Blending creativity, innovation, and technology helped make this Comic-Con event light up. Wicked Technology on Stage at Comic-Con Blending creativity, innovation, and technology helped make this Comic-Con event light up. Edited by EE Staff Stage Events Nov 25, 2025 Held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt’s Seaport Ballroom, the audience members for the Her Universe Fashion Show experienced a Wicked -themed immersive lobby featuring pop ups such as a KISS nail booth, photo ops, film props and costumes, and LEGO big builds. From elaborate couture fashion and musical performances to a technology enhanced magical runway entrance by Eckstein herself, the event was designed to captivate and inspire. Her Universe images courtesy of Mark Edwards Photography. The runway serves as the stage for a group of selected designers who created and showcased their designs—some of which were inspired by the Wicked fandom—during the 2025 Her Universe Fashion Show. At the end of the night, Lynleigh Sato and Caitlin Beards were chosen by both the audience and an expert panel of judges as the winning designers. They were awarded a cash prize of $2,000 USD each and have been offered the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe. Central to this vision was the transformation of the stage into the World of Oz, a feat made possible by ALTRD Projections and Barco’s state-of-the-art projectors. Delivering Impactful Visuals This year’s production presented a unique spatial and creative challenge: how to deliver high-impact visuals across four separate projection surfaces. The team needed a solution that delivered consistent brightness, sharp resolution, and vibrant color across each of the four side screens—two on each side of the stage—while maintaining visual cohesion with the central LED display. For the immersive experience of the show, it was critical to attain seamless integration and high performance across all of these distinct surfaces. Four high-performance Barco UDX-4K40 projectors, known for their unmatched brightness, 4K resolution, and color fidelity, were instrumental in creating a cohesive, large-scale projection canvas of the four side screens that framed the runway. The UDX’ ability to deliver consistent, vibrant imagery across wide surfaces allowed the creative team at ALTRD Projections to design and execute a fully immersive runway backdrop. The visuals were crisp, dynamic, and emotionally resonant, bringing the magical world of Oz to life. Product image courtesy of Barco. The projectors handled complex motion graphics and color-rich content with ease, ensuring that every detail was rendered with cinematic precision. Barco’s technology didn’t just support the show’s visuals, it elevated them, enabling a level of storytelling and spectacle that matched the ambition of the designers and performers. The result was a flawless fusion of fashion and technology. Her Universe images courtesy of Mark Edwards Photography. The visuals created by the Barco projectors were meant to provide a wickedly memorable evening for attendees by elevating the entire production and immersing the audience in a fantastical experience that matched the creativity of the designs on the runway. The show drew record attendance and rave reviews, with fans and judges alike praising the visual storytelling and technical excellence. By blending creativity and innovation, Barco was a committed technology partner enabling Her Universe to push the boundaries of fashion and fandom once again. The Her Universe Fashion Show, now in its 11th year, has become a cornerstone of San Diego Comic-Con, celebrating fandom through fashion. Presented by Universal and hosted by Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, the 2025 edition was themed “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations” inspired by the popular Wicked franchise. This year’s show reached new heights in creativity, inclusivity, and visual spectacle. For more information: Barco UDX-4K40 FLEX Her Universe See other theatre and stage case studies >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

High performance tooling proves essential in motorcycle design and rider experience. Precision Tooling Solutions Meets Creative Motorcycle Innovation High performance tooling proves essential in motorcycle design and rider experience. Kennametal Sports Aug 21, 2025 Cool Stuff When you strive for innovation, you can’t get much more advanced or even cooler than the partnership between Kennametal and Kraus Motor. High-performance tooling and sleek surface finishes make the perfect combination for unequaled craftsmanship. Kraus Motor is a custom CNC shop that designs and manufactures ergonomics, suspensions, and braking systems for motorcycles. Their focus is on consumer products based in an industry that is all about aesthetics and quality of finish. And that is super important to them because each product is front and center for the customer to see. All photos courtesy of Kennametal and Kraus Motor Co. When Kennametal learned that Kraus Motor had been fighting with different tooling for their aluminum and stainless steel products to obtain the right finish quality they needed, our representatives stepped in and presented solutions to solve their machining challenges. According to Satya Kraus, Owner of Kraus Motor Co., “The quality of the tooling has been great. Being able to speak with people who know what you're talking about—and are machinists and have done machining makes a big difference when you have a technical question. There's somebody there who understands what you're talking about and has some experience with it. I've found we get that with Kennametal.” Kraus Motor runs a ton of tooling through their shop and is making a big push to transform a majority of their drilling and milling solutions to Kennametal. Satya highlights that his machinists and programmers appreciate the Kennametal systems, tooling, and catalogs. A key benefit is the ability to load tooling models into their CAM systems directly. As a leader in their industry, Kraus Motor designs and fabricates their products using lathes, 5-axis machines and horizontal and vertical machines. Some of their complex tooling includes the use of 3D machining for their ball-end finishes. With so many machines and the need for several types of tools including Beyond™ Evolution cut-off inserts, Kennametal provides innovative options at every stage of product development. “You want to work with companies that are continuing to develop,” Satya said. As the industry continues to shift toward performance, ergonomics has become Kraus Motor's primary focus. Their research and development team, composed of experienced riders, understands what customers seek to experience. “Ergonomics is the first thing we attack. We set that bike up for the individual. If they are comfortable on that bike, they are confident on that bike. Then they are going to be able to use the OEM performance to its extent before they start adding some really high-grade suspension and braking technologies,” Satya explains. Kraus Motor is dedicated to producing products that require multiple operations and have features that must be precisely aligned with each other. With Kennametal’s precision tooling solutions and Kraus Motor’s dedication to creating a new functional experience for the rider, their partnership is set to push the boundaries of motorcycle design and manufacturing. For more information: Kennametal Kraus Motor Beyond Evolution Cut-Off Insert Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' ride at Universal Studios Hollywood features groundbreaking, computer-managed 360-degree rotation technology designed to create the seamless sensation and physics of drifting cars. New Fast & Furious Roller Coaster Puts Thrill Seekers in the Driver's Seat The 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' ride at Universal Studios Hollywood features groundbreaking, computer-managed 360-degree rotation technology designed to create the seamless sensation and physics of drifting cars. Terry Persun Theme Parks Jun 1, 2026 As Universal Studios Hollywood puts on the final touches for their first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster opening in the summer of 2026, they are unveiling three of the ride vehicles joining the previously announced Dodge Charger that will comprise the “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” ride. Images courtesy of Universal Studios. The ride is based on the “Fast & Furious” franchise that features suspenseful and meticulously choreographed, edge-of-your-seat driving sequences. Wishing to bring that same sensation into the physical world, guests will have a chance to step into one of the four ride vehicles, modeled after the cars driven by some of their favorite Fast & Furious characters in the film series. The coaster is meant to allow riders to experience the energy and thrill of the films’ street racing for themselves. The ride includes four launches and three inversions while careening along 4,100 feet of elaborate aerial track—the equivalent of nearly 12 football fields—that winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level Starway escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots. The ride incorporates a linear synchronous motor magnetic launch system to catapult riders up to 72mph. The coaster features groundbreaking, computer-managed 360-degree rotation technology designed to create a seamless sensation and physics of drifting cars as guests spin in motion The track is specifically designed using sound-reduction technology to keep the high-speed outdoor ride quieter for the surrounding areas and for a more breathtaking experience. Images courtesy of Universal Studios. The load platform includes the ride vehicles set against an original large-scale mural created by world-renowned artist Tristan Easton. The freehand, spray-painted mural will be splashed across an interior brick wall and will depict the finale street racing scene in the original film with a montage of the aerial-bound Dodge Charger and Toyota Supra vehicles racing against a speeding train. Included within this mural is a homage to Vin Diesel’s character Dominic Toretto. Images courtesy of Universal Studios. The design inspiration for the four ride vehicles come straight from the films. The iconic Dodge Charger was inspired by Dominic Toretto’s signature car featured throughout the franchise. With its sleek black frame, this souped-up, 900-horsepower, 1970 Dodge Charger is considered the ultimate American muscle car. Added to the roundup is the Mazda RX-7 was inspired by the 1997 model driven by Han Seouloh and features 19-inch wheel, racing seats, upgraded suspension, and custom interior. The Nissan Skyline GT-R was inspired by Brian O’Conner’s 2002 blue Nissan, which was enhanced with extensive performance and styling modifications, renowned for its unique appearance. Finally, the Toyota Supra inspired by Brian O’Connor’s orange 1994 car that featured the legendary 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six engine. O’Connor owed Toretto a “10-second car,” and this one more than delivered on that promise. It is recognized as one of the most memorable cars in the film franchise. For information: Universal Studios Hollywood Tristan Eaton Read more about theme park technology >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

A bourbon producer upgraded its facility to gain greater visualization and streamline operations. The team required deep visibility across all operations, which included grain receiving, mashing, fermentation, byproducts, and finished goods. The Tech That Keeps This Distillery Operating Smoothly — and Securely A bourbon producer upgraded its facility to gain greater visualization and streamline operations. The team required deep visibility across all operations, which included grain receiving, mashing, fermentation, byproducts, and finished goods. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Jul 13, 2026 Food Located in Bardstown, KY, Heaven Hill Distillery operates in an industry with a century-long legacy and fast-evolving digital expectations. The distillery worked with Opus Integration, a member of the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork™ and one of the region’s standalone system integrators. Opus Integration is careful to make sure that their process connects to the different needs of every stakeholder, while also maintaining machine safety to the manufacturing of spirits. The company’s primary challenge was to build a data-driven and secure operation for the Greenfield site of the Heaven Hill Distillery. The expectation was to deliver a fully digital, data-intensive operation that was capable of mirroring every physical process with reliable digital insight. The team required deep visibility across all operations, which included grain receiving, mashing, fermentation, byproducts, and finished goods. Photo courtesy of Rockwell Automation. However, their existing Louisville facility relied on an older version of PlantPAx®, creating a gap between capabilities and future needs. They also prioritized information security, requesting a system architecture that would allow them to deploy Dragos monitoring and gain visibility into hardware status and network behavior. Above all, Heaven Hill needed a cohesive visualization layer that could streamline monitoring, reduce manual troubleshooting, and prepare the business for long-term digital transformation and AI-driven decision-making. Opus Integration came on the scene with a deep expertise in process automation and plant modernization having previously worked with the distillery’s Louisville facility providing strategic guidance, engineering leadership, and hands-on implementation support. For the Greenfield site, Opus deployed PlantPAx® 5.1 for a modern, cohesive view of the entire facility. This solution was able to centralize plant visualization, allowing operators to monitor equipment, interlocks, and system behavior from any terminal in the distillery. Opus also helped the Heaven Hill team configure the network architecture to accommodate Dragos information security, giving the customer visibility into their connected assets and strengthening the facility’s cybersecurity posture. PlantPAx® transformed how operators at Heaven Hill engaged with their production environment. With modern interlock objects, operators could instantly see what conditions were preventing equipment from running. This eliminated the need to wait for maintenance, dig through code, or place multiple calls for support. Troubleshooting time dropped dramatically, which improved responsiveness and kept production moving smoothly. The PlantPAx system also allowed the team to analyze historical trends and compare past production runs, which supported anomaly detection and process optimization across operations. Notably, the digital infrastructure helped the distillery prepare for AI-driven manufacturing insights. Heaven Hill is already building roles centered on cognitive AI to interpret data harvested from PlantPAx®, a major step forward for an industry over 100 years old. The partnership between Heaven Hill, Opus Integration, and Rockwell Automation continues to deliver a foundation for continued digital transformation. For information: Rockwell Automation PlantPAx Opus Integration Heaven Hill Read more food and beverage case studies >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Entirely 3D printed auto-follow device for GoPro cameras begins US tour Auto-Follow Sports Drone Set for Take-Off Entirely 3D printed auto-follow device for GoPro cameras begins US tour EE Staff Sports Jun 4, 2025 Aimed primarily at the consumer market, AirDog is an innovative, yet simple-to-use, ‘quad-copter’ that operates via a wrist-worn tracking device and accommodates a standard GoPro sports camera. Users can automatically capture exciting live aerial video footage and still photography of themselves, having set distance, speed and height levels for AirDog to follow. Helico is specifically targeting the outdoor ‘extreme’ sports market and expects AirDog to be of particular interest to recreational participants of freestyle BMX, motocross and skateboarding, as well as water-sports such as surfing, kite-surfing and wake-boarding. AirDog might literally have not got off the ground, had it not been for the instrumental role 3D printing played during the prototyping phase. The company sought the expertise of Stratasys’ Latvian partner, Baltic3D, who also worked with Polish reseller Bibus Menos to meet the requirements outlined by Helico’s team. In order to produce fully-functional parts that could perform in the real environment, both Stratasys’ FDM and PolyJet 3D printing technologies were employed for AirDog and its AirLeash tracking device, respectively. The final AirDog drone was fully 3D printed using Stratasys’ FDM-based ULTEM material, chosen thanks to its ability to provide parts of extreme strength and durability, with the lightweight characteristics vital for take-off and in-flight maneuverability. For more information: Stratasys Home AirDog Quadcopter Drone Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

A ride system that uses a movable arm to physically reposition a ride vehicle while it travels along a track could change how many attractions work in the future. Disney’s Latest Patent is Revolutionizing How Track Rides Operate A ride system that uses a movable arm to physically reposition a ride vehicle while it travels along a track could change how many attractions work in the future. Edited by EE Staff Theme Parks Sep 8, 2026 Just imagine how a ride could allow all its vehicles to be lifted, shifted laterally, or moved away from the ride surface entirely during an attraction. Now imagine this all happening without the vehicle leaving its track. That’s the idea behind Disney’s latest patent recently filed by inventors Derek Lee Howard, Gaku Sato, and Edward Allen Nemeth on behalf of Disney Enterprises, Inc. Images of patent drawings courtesy of Disney. How the system works It all starts with a straightforward approach where the vehicle moves along a track. An arm (called a boom arm) is attached to the vehicle. This boom arm can articulate, extend, and pivot to change where the vehicle sits relative to the track. The arm connects to the chassis that runs along the track. The arm adjusts in real time as the chassis moves, which means that the ride vehicle can be repositioned laterally, vertically, or both directions simultaneously. A balance spring or counterweight system is used to offset the weight of the arm and the vehicle it carries. This reduces the power needed from the actuator that drives the arm’s movement. Images of patent drawings courtesy of Disney. The patent describes several ways this technology could be used to create effects during an attraction, starting with simply lifting the vehicle off the ride surface to simulate jumping or flying. The boom arm can also move the vehicle across the track to avoid or to hit obstacles placed in front of it, adjust height in real time to simulate bumps or terrain changes, and to simulate ramps or sky moguls. Acceleration boosts can also be simulated by rapidly lifting the arm. Patent drawings in the filing show both a boat-style vehicle on a water channel and a land-based vehicle with wheels even though the patent notes that the ride vehicle could be styled as a boat, a car, an airplane, or any other type of vehicle. Images of patent drawings courtesy of Disney. Images of patent drawings courtesy of Disney. Guest Engagement One detail in the patent that stands out is the provision for guest interaction. The steering interface—steering wheel, joystick, or lever—would allow guests control the position of their vehicle during the ride. Guests could steer up, down, left, or right to avoid obstacles or hit targets. The patent specifically mentions this as a way to add a layer of control to the experience. The system also supports multiple ride paths. For example, a first ride path could be located on one side of the track and a second ride path on the other. The boom arm would allow the guest to pivot the vehicle from one path to the other, effectively allowing each guest to choose or be directed between different routes through the attraction. To take this one step further, third and fourth ride paths are also described in the patent, giving the system flexibility to create varied experiences on repeat visits or within a single ride. Images of patent drawings courtesy of Disney. Disney regularly files patents that may or may not be put into a finished attraction. Yet, the level of detail for this patent—covering water rides, land rides, and flying rides—suggests that this is a platform Disney is investing in at a more technical level. The articulating arm concept itselt addresses a realistic limitation in traditional track-based rides. Once a vehicle is locked into a track, its movement is typically fixed. This system breaks that constraint, opening up possibilities for rides that feel more dynamic and responsive. On a final note, this is a patent application, not a granted patent. The technology described may or may not appear in a future Disney attraction. For information: Disney Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Vertical take-off and landing aircraft uses hydrogen-electric technology to complete landmark 523-mile flight. This Electric Air Taxi has Only One Byproduct: Water Vertical take-off and landing aircraft uses hydrogen-electric technology to complete landmark 523-mile flight. Cool Stuff Jul 29, 2025 On June 30, 2025 Joby Aviation, Inc., a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service announced that its electric air taxi has completed a series of piloted, electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) wingborne flights in Dubai, marking the start of its commercial market readiness efforts in the region. These efforts will further develop Joby’s readiness in anticipation of carrying its first passengers in 2026 and marks a major step in the company’s three-pronged commercialization strategy: direct operations, aircraft sales, and regional partnerships. In July of 2024, Joby demonstrated its potential for emissions-free regional journeys. The company’s hydrogen-electric air taxi demonstrator had built on Joby’s successful battery-electric air taxi development program and demonstrated the potential for hydrogen to unlock emissions-free, regional journeys that didn’t require a runway. The hydrogen-electric program built on technology developed by Joby subsidiary H2FLY and was supported through Joby’s partnership with the U.S. Air Force’ Agility Prime program. The landmark test flight, believed to be the first forward flight of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen had been completed using a converted Joby pre-production prototype battery-electric aircraft fitted with a liquid hydrogen fuel tank and fuel cell system. It landed with 10% of its hydrogen fuel load remaining. Jacob Wilson, (Acting) Branch Chief, AFWERX Agility Prime, said: "Agility Prime has been very supportive of hydrogen-powered aircraft development and testing as it aligns with the program’s goals to advance transformative vertical lift technologies and broader Department of Defense operational energy goals of energy substitution and diversification, and energy demand reduction.” All photos courtesy of Joby Aviation Joby’s hydrogen-electric demonstrator was part of the Company’s future technology program and was the result of several years of collaboration between a small team at Joby and H2FLY, Joby’s wholly-owned subsidiary based in Stuttgart, Germany. The converted aircraft previously completed more than 25,000 miles of testing as a battery-electric aircraft at Joby’s base in Marina, CA. Using the same airframe and overall architecture as Joby’s core, battery-electric aircraft, this demonstrator featured a liquid hydrogen fuel tank, designed and built by Joby, which stored up to 40 kilograms of liquid hydrogen, alongside a reduced mass of batteries. Hydrogen was fed into a fuel cell system, designed and built by H2FLY, to produce electricity, water, and heat. The electricity produced by the hydrogen fuel cell powered the six electric motors on the Joby aircraft, while the batteries provided additional power primarily during take-off and landing. As part of Joby’s wider commitment to leading the way on the development of new aviation technologies, it recently acquired Xwing Inc., an industry leader in the development of autonomous technology for aviation. Xwing has been flying autonomous aircraft since 2020, with 250 fully autonomous flights and more than 500 auto-landings completed to date, using the Superpilot software it developed in-house. For more information: Joby Aviation H2FLY U.S. Air Force’ Agility Prime program Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Mark Rober’s latest engineering video pitches legendary Portugal soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo against a robot goalie. See who’s up to the challenge. Robot Goalie Has Sub-Millimeter Accuracy Optical Tracking Mark Rober’s latest engineering video pitches legendary Portugal soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo against a robot goalie. See who’s up to the challenge. Edited by EE Staff Feb 16, 2026 Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, has an innovative and entertaining approach to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, which is a global inspiration for him. He records and uploads his adventures regularly on Youtube to get the word out. He’s also the founder of CrunchLabs, an exciting and impactful STEM brand. Recently, Rober partnered with OptiTrack, a designer and manufacturer of precision motion capture technology. He used the company’s PrimeX 120 camera system to power a high-speed, high-G tracking behind his newest project where Cristiano Ronaldo fired high speed penalty kicks at a robot goalie capable of accelerating at 10 Gs. Image courtesy of OptiTrack. To track an 80 mph (120 km/h) ball launcher, full-speed professional strikes, and a robot moving fast enough to tear its own mechanical components apart, OptiTrack deployed a 20-camera volume of PrimeX 120 cameras running at 500 FPS, combined with passive retroreflective markers placed on the ball. The PrimeX 120 features customed designed ultra-low distortion “fast glass” lenses for optimal tracking. The PrimeX 120 is an 18mm lense with wide-band anti-reflective coating for greater light transmission, larger volumes, and more precise 3D data. Image courtesy of OptiTrack. The capture volume was engineered around the penalty box, with the system configured to track anything entering the strike zone with sub-millimeter fidelity. OptiTrack participated with a full on-site engineering team that supported both the Portugal shoot and earlier development testing performed in California. According to Rober, “OptiTrack’s tracking is so accurate and so fast that it let us push this experiment way further than I thought was possible. It’s the only system that could keep up with Ronaldo’s shots.” Unlike traditional sensor systems, OptiTrack’s optical motion capture allowed Rober’s team to calculate the ball’s predicted path in real time. With that data, the system calculated ball trajectory data and streamed it directly from OptiTrack’s system to the robot. This enabled the robot to not only anticipate where the ball would cross its line but to move to the exact location with extreme speed—fast enough to stop the kick. When Mark approached OptiTrack with the idea, the company knew that their PrimeX camera system was the right product to deliver the data needed fast enough to block the kick. The 500 frames per second required for the experiment was comfortably within the normal operating range of the technology. Sidney Rittenbert Jr., CEO of OptiTrack said, “We’re proud to support ambitious engineering projects like this with the reliability our customers depend on every day.” The video is available on the Mark Rober YouTube channel and has additional approved behind-the-scenes footage and technical breakdowns you can find showcased on OptiTrack’s social media channels. For information: OptiTrack PrimeX 120 Mark Rober on YouTube *Lead image courtesy of DepositePhotos.com . Read more about technology in sports >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Filmmakers and businesses get a creative refuge where they can plan, shoot, edit, score, and finalize projects. Virtual Production Stage for Film Filmmakers and businesses get a creative refuge where they can plan, shoot, edit, score, and finalize projects. Edited by Terry Persun Film and TV Jun 24, 2025 35North Studios is a state-of-the-art production studio that allows creators a peaceful space to focus on their craft and enjoy the process. The company’s full-service approach provides their clients with a well-equipped studio situated in Clear Lake, Iowa. At its 12-acre campus, 35North Studios operates out of a 225,000-square-foot-facility that includes soundstages and editing suites, in addition to a recording studio, equipment rental house and production office space. With an eye on the trends shaping entertainment and production, 35North Studios’ executive leadership began paying close attention during the pandemic lockdowns when virtual production projects started to accelerate. They conducted extensive research and evaluations into virtual production methodologies and the technologies that enable them. Soon after, they committed to building their own virtual production stage. Also from Entertainment Engineering: Photo courtesy of 35North Studios. “It’s just ingrained in us to always be looking forward and to stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry tools,” said Justin Fairfax, Director of 35North Studios. “We also saw the opportunity to be an early adopter in the Midwest.” Technically Advanced 35North Studios’ virtual production workflow features an OptiTrack camera tracking system—a 3D optical tracking technology with sub-millimeter accuracy for virtual production stages and other industry applications. OptiTrack is a 3D precision tracking systems that provides low latency output, easy to use workflows, and a host of developer tools. The system’s primary markets include drone and ground robot tracking, movement sciences, virtual production and character animation for film and games, and mixed reality tracking. The specific OptiTrack system used by 35North Studios is comprised of 12 SlimX13 cameras—a lightweight, high frame-rate capture product that includes a discreet profile and is designed with simplicity and usability in mind. The system also includes CinePuck, a camera tracking tool for virtual production studios that can be seamlessly integrated into any production workflow. The studio’s stage is also equipped with fine pitch LED video walls and ceiling from OptiTrack’s sister company, Planar, a leading provider of LED display solutions, and ARRI cinema cameras. Additionally, 35North Studios custom built all of its rendering nodes and computer hardware systems. Flexibility and Stability 35North Studios selected an OptiTrack system after evaluating the different types of motion capture technologies including how each one would support their vision for the new virtual production stage, both immediately, and long term. “We wanted our LED ceiling to be a reflective surface at all times, which automatically ruled out inside out camera tracking ,” Fairfax said. “If we had to place a bunch of trackers on the ceiling for positional tracking, then that would mean they would be visible in the reflections. We wanted to avoid that.” Because of their need for more creative latitude, their search eventually landed on optical camera tracking and the OptiTrack system. “For us, it’s all about flexibility and stability,” Fairfax said. “With an OptiTrack system, we are not tied solely to virtual production. For example, if we decide at a later stage to invest in an animated feature that needs motion capture, we can do that.” The flexibility of OptiTrack proved beneficial when 35North Studios wanted to expand its tracking volume. “We decided to also track our side walls to Unreal, which allows us to avoid having to remap everything every time we move one of those mobile walls,” Fairfax said. “That wouldn’t be possible using different tools.” The decision to integrate an OptiTrack system was also based on 35North Studios’ set up to use two ARRI cameras in their virtual volume and to be able to track both at once. OptiTrack provided the ability to track props, which the company can build into an active tracker and send to Unreal in real-time. “It’s such a multipurpose tool,” Fairfax said. According to Fairfax, OptiTrack provides several other advantages—the system is user-friendly, the equipment is dependable, and the software is easy to learn and understand. But what stands out the most is that the technology is virtually unnoticeable. “I haven’t had to worry about it being visible once on set,” Fairfax said. “It’s never a thought in my mind.” For information: OptiTrack Planar Epic Games ARRI Brompton Technology Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Unique dispenser technology can produce various types of sushi at the press of a button. Printing Sushi in Space? It's Not As "Out There" As You Think Unique dispenser technology can produce various types of sushi at the press of a button. Muge Deniz Meiller Cool Stuff Oct 21, 2025 The phrase “micro fluid dispensing” is generally associated with applications like medical device assembly or battery manufacturing. It certainly doesn’t conjure up visions of sushi—at least not yet. If engineers at IHI Aerospace and Yamagata University have their way, though, 3D printed sushi will be served to space tourists as they circle in low Earth orbit. IHI Aerospace is involved in developing a commercial space platform that could be used to carry civilians into orbit. The company is already looking ahead to enhancing all levels of the experience, including meals—in particular, sushi. IHI had to look beyond specialty chefs, sharp knives, and coolers of fish and seafood and decided to print the sushi with a lightweight countertop micro dispensing system. Considering that adventurers looking for the thrill of orbital spaceflight will expect an unforgettable experience which includes something more exotic than just a sandwich, IHI Aerospace reached out to Yamagata University, which has a strong aerospace engineering program and an equally well-regarded culinary arts program. After some brainstorming, the University team chose proteins in a paste form rather than as solid fish or seafood. Uni (sea urchin) and other fish pastes are common food items in Japan and many parts of the world. Thus, the concept of sushi made with uni paste is familiar. Pastes have benefits for both quality and logistics. The proteins are harvested and packed at the peak of flavor. Plus, packaged pastes are shelf stable with no leftover food waste to generate odor. Protein pastes are also compatible with non-contact micro fluid dispensing technology, making it possible to automate the sushi preparation. All photos courtesy of Nordson. The Challenges Developing printable sushi was an innovative concept and presented a number of challenges. The application required a specific volume of uni paste to be dispensed on a bed of rice in a specific pattern and location. Uni paste is a high-viscosity fluid that requires well-controlled pressure to dispense. The nozzle needed to be wide enough to discourage blockages but narrow enough to provide controlled deposition. In addition, the goal of the program was to create a system to produce four different kinds of printed sushi in paste form: uni, white fish, crab, and shrimp. The system needed to be able to toggle from one to another without flavor residue. Further, in the event of blockage, the nozzles needed to be cleanable. To tackle these challenges and build their prototype, the Yamagata University team turned to Nordson EFD Japan. By integrating a Nordson EFD PICO Pulse piezo jetting valve technology with a compact robot, the group created a precision micro fluid dispensing system capable of printing sushi that rivals products from the local sushi bar. The unit can be installed in a galley and produce various types of sushi with the press of a button. All photos courtesy of Nordson. Piezo valves are very high-resolution and reliable, with long lifetimes. These characteristics enable the user to tailor stroke length, precisely controlling the amount dispensed. This characteristic equips the PICO Pµlse jet valve to optimize deposition to achieve a uniform appearance for sushi pastes with different consistencies. The PICO Pµlse is a modular product, offering great flexibility and enabling it to be configured ideally for each application. A tool-free latch enables the fluid body to be exchanged rapidly and easily. Rapid exchanges are as useful during prototyping as they are once the product is in operation. The ability to swap out fluid carrying parts quickly allows the valve to serve its purpose of dispensing different types of pastes and being easy to clean. The IHI Aerospace/ Yamagata University team combined the PICO Pµlse valve with the Nordson EFD PICO Touch valve controller and fluid reservoir for an end-to-end solution that combined ease of integration with accurate, reliable operation. The next step was to choose the optimal nozzle to handle the protein pastes. Nordson EFD recommended a flat nozzle with a 300-micron orifice. This nozzle has a wide enough aperture to ensure smooth, controlled deposition of the protein pastes while minimizing the risk of blockages. This nozzle was covered with a special hydrophilic coating used for sticky fluids. It reduced surface tension of the wetted pathway for improved micro dispensing consistency. While printable sushi for orbital meals is an admittedly exotic use case, printable food in general could have a much broader impact. The Yamagata University team, for example, hopes to continue to explore the technology for food service in facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. For more information: Nordson EFD Nordson Pico Pulse Valves IHI Aerospace Yamagata University Read more about food technology >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Leveraging the power of spatial computing with manufacturing’s digital twin technology leads to more capabilities for engineering collaboration, from product design to manufacturing. Spatial Computing Allows Engineers and Designers to Bring 3D Designs to Life Leveraging the power of spatial computing with manufacturing’s digital twin technology leads to more capabilities for engineering collaboration, from product design to manufacturing. Terry Persun Cool Stuff Nov 3, 2025 From a recent release, Dassault Systèmes announced that 3D UNIV+RSES, which is powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, will use spatial computing capabilities to provide a new dimension to virtual twins, with the use of the “3DLive” visionOS app. According to the release, Dassault Systèmes partnered with Apple to integrate Apple Vision Pro into the next generation 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This deep engineering-level collaboration between Dassault Systèmes and Apple has brought together the best of both platforms to deliver what Dassault Systèmes considers a magical experience. With 3DLive, virtual twins created on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform will appear to leap off the screen and into a user’s physical space, enabling real-time visualization and team collaboration in lifelike environments. Apple Vision Pro incorporates advanced cameras, sensors, and tracking to allow virtual twins to interact with the physical world around them in 3D UNIV+RSES with scientific accuracy. According to the release, this unique and powerful way to model, simulate, manufacture, train, and operate delivers value across all industry sectors and roles, enabling customers to harness the full potential of 3D UNIV+RSES and spatial computing to adapt quickly to market demand, ensure scientifically accurate product quality, accelerate workforce training, and collaborate and share knowledge and know-how. Elisa Prisner, Executive Vice President – Corporate Strategy & Platform Transformation, Dassault Systèmes is quoted as saying, “Our engineering collaboration with Apple represents a bold advance that reveals the power of 3D UNIV+RSES, where 3D is a universal language for a new world combining real and virtual. The wide and growing adoption of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by our clients makes this cooperation a unique value for our highly diversified customer base, seeing the high potential of 3D UNIV+RSES to collaborate and train our next generation AI-based experiences on their own virtual twin data set.” Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president of the Vision Products Group said, “Apple Vision Pro continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with spatial computing and is changing the way people work across key industries. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Dassault Systèmes to supercharge the 3DEXPERIENCE platform with spatial computing capabilities that will enable engineers and designers to easily bring 3D designs to life in ways not previously possible.” Enterprise customers can download Dassault Systèmes’ new 3DLive app for Apple Vision Pro. In addition, the release said that Dassault Systèmes has released a new Apple Vision Pro app—HomeByMe Reality—that allows users to imagine, explore, and visualize home interior options from the comfort of their own home, a furniture store, or in a showroom. All images courtesy of Dassault Systems. For more information: Dassault Systèmes 3DLive HomeByMe Reality Apple Vison Pro Read more about virtual reality >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

See how the Legoland Shanghai Resort integrated technology and creativity to produce fun and interesting water systems for a fully immersive experience. The Water Systems Behind the Most Technologically Advanced Legoland See how the Legoland Shanghai Resort integrated technology and creativity to produce fun and interesting water systems for a fully immersive experience. Terry Persun Theme Parks Oct 21, 2025 The core mission of nearly every theme park is to offer a dynamic blend of rides and attractions that capture the imagination while delivering an experience that feels both immersive and authentic. Legoland has achieved this vision across its ten operating parks and resorts worldwide, with four additional destinations currently in development. At the heart of these experiences lies technology that is robust, precise, and deliberately unobtrusive. Reliability and safety are paramount, enabling guests to embrace the thrill, wonder, and excitement of each attraction while feeling fully secure. The Legoland Shanghai Resort represents a milestone in this tradition, positioning itself as one of the most technologically advanced Legoland properties to date—particularly in its aquatic environments. Developed by Merlin Entertainments, creatively master-planned by FORREC, and engineered by Cloward H2O, the resort brings together world-class expertise to craft memorable experiences tailored to Legoland’s family audience. Images courtesy of FORREC. One example of this collaboration is the Water-Town Boat Tour, a signature family-friendly attraction. The ride immerses visitors in a lovingly detailed recreation of a traditional Chinese water town, where Lego storytelling blends seamlessly with cultural motifs. The journey culminates in a striking miniature Lego skyline of modern Shanghai. Each partner played a distinct role in realizing the attraction: FORREC shaped the thematic narrative and guest journey, Merlin designed operations to accommodate large visitor volumes, and Cloward H2O provided the aquatic engineering—integrating propulsion systems and water technologies that make the experience both seamless and safe. The technical backbone of the Water-Town Boat Tour reflects this integration. Hydraulic pumps maintain consistent water levels and stabilize docking platforms while ensuring full accessibility compliance. Flow within the canal is carefully regulated to eliminate turbulence, and water circulation systems operate continuously to preserve clarity and quality. To achieve this, the ride incorporates eccentric reducing strainers, sand filters, regenerative media filters, up to eight chlorination systems, and UV sterilizers—all working in concert to maintain safety and visual appeal. Beyond individual attractions, Legoland Shanghai Resort is designed as a fully immersive experience. Its diverse lands include Lego City, the Legoland Hotel, and Lego Friends. Within the Lego Friends area, highlights such as the Friends’ Water Party combine interactive play with aquatic fun, featuring water races, beach parties, and build-a-boat challenges. Each of these experiences is underpinned by the same principles: precise engineering, guest safety, and seamless operational efficiency. For example, flow rates across all water features are meticulously calibrated to balance fun and safety. Splash zones are engineered for predictable spray patterns, ensuring guests enjoy refreshing play without becoming uncomfortably drenched. The resort’s waterways are carefully engineered to prevent stagnation, ensuring water remains clear, clean, and safe for guests. Integrated hydraulic systems further enhance efficiency by reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable performance. In practice, the resort employs everything from two 4-horsepower pumps to larger 30- and 40-horsepower systems where needed. Circulation zones across the park are strategically designed to prevent stagnation, keeping water consistently clear and safe. Integrated hydraulic systems connect lagoons with surrounding waterways, reducing pumping energy requirements and contributing to sustainability. Images courtesy of FORREC. These and more achievements were only possible through the close collaboration of FORREC, Merlin Entertainments, and Cloward H2O, whose combined expertise shaped both the creative vision and the technical precision behind the resort’s aquatic design. FORREC defined the spatial and thematic design, Merlin oversaw gameplay mechanics and operational logistics, and Cloward H2O engineered the hydraulic and electrical systems that controlled propulsion and splash timing. The result is a resort that stands out for both its creativity and its technical sophistication. The ability to coordinate such a wide range of components into a streamlined, reliable operation is what ensures Legoland Shanghai Resort can deliver joyful, safe, and lasting memories for its guests. For more information connect with the firms below: Cloward H2O Merlin Entertainments FORREC Read more about theme parks >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next