtesy of Jay Rees. If that’s not enough excitement, the C-more HMI, displaying pictures of creepy eyes with simple animation to look like they are moving towards the audience, is mounted near the front of the box behind a small cage providing audio of growling, howling, and snarling animals. While the PLC controls the pneumatic actions, the audio is triggered to play through a set of old PC speakers. To provide a way to save energy when no one is around, and give a more realistic experience, retroreflective photoelectric sensors are used to bring the creature to life when someone approaches The Box. Putting together this project was a lot of fun. The challenge was figuring out what could be put together with stuff that was sitting on shelves and in bins. I still wonder what I would have been doing for fun if that DURApulse VFD ‘Box’ hadn’t arrived at my shop. All components mentioned in this article can be found at AutomationDirect . Learn more about Rees Engineering Corp. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Van Nuys, California, June 25, 2014—When Sebastian Lindstrom, co-founder of What Took You So Long, and his team journeyed to Liberia for their latest documentary, they employed an iPhone 5s equipped with the iPro Lens System® by Schneider Optics iPhone Lenses Used in Film Shoot Van Nuys, California, June 25, 2014—When Sebastian Lindstrom, co-founder of What Took You So Long, and his team journeyed to Liberia for their latest documentary, they employed an iPhone 5s equipped with the iPro Lens System® by Schneider Optics Terry Persun Film and TV Jun 3, 2025 “We are a small documentary production company that specializes in supporting non-profits and development entities around the world,” explains Lindstrom. “Our method of filmmaking depends on high-quality, lightweight equipment.” For the documentary about women with obstetric fistula, which was co-funded by the United Nations Populations Fund, the team took two Canon 5Ds to the West African country. And for the most audience-engaging results, they also took a 7D and an iPhone to capture slow motion and extreme close-up footage. “We shot with the iPhone 5s ─ mostly in 720p at 120-fps ─ and iPro Super Wide and Macro lenses,” he says. “The Macro captures the same details as a $1000 lens would. It’s amazing how close you can get with it ─ so close, we were able to position it just inches from a person’s iris,” which is shown in the opening sequence of the video. On the opposite end of the spectrum, “The iPro Super Wide frames a much bigger picture of the world than the native camera inside the iPhone,” Lindstrom adds. “While at a stadium in Monrovia for a big soccer game between Liberian and Ghanaian teams, the president of Liberia came out on the field to wish everybody ‘good luck.’ The iPro Super Wide lens enabled us to spontaneously capture innovative wide-angle shots for slow-motion content that will take audiences’ imaginations to the next level when watching our videos. In retrospect, we should have left the 7D at home, because the daylight footage we caught with the iPhone and iPro lenses was superior ─ and it was much easier to pack.” While the DSLR revolution gave the world access to smaller, less expensive cameras, Lindstrom notes that “Filming with a phone takes it to another level, as you can quickly position angles that your DSLR would require a jib for, and it’s something most people travel with anyway. And you could never get smooth traveling shots by holding your DSLR outside of a car window with your hand like we did with the iPhone. We believe that the iPro Lens System used in conjunction with the iPhone 5s for slow motion filming has the potential to become an important, value-added component for any type of documentary work. We plan to use them in all our upcoming shoots around the world as an integral part of our DSLR filming.” For the past five years, What Took You So Long has worked within more than 70 developing countries. “Some of the areas we travel to may not take kindly to visiting filmmakers,” he says. “So it’s very beneficial to be able to shoot with the iPhone ─ now with professional-grade lenses that are easy to conceal.” For more information: What Took You So Long Home Schneider Optics Lenses Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Installing the right communications system can save time, run a smoother operation, and provide greater ride safety. Enhancing Theme Park Operations with Hands-Free Comms Installing the right communications system can save time, run a smoother operation, and provide greater ride safety. Edited by EE Staff Theme Parks Sep 22, 2026 Merlin Theme Parks chose to upgrade their intercom system with a hands-free, full-duplex solution with the goal of enhancing ride operations, safety, and guest satisfaction through improved team communications. While researching alternatives the company turned to one of their trusted technology partners, Tyrell, who recommended implementing Clear-Com’s EQUIP products to streamline real-time conversations between ride operators, loaders, and platform staff. From the outset, Tyrell worked closely with both Merlin and Clear-Com to scope the technical requirements, facilitate product demonstrations, and ensure each deployment was tailored to the unique footprint of individual attractions. Images courtesy of Tyrell. According to Kieran O’Connor, Continuous Improvement Lead at Merlin Theme Park, “We needed a hands-free, full-duplex communication system without the need to press a button or pick up a phone. After evaluating several suppliers, Clear-Com’s EQUIP system hit everything we were looking for.” A key aspect of the EQUIP system was its integrated battery life, which lasts a full operating day with natural full-duplex conversation capability. This all translates into high efficiency. Merlin found that it has an 18-percent increase in ride throughput simply by reducing delays and improving seat filling methods. The company found improvements across multiple rides that surpassed other targeted improvements. There was also a significant risk mitigation for teams working at height or in complex environments through the availability of instant hands-free communications capabilities. Images courtesy of Tyrell. The EQUIP wireless system operates in the 5GHz band and provides high-quality, crisp audio and wide coverage even in challenging RF environments. The system supports up to four remote transceivers per base station and connects up to 40 all-in-one wireless headsets (with ten simultaneous talkers). This solution is simple to set up, using headsets that are easily paired to the EQUIP system using Near Field Communication (NFC) that comes with voice alerts along with status details. The touchscreen menu is simple to configure and monitor. Users can sync and pair the headsets instantly to the base station by simply touching the headset to the unit. Images courtesy of Tyrell. Clear-Com partnered closely with Tyrell throughout the rollout, customizing the solution for each attraction’s unique needs. Tyrell was involved at every stage, from technical planning to on-site support and aftercare. “At each new attraction, Clear-Com visits our site, understands our operation, and makes bespoke recommendations on transceiver placement and cabling routes to optimize performance,” explained O’Connor. A recent example is the rollout of the new Hyperia coaster at Thorpe Park, where Clear-Com’s system ensured flawless communication from day one, contributing to peak throughput performance. “Clear-Com has been great all the way through, providing excellent aftercare support. There’s always someone on the phone when we need to discuss ideas or troubleshoot. They consistently put boots on the ground to see us and understand our needs firsthand,” O’Connor added. For information: Clear-Com EQUIP® Merlin Theme Parks Tyrell Thorp Park Read more about communications tech >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The Technology Behind Protecting Casino Assets, Both Money and Equipment EE Staff Mini Story Oct 27, 2025 Casinos need to be conscious of every detail of their business to remain profitable. The casino floor includes a wide variety of high-value equipment—slot machines, poker tables, roulette wheels, baccarat tables, pit podiums, drop slides, and more—that must be closely monitored and maintained. One answer to this challenge included the GAO RFID asset tracking system that’s able to provide comprehensive information such as service history, maintenance schedules, and current status. Ensuring that equipment is working optimally not only helps keep the gaming environment fair but also safeguards the casino’s bottom line. Learn about the company’s full capabilities here . For more information: GAO RFID *Las Vegas strip photo courtesy of Depositphotos.com Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas uses SKF giant main bearings and related technologies. World’s Tallest Observation Wheel Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas uses SKF giant main bearings and related technologies. SKF Home Cool Stuff Jun 4, 2025 Theme Parks The High Roller observation wheel expected to soar at the heart of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip in late 2013. The 550-foot-tall wheel, eclipsing the famed 443-foot-tall London Eye, will be equipped with two SKF spherical roller bearings, the largest ever produced at the SKF manufacturing facility. The two custom-designed spherical roller bearings (one within each side) will be virtually unprecedented in weight and size. Each bearing will weigh approximately 8,800 kg and be designed with 2,300mm outer diameter, 1,600mm inner diameter, and width of 630mm. Specially engineered features will include W26 lubrication holes in the inner ring, SKF NoWear®-coated rollers, and PTFE coating in the bore. The company will additionally incorporate advanced lubrication, sealing, and online condition-monitoring systems and take the lead in monitoring the bearings once the wheel is up and running. SKF was awarded the contract by American Bridge Company (Coraopolis, PA, USA), which is responsible for constructing the 143m-diameter tension wheel. In addition to the two SKF bearing assemblies, the structure will consist of four steel support legs, a single braced leg, fixed spindle, rotating hub, 2m-diameter tubular rim, and 112 locked coil cable assemblies as spokes. The High Roller wheel is the centerpiece of The LINQ, a planned $550 million, open-air retail, dining, and entertainment district situated between Imperial Palace and Flamingo Las Vegas. Each of the wheel’s 28 supersize cabins (which themselves will revolve) will accommodate up to 40 people during a 30-minute ride. The wheel turns out to be the latest SKF big-wheel project in a growing portfolio of expertise. The Navy Pier® Ferris wheel in Chicago similarly operates with two SKF spherical roller bearings and SKF Reliability Systems retains responsibility for ongoing proactive maintenance programs. For more information: SKF Home Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next