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Masque Sound provides audio for touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Custom Audio Packages for Musical Masque Sound provides audio for touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Masque Sound Home Stage Events Jun 4, 2025 When Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s enduringly popular musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat embarked on its 2014 U.S. tour Masque Sound supported Co-Sound Designers David Patridge and John Shivers in their quest to bring the contemporary production to the stage. Since Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is scheduled to tour through spring of 2015, Patridge and Shivers wanted to make sure that in designing the sound system it would be capable of easily moving and fitting into a small footprint on the truck. “We wanted to provide the best audio experience that we could, in working within the confines of a traveling production’s space limitations,” says Patridge. With space at a premium, the designers opted to utilize the smaller-footprint Yamaha CL5 Mixing Console, along with a Yamaha CL3 for monitoring, both of which worked quite well for the show. The Yamaha Console was ideal for the production not only for its compactness, as it could be picked up and lifted into position by two people, but also because its comprehensive feature set addressed all of the production crew’s needs. In addition, connecting the console together is a fairly straightforward process and can be done with Cat 5 cabling, which is ideal on a show that needs to move quickly and efficiently. For the PA, Masque Sound provided an L-Acoustics dV-DOSC array, a tried and true speaker design that sounds great. The dV-DOSC line array was integrated into existing speaker towers from Masque Sound’s inventory, which gives the show a PA that is quite spectacular. The flexible system that Masque Sound provided is ample enough to fit, but also compact enough for smaller venues, which was particularly ideal for this production tour, as it features various venues of different sizes. “Fortunately Masque Sound has a very deep shelf of available gear, and we were able to put together an excellent audio package with its equipment that stayed within our budget and did not compromise on the quality of the sound at all,” adds Patridge. “In addition, Masque Sound’s modification of existing inventory speaker towers to fit with the L-Acoustics PA was a large cost savings to us. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors, this musical is full of unforgettable songs including "Those Canaan Days," "Any Dream Will Do," and "Close Every Door." Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, this new production features Broadway stars Diana DeGarmo ( Hairspray, Hair ) as the Narrator and Ace Young ( Grease, Hair ) as Joseph. For more information: Masque Sound Home Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Industrial class robots holding other robots deliver a light show with precision of motion with the grace of a dancer. Giant Laser-Headed Robot Dances at Drake Concert Industrial class robots holding other robots deliver a light show with precision of motion with the grace of a dancer. Terry Persun Stage Events Sep 11, 2025 Cool Stuff A humanoid robot is basically a collection of robots mounted to each other. When designing the entertainment robots for the Drake concert, andyRobot had to be very careful. The robot heads held super powerful lasers that had to be aimed away from the crowd for safety purposes. Yet, they also had to present spectacular choreography for the viewing audience. The application of standard industrial class robots by KUKA is enhanced by using them in an entertainment environment. andyRobot uses the same exact robots you might find in a manufacturing plant in a way that provides smooth, high precision motion night after night, even when the robots are continually moved from one location to the next. At each new arena, a team goes in to chalk out the location of the robots in four corners—often up to 200 feet apart from one another—which are brought in by semi-truck, carefully unloaded, and placed into precise location. The combined components are assembled to create each humanoid robot that rises above the crowd by over eight feet. Each multi-ton humanoid has a laser for a head and arms that hold 16-inch mirrors in each hand. During the Drake concert, the humanoids shoot lasers out of their heads and bounce them off the mirrors held by other robots standing across and diagonally from them, creating a spectacular lightshow over the heads of the audience. The overall show complexity of movement was created through andyRobot’s proprietary software Robot Animator. Robot Animator employs what is called inverse kinematics to control multiple robots. Inverse kinematics comes from computer animation and refers to how that field makes characters move on screen. In the physical world of robotics, this is when the robot follows a trajectory to reach an end point which makes the movement look more natural. Robot Animator is a plug-in that works inside Autodesk Maya. Because robots used in manufacturing move quickly until they are in position then stop abruptly, perform the operation, and move quickly away, there is a jerkiness to the movement. Think of it this way, in a stage production at a concert you want the precision that is required in a manufacturing facility only you don’t want the jerky start and stop motion. The robot movements created by Robot Animator must vary from slow to fast to follow the music being played, producing surgically exact movements at every show. Robot Animator is able to smoothly ramp up and ramp down every motion—and do it with precise accurately. According to Andy Flessas, President of andyRobot, “Grace of movement is created through Robot Animator’s Motion Planning software, which translates industrial robot motion into the language of animation.” All photos courtesy of andyRobot. Basically, to do this, the software must ease in and ease out of every movement. For example, it can take over thirty separate micro moves to provide one second of actual robot motion, all of which allows the humanoid robots at the Drake concert to look like they are dancing. The robots used in the Drake Concert include four KUKA KR210 robots, each with six axes of movement, and eight KUKA KR10 robots, with six axes of movement. All told, each of the four humanoid robots incorporates 18 axes of motion that must be precisely choreographed with one another. That’s 72 axes of motion that had to be programmed for a two-hour concert, second by second. andyRobot provides the key components necessary for all types of entertainment using the same robots you might see in any manufacturing plant. Adjusting them for multiple movements not normally found in industry, andyRobot exploits the precision required in manufacturing into a creative experience for a large audience. For more information: andyRobot Autodesk Maya ABB Robotics KUKA Robotics Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Creativity and innovation thrive when the engineer is having fun. Editor's Note: Start With What's Cool Creativity and innovation thrive when the engineer is having fun. Terry Persun Editor's Note Sep 30, 2025 We here at Entertainment Engineering believe in the concept of technology transfer where you, our reader, transfers the creative solution from one industry—in our case entertainment—to another industry with minimal tweaking. In many ways, the entertainment industry is the one that is pushing the technological envelop the furthest. Stage presentations must use real-world solutions to provide fantastical experiences. Movies are being made with increasing software expertise and development paired with live presentations to bring the viewer as close to the action as possible. Thrill rides are pushing the boundaries by including audio/visuals along with speed and height. Industrial components are finding their way into everything from sports equipment to Broadway stages to outer space. Creativity and innovation thrive when the engineer is having fun. Our ethos is to start with something cool and then go into the technologies that make it that way. Entertainment Engineering builds on technologies that are being implemented in new ways, pushing outside of standard boundaries, and upping the amplitude on the cool factor. We aim to deliver you to the companies who have the knowledge to implement these new solutions so that you can learn from them and transfer their solutions into relevant applications in your own industry. We firmly believe that creativity and innovation thrive when the engineer is having fun. We hope our content fosters that sense of joy, excitement, and out-of-the-box thinking. Thank you for indulging me while I gush over our purpose in doing this work. Your engagement matters to us. We want you to get information on the technologies you use every day while enjoying the ride. Let us know how we’re doing. And let us know what more we can do for you. Terry Persun Co-Founder of EE Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

An automation system integral to successful precious metals recovery technology is now set for global rollout. Electronic Waste is On the Rise — This Metal Recovery Technology is a Golden Solution An automation system integral to successful precious metals recovery technology is now set for global rollout. Cool Stuff Aug 29, 2025 Electronic waste is one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams, according to Statista market research. With e-waste generation forecast to exceed 80 million metric tons by 2030, improved recycling and recovery infrastructure is critical. One company on a mission to help offset this trend is The Royal Mint, UK’s oldest company. With a contemporary sustainability ethic at the heart of a long-term strategy, the company has invested in, enhanced, and scaled a hugely promising technology used for the recovery of precious metals and other materials from e-waste. At the start of the project, the extraction technology, developed by Canadian company Excir only existed in a prototype form. It required further development and scaling to hit The Royal Mint’s target of 4,000 metric tons per annum. Additional technological and processing hurdles included a tightly controlled scheduling and investment. All photos courtesy of Rockwell Automation and The Royal Mint. According to Rockwell Automation UK managing director Phil Dadfield, “This was never going to be a straightforward project. We knew there were multiple challenges, some of which we could not influence, but we also knew that our highly experienced process technical team and our family of tightly integrated technologies would bring the extraction process under tighter control. Once that was established, further evolution and eventual scaling would be a little more straightforward.” In The Royal Mint’s Precious Metal Recovery facility, circuit boards are fed via a conveyor system into a reactor and the resulting sludge then undergoes separation, sorting, and filtering using specialized chemical processes to extract molten gold and other precious metals from mixed materials, in a tightly controlled precipitation process. The unique chemistry extracts 99% of the gold in e-waste and, more importantly, this process takes place at room temperature, rather than high-temperature smelting. The system separates out more than just precious metals. Every part of a printed circuit board can be accounted for, even the fiberglass bi-product is “de-brominated—where hazardous bromide is removed—as an integral part of the Mint’s circular economy and related net-zero plans. All photos courtesy of Rockwell Automation and The Royal Mint. Rockwell Automation’s Lifecycle Services team delivered a complete process control solution based on the company’s PlantPAx® DCS system, which included operator workstations as well as engineer workstations. The overall system allows integration from plant floor instrumentation up to the boardroom, with contextualized reporting providing insights to drive actions for optimizing production. PlantPAx proved ideal for this project due to its ability to scale in line with the growth and evolution of the process. It also connects disparate pieces of equipment in the complex plant and controls them in one place, using an interface familiar to the Mint’s engineers, who have worked with Rockwell Automation before. Hadfield explains, “The system architecture enables different vendors to manufacture different parts of the plant and then easily plug it all together and give one, plant-wide infrastructure control when it's up and running. This approach eliminates disparate control systems that you often have in projects like this and provides optimization improvements, such as common log-ons, change management, alarm management, data logging and more.” All photos courtesy of Rockwell Automation and The Royal Mint. Even with the initial uncertainty and multiple process variables, engineers from all parties were delighted when the system delivered gold on the first run, at scale, and without insights from an intermediate pilot stage. According to Tony Baker, Director of Manufacturing Innovation at The Royal Mint: “After so many early challenges, we are pleased that it is all going to plan. In fact, we have already surpassed our 2024/25 target of 400 metric tons, when we hit 500 metric tons earlier this year. For more information: Rockwell Automation PlantPAx® The Royal Mint Precious Metal Recovery Factory Excir Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Stage lighting rigging uses spring cable drums to solve a complex challenge. Creative Rigging Solution for Moveable Nightclub Ceiling Stage lighting rigging uses spring cable drums to solve a complex challenge. Stage Events Jul 28, 2025 Cool Stuff Winner of the bronze vector award in 2024, French company Mecaoctet has created a movable ceiling for a nightclub in the Accor Arena in Paris. For the power supply, the designers rely on slip-ring-free spring cable drums from the igus e-spool series. The vector award jury was highly impressed by the unique technical solution used for the breathtaking light show. All photos courtesy of igus The movable nightclub ceiling consists of a fragmented mirror measuring 16x15 meters, which is divided into 32 triangular elements, 16 of which are movable. Each of these triangles has two mirror surfaces, one at the top and one at the bottom, with the edge consisting of an SRU LED strip. In combination with spotlights, a breathtaking light show with monumental shapes in motion is created above the heads of the guests. The design challenge was to set the triangles in motion and supply the LED strips with power. To solve this complex challenge, the engineering team involved chose to rely on three motorized winches, one at each corner of the triangles. For the power supply, the experts chose slip-ring-free spring cable drums from the igus e-spool series, which are fitted with hybrid cables and connected to the centers of gravity of the triangles. All photos courtesy of igus The stroke for the application is six meters. The speed is 0.5 meters per second. According to Mecaoctet, thanks to the igus solution they were able to avoid using complex coils with rotating collectors—which would have been very expensive and unreliable. Compared to a slider system with cable loops, the solution is also more fail-safe and aesthetically pleasing. The igus e-spool series are able to confine many different cables within a confined space and uniquely combines two different energy supply systems, puts no tensile load on the cables, can supply energy in all directions (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal), and is available for indoor and outdoor applications. Overall, the final design provided accuracy, reliability, and aesthetics. For more information, visit igus and Mecaoctet . 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

Innovation has no bounds when an engineer tackles an industry need and comes up with a single e-mobility concept to fit multiple applications. Electric Mobility Technology Meets Utility With This Highly Versatile Vehicle Innovation has no bounds when an engineer tackles an industry need and comes up with a single e-mobility concept to fit multiple applications. Terry Persun Sports Nov 6, 2025 Cool Stuff E-mobility is flourishing around the world with everything from skateboards to trucks. But what isn’t available is a modular concept that is highly versatile and powerful. Envo has been involved in designing and manufacturing versatile mobility solutions for commuters, recreational use, and for utility operations offering everything from electric bikes, snow bikes, and trikes. Their latest endeavor is the Utility Personal Transporter (UPT). According to Envo Founder and CEO, Ali Kazemkhani, “Our forward-thinking team recognizes significant gaps in the e-mobility industry, particularly between e-bikes and e-cars, for both personal transportation and cargo/utility purposes. These untapped opportunities hold immense potential in the market for products like our new UPT. With it we’re introducing a highly versatile, 4-wheeled mobility platform, with niche futuristic micro-mobility options as clean alternatives to UTV/ATVs, Cars, and Trucks.” The innovative UPT is a powerful, long-range, all-wheel-drive utility platform. This flexible vehicle starts with a skate-board chassis similar to what you might find on a golf cart except that the basic unit doesn’t have a body or seats. Instead, the UPT offers a wide range of possible configurations designed to handle anything from garden/home improvement jobs to snowplows to backcountry rescue vehicle and much more—including equipment carrier on movie/TV sets, camera mounting for motion capture, or for simply ferrying people or equipment from one place to another when converted into a fully covered micro e-car. The direct-drive PMSM (permanent magnet synchronous motor) hub motors were designed in-house because of the specific geometry and features required of the UPT, such as high-efficiency, high-performance, lightweight, and modularity. Afterward, the motors were assembled, wound, and tested at a motor factory before delivery to Envo. Each motor is a 23-pair pole motor that provides speeds up to 60 kph with a maximum torque of 140 Nm. They are IP67 compliant, which means that they are dust-tight and protected from short-term water immersion of up to one meter for thirty minutes. Images courtesy of ENVO. The four wheels are independently controlled and managed through a main VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) mounted inside the main chassis. The VCU controls motor-wheel behavior based on driving demands such as cruise, traction, anti-slip, tank turn, and other driving modes including sport/eco, 2WD, 4WD, and many more. The controller is modular and updatable for a limitless variety of use cases. A dashboard VCU is available with an HMI (Human Machine Interface) that is external to the main chassis. This touchscreen display not only indicates vehicle driving information but also controls all components and accessories that can be added to the vehicle—module by module. Further, the HMI is CarPlay/Android Auto capable for all other apps used in modern cars. Through the use of a CANBUS network, any future electric or powered accessory could be added and controlled by the same HMI dashboard. Anything that can be controlled or monitored by the HMI dashboard can also be controlled remotely. Images courtesy of ENVO. The dashboard VCU is responsible for matching the vehicle user interface with the main VCU, which means that vehicle developers or individuals (including ENVO) will have different options for controlling the powertrain. Handlebar, thumb throttle, brake lever, or steering wheel with pedals are all possible. Even steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire for robotic and autonomous application is capable, while everything communicates with the main VCU to drive the vehicle. The UPT’s modular design, flat floor surface, and array of attachment points are the key to its configurability. This base platform features a fold-up, telescoping steering column for standing operation—plus an adjustable fold-down seat/leaning support—and allows for simple, narrow-profile upright or stacked storage and transport. From there, users can install accessories like high-capacity carriers and trays, a variety of seating options, gear racks, weather protection, and more, plus front and rear hitches for plowing and hauling. With payload capacities of up to 250 kg and towing capacities to 350 kg, the UPT is capable of traveling over 100 km. In addition, the unit boasts 12,000 watts of power harnessing 640 Nm maximum torque. Key design and functionality features include a fully adjustable upright handlebar for use in left, right, or center location; integrated headlights, taillights, and indicators; and multiple attachment points for various configurations. The flat deck allows for maximum cargo capacity and a pass-through area allows storage or transport of longer items. The handlebar and seat fold to allow the UPT to be stackable as well as to provide stand-up and compact storage. Images courtesy of ENVO. While the company continues to beta test the UPT, they expect to start deliveries in less than a year and are already taking pre-orders. The company also has early interest from the likes of law-enforcement groups, rescue teams, hunting/fishing organizations, construction companies, park/forest administrators, commercial farms, entertainment venues, and general consumers. UPT is a mass-customization platform that incorporates standardized modules that assemble into various LEV chassis. The company expects to scale by leveraging its existing supply chain and in partnering with small to medium manufacturers worldwide to deliver locally tailored vehicles for personal, commercial, and government needs. ENVO will provide the IP and upstream components while local partners will build and support the local community. This approach acknowledges the niche nature of the product and its need for deep customization. The goal is to address varied mobility needs using a fully customized mobility solution—the UPT platform. The company is presently seeking partners in the USA, India, China, Europe, Canada, the Middle East, and ANZ for local production. For more information, visit ENVO . More articles about vehicles >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

High humidity and salty seas were no match for this corrosion-resistant radar system customization. Creating a Rust-Resistant Radar System for Ocean Vessels High humidity and salty seas were no match for this corrosion-resistant radar system customization. Edited by Terry Persun Cool Stuff Apr 21, 2026 A major company in the aviation industry operates a large vessel designed specifically for ocean navigation. The radar system on this vessel required a robust motor to ensure reliable rotation under very challenging environments. Original motor designs exhibited significant rust and corrosion due to exposure to high humidity and salty seas. The client didn’t want to rely solely on an IP65-rated motor. It wanted a solution that would eliminate the potential for rust entirely. Dings Motion was able to customize their motor to withstand the extreme conditions of the open ocean where high humidity and salinity was ever-present, ensuring long-term corrosion resistance. The solution involved applying a specialized anti-corrosive Parylene coating to both the motor’s rotor and stator. Since stepper motors typically have a very small air gap between these component, Dings Motion increased the gap by a small amount and were able to maintain tight tolerances as well. This adjustment allowed for an even coating of the rotor and stator without affecting the motor’s overall integrity or operating specifications—which was essential for the application. Photo courtesy of Dings Motion. The results of the customizations delivered significant operational improvements, enhancing both efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The solution also required less maintenance and fewer replacements of the radar system’s motor. In fact, the customer achieved a 25 percent reduction in maintenance costs while maintaining a consistent operational uptime much longer than previous systems. Dings Motion was able to solve their customer’s challenges while providing additional features and cost savings for the life of their motors. For more information: Dings’ Motion Custom Solutions Read more marine applications >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The U.S. debut at RPM Raceway brings an immersive, game-like experience. Kart Klash Merges Go-Karts and Video Games for a Unique Experience The U.S. debut at RPM Raceway brings an immersive, game-like experience. EE Staff Theme Parks Oct 7, 2025 Sports RPM Raceway, an immersive go-kart and entertainment destination with U.S. locations on the east coast, is merging go-kart racing with the familiar party video game experience of popular games such as Mario Kart. Kart Klash, which launched in September, is the first of its kind to do this type of interactive go-kart experience, according to RPM, which they call and “arcade-style battle where speed meets strategy.” Driving go-karts equipped with F1-inspired steering wheels and LED displays, racers collect and activate power-ups, including missiles, MPs, TNTs, boosts, and shields while navigating the track. Similar to the Mario Kart format, “mystery boxes” and “boost zones” add a layer of tactical gameplay, where each decision can make or break the race and give the edge needed to pass competitors on the track. “Kart Klash isn’t just about recording your fastest lap, it’s about outsmarting your opponents and crossing the finish line first,” said Andrew Farage, CEO and Co-Founder of RPM. “We’re rolling out a social reinvention of go-karting that blends the thrill of racing with the interactivity of gaming, appealing to a demographic that may prefer strategy over raw adrenaline.” In April, RPM was awarded the Guinness World Records for Longest Indoor Multi-Level Go-Kart Track in the World. The convergence of software and karting Built on RPM’s R-TECH platform and developed in partnership with SODIKART, each kart is equipped with an LED heads-up display that delivers real-time stats, sector data, and performance insights, streamed directly to each racer during the race. The technology includes projection mapping and elements such as power-ups and missiles which are displayed on the screen of the go-kart. For viewers, TV screens show what’s happening in real time. Kart Klash is $30 for members and $40 for non-members with designated race sessions where juniors, teens and adults can compete together. Live leaderboards and detailed performance tracking are available for participants and spectators. Kart Klash is launching at RPM Raceway’s Stamford, CT and Long Island, NY locations, with other locations to follow. Source: RPM Raceway Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

As differentiating features of automobiles are increasingly defined by software, OEMs are transforming their development processes from hardware- and component-centric to software-centric approaches. Complete Automotive Design Through Virtual Prototyping As differentiating features of automobiles are increasingly defined by software, OEMs are transforming their development processes from hardware- and component-centric to software-centric approaches. Gunnar Braun, Technical Product Manager, Synopsys and Stewart Williams, Segment Mamagement Director, Synopsys Cool Stuff Jul 29, 2025 In the race to develop software-defined vehicles (SDVs), automotive manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers are facing pressure from all angles. With vehicular codebases often exceeding those of commercial aircraft, OEMs must wrangle enormous complexity while shortening developing cycles. In addition, companies must deliver frequent software updates throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, which continually assures quality, safety, security, and reliability. Further, cost pressures are enormous. These challenges demand faster, more rigorous software development, testing, and validation. While traditional hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing rigs are still a mainstay for system validation, their expense, latency, and inflexibility are increasingly at odds with the agility required by today’s automotive software development practices. To enable earlier and more efficient software testing and validation, the industry is adopting cloud-based development practices and the use of virtual prototypes. Cloud-native development Automotive software is simultaneously becoming more expensive and central to a car’s identity. Infotainment, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), traction control, and even powertrain management are all shaped by lines of code. The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the push toward fully autonomous transport have further increased the role and importance of automotive software. The shift from hardware-centric to software-centric vehicles means that OEMs and suppliers must rethink their development models. The IT industry pioneered cloud-native development approaches, leading to web applications and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions that are quickly delivered and continuously updated. These approaches involve incremental development and a strong emphasis on automation. DevOps practices further bridged the gap between the software development process and its operational deployment environment. Thanks to technologies such as containerization, testing cycles are now performed and automated in a production-simulated environment. This is one of the key challenges for OEMs and suppliers adopting cloud-native methods for SDV development: The replication of the operating environment — the vehicle — when developing and testing software. While the cloud provides virtually unlimited compute and collaboration resources, physical hardware—the ultimate destination for automotive software—often lags behind in availability. Teams often wait months for electronic control units (ECUs) to be ready for initial testing and validation. If hardware revisions are required, it extends the waiting period before OEMs and their suppliers can fully test their software at scale. All photos courtesy of Synopsys. Virtual prototypes accelerate automotive software development Virtual prototypes are models of target hardware that are used for software development, testing, and validation — before the hardware is available. Referred to as electronics digital twins (eDTs), these virtual prototypes simulate the behavior of automotive compute platforms; enable continuous software testing, integration, and delivery (CI/CD); and minimize the reliance on hardware and eliminate associated delays. Virtual platforms are used throughout the embedded software industry for starting software development before hardware is available, which results in a significant time-to-market advantage. A notable example is the open-source community’s use of QEMU, an emulator that allows open-source software stacks to leverage cutting-edge Arm CPU features well before the corresponding hardware is available. But traditional emulation-based tools were never designed for the complexity of modern automotive processors, such as Arm’s Cortex-A720AE, or the runtime demands of continuous, cloud-based software development. With Synopsys’s introduction of Virtualizer Native Execution, they are addressing these limitations and enabling Arm embedded software to be executed directly on Arm server CPUs—in the cloud, with no emulation or hardware required. This means developers can run workloads at the speed of the eventual hardware, roughly 100x faster than traditional instruction set simulators, while retaining the benefits of virtual prototypes and full compatibility with the existing ecosystem of models, tools, and workflows. Here are some of the technical and operational impacts: Software teams can validate complex system-level behaviors early and often, reducing the dependency on HiL rigs during the development cycle. With architecture parity between cloud and vehicle CPU (via Arm’s instruction set), developers can use the same development tools to significantly reduce workflow complexity. Native execution on Arm-based cloud instances, such as AWS Graviton servers, enables continuous DevOps and CI/CD pipelines, with virtual prototypes providing the critical link between development and operational environments. Leveraging the SOAFEE reference architecture An essential part of this puzzle is the SOAFEE (Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge) initiative. Led by Arm and other industry stakeholders, SOAFEE provides a standardized framework and reference architecture—based on the principles of modularity and orchestration—for SDV workloads. By adhering to common standards like SOAFEE, the ecosystem of automotive OEMs, suppliers, and technology leaders can increase interoperability and reduce vendor lock-in. All photos courtesy of Synopsys. At Embedded World 2025, while in collaboration with Arm, Synopsys demonstrated how virtual prototypes, SOAFEE reference architecture, and cloud-to-edge software development come together: Leveraging Synopsys Virtualizer Native Execution in an AWS cloud environment, the demonstration featured an open-source autonomous driving workload running on top of the SOAFEE edge reference stack. Executed at real-time speed, the virtual prototype was approximately 100x faster than a comparable QEMU-based simulation. The demonstration showed how virtual prototypes replicate the structure of an edge device with sufficient granularity to validate real-world functionality and software behavior, while remaining scalable and shareable across teams and geographies. While the technical underpinnings are compelling, the business value of virtual prototypes and cloud-native development is just as important. Cloud-based workflows are becoming a prerequisite for meeting time-to-market expectations in a world where vehicle features are continuously updated via over-the-air (OTA) software pushes. Synopsys’s collaboration with Arm and other SOAFEE partners is ongoing, and forthcoming advances to Virtualizer Native Execution will enable more complex scenarios and system-level parity. This includes better support for real-time behavior, safety domains, and full-vehicle E/E system integration. In the meantime, the automotive industry has a powerful foundation on which to build. For more information: Synopsys Home Synopsys Virtualizer Native Execution release Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Special lighting with various accessories and optimized controls are used by one creative boutique to light multiple scenes easily and effectively. Three Light Units Help Create Cinematic Visual Effects Special lighting with various accessories and optimized controls are used by one creative boutique to light multiple scenes easily and effectively. Film and TV Jul 21, 2025 Aaron Sims Creative (ASC) is a full-service creative boutique that focuses on cinematic visual effects (VFX). ASC has provided iconic characters and worlds for a broad number of high-profile projects, including the Netflix drama “Stranger Things” and the Warner Bros. movie “Ready Player One.” ASC has adopted Litepanels’ Gemini 2x1 Soft LED panel. Gemini delivers precision color control along with a broad array of dynamic lighting and cinematic effects in a highly portable, battery operated, and lightweight LED panel, providing the ASC team with newfound flexibility and versatility in creating unique lighting applications. According to Mauricio van Hasselt, production manager for ASC (see photo below), “Lighting plays a critical role in our work, enabling us to add real-world components to our computer-generated visual effects for enhanced realism. We need highly versatile lighting tools that are not only dependable but offer fine-tuned control. I had heard about Gemini, but once I saw it for myself, I knew I’d found the ‘all-purpose utility knife’ we needed for lighting our projects.” All photos courtesy of Litepanels “Gemini produces true, full-spectrum white light and offers an extensive choice of control options for most lighting applications the team might dream up. The light’s exceptional color and realistic skin tones virtually eliminate the need for color correction, saving our clients time and money in post-production. And since I’m no stranger to Litepanels—their Astra LED panels have been my mainstay lighting kit for many years—I knew I could count on the product’s durability, performance, and outstanding light quality.” Gemini delivers flicker-free light for any frame rate, shutter angle, or intensity, making it ideal for high-speed photography, with smooth dimming from 100 percent to 0.1 percent for the smallest glint of light. The ASC crew is able to set Gemini’s correlated color temperature (CCT) anywhere from 2,700 to 6,000K to get accurate color rendition and add or subtract green with the turn of a dial. The crew can select virtually any color in the different color modes from the 360-degree color wheel in HSI Mode or create specialty colors in RGBW Mode by controlling each color independently. With Gemini’s new firmware release, the units now offer a broad array of dynamic special effects ranging from emergency lights, lightning, and fire, to pulsing, square, and strobe, just to name a few. In one on-location example, the ASC crew can use Gemini to generate on-set muzzle flashes that the actors and environment can react to, making the scene much more realistic than if the effect were added later in post-production. In another example, a scene with a laser beam, the crew was able to use Gemini to change the color of the laser instantly to support the director’s creative vision as he tried different scenarios for the scene. ASC also uses Gemini to generate interactive lighting on location that will later be motivated by sources created in CG. Van Hasselt added. “We were especially impressed with Gemini’s extremely light weight. I can carry the light with me to any location, and we can easily mount the panel on a boom—a phenomenal advantage when dealing with tricky top-lighting situations. Also, with Gemini’s highly intuitive and easy-to-use control interface, we can achieve a desired effect almost instantly. We’ve been able to save multiple USB presets for a variety of different looks, such as action or horror, and then trigger them any number of times with the touch of a button.” ASC VFX continually pushes the boundaries of cinematic visual effects, and its otherworldly creatures and setting have brought chills and thrills to audiences all over the world. Through the use of Gemini, from Litepanels, this single lightweight piece of equipment provides the ASC visual effects team with greater flexibility than they’ve had in the past—and with a wider range of solutions. For more information: Litepanels Aaron Sims Creative Videndum Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The locomotives will be able to use power from overhead lines, traction batteries, and a new model diesel generator, reducing noise and fumes around maintenance crews. Upgrading Old Diesel Locomotives to Hybrid and Overhead Line Operation The locomotives will be able to use power from overhead lines, traction batteries, and a new model diesel generator, reducing noise and fumes around maintenance crews. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Apr 2, 2026 Swiss-based Müller Technologie is using ABB traction equipment to upgrade old diesel locomotives to hybrid and overhead line operation. This technology will enable three driving modes, giving the locomotives greater flexibility and a new life to meet changing environmental requirements. The capability for zero-emission operation will be especially useful at work sites and in tunnels. While rail is already among the cleanest modes of transportation, there is still considerable potential for improvement. Consequently, the industry is moving towards sustainable solutions that significantly reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact. Müller Technologie’s diesel locomotives are generally used in construction, maintenance, shunting, and cargo services. One of their main tasks on maintenance and construction sites is to supply power for electric tools. Previously, this meant that the diesel engine had to be run in idle mode all the while the locomotive was at the work site. The resulting fumes and noise were an inconvenience, especially in urban areas, tunnels, and during the night. Old diesel locomotive and new hybrid locomotive. All photos courtesy of ABB. Müller Technologie’s innovative Aeam 841 hybrid locomotives are based on the original diesel locomotives and are now being converted to enable the three-mode operation (tribrid). Following the conversion, the locomotives will be able to use power from overhead lines, traction batteries, and a new model diesel generator. Müller approached ABB as a technology partner to help develop the traction chain solution and supply the necessary equipment. The project required high operational reliability and cost efficiency, as well as the need to fit the traction equipment into very limited space. It was also necessary to implement the conversion without modifying the locomotive body, as this would ensure a more straightforward approval process. The existing diesel-electric locomotives had a 920 kW engine powering a generator, with the output fed via a two-level traction converter of 724 kW being upgraded to four motors totaling 1000 kW. During the conversion the diesel engine was replaced with a 500 kW unit capable of running on renewable fuel, and the original electric motors were completely overhauled and retained. Advanced Traction Solution The traction system supplied by ABB consists of BORDLINE® CC1500 AC Compact Converter, eBox, Traction Batteries, and a traction transformer. The BORDLINE Compact Converter is a highly integrated solution which includes a line converter, two traction converters, two auxiliary converters, and a Traction Battery Chopper including low pass filter. Aeam 841 hybrid locomotive. All photos courtesy of ABB. Its three-level traction converters are around 7-9% more energy efficient than the locomotives’ original two-level units. They put less stress on the motor insulation and have lower harmonic losses which means additional energy savings in the motors. The regenerative braking function provides further energy savings by feeding braking energy into the Traction Batteries or overhead line. The eBox provides an interface between the converter and batteries and includes the Battery Management System. The traction batteries are based on LTO (lithium-titanium-oxide) cell technology, which has the advantage of very short charging times. It will be possible to charge the locomotive’s batteries from empty in around 20 minutes, enabling a full recharge during a short break in the working day. The traction batteries can be charged from the overhead line, diesel generator or depot power supply. Sustainability Through Low-Emission Operation The retrofit project prepares the 5 locomotives for a sustainable future and will extend their lifetime by 25 years. The project itself is being implemented on an environmentally-friendly basis, with 28 tons of steel—including the old engine, traction converter, and some body panels—being recycled from each locomotive. As well as retaining the existing motors, the chassis and bogie frames have been overhauled and adapted to meet new requirements. This way, the vehicles are given back to the market as rental locomotives, with important savings of steel. Retrofitting old locomotives with energy efficient technologies aligns with climate protection goals, promoting sustainable rail transport. Hybrid locomotive with overhead line. All photos courtesy of ABB. The locomotives will reduce CO2 emissions to a minimum improving the working conditions of the personnel, by reducing fumes and noise. ABB’s traction chain allows silent operation during the night and in densely populated urban areas. The hybrid locomotives will be capable of operating without the need for external energy sources over several assignments. Müller Technologie has calculated that they can use overhead lines to power 80% of their trips, with the remainder covered by the traction batteries or diesel generator. Overall, diesel consumption is expected to be reduced by up to 85% compared to pre-conversion figures. This equates to 8,500 liters of diesel fuel per locomotive that will be saved every year. The capability to operate emission free at work sites is an important advantage of the new locomotives. The Traction Batteries are therefore not only used for propulsion, but also supply the tools used on site. Adopting sustainable alternatives to traditional diesel engines significantly reduces carbon emissions and helps the rail industry to decarbonize. ABB’s extensive expertise along with the comprehensive traction solutions for sustainable transportation will pave the way for a leaner and cleaner future. For more information: ABB Bordline Compact Converter Müller Technologie AG Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next