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Reducing maintenance requirements and overall manufacturing costs helped to put book printing machines in libraries, schools, and bookstores. Book-Printing Machines Are Getting Faster, Simpler, and Easier to Maintain — Here's How Reducing maintenance requirements and overall manufacturing costs helped to put book printing machines in libraries, schools, and bookstores. Edited by Terry Persun Cool Stuff Dec 16, 2025 We are all familiar with how eBooks have changed the face of publishing. With lower cost digital books on the market, more books were sold and read. But there were still many readers who wanted to hold the book in their hands, to feel the pages as they turned, and to smell the paper and ink. During the time when eBooks were becoming widespread, print book manufacturers were already working on machines that could print books quickly and for lower costs. The aim was to put book printing machines into the hands of bookstores and libraries. This was where the concept for Print On Demand (POD) books started, and is now used by bookstores and libraries but also by small publishers and large publishers alike. This article is about one of the ways this technology progressed and is now even more important that eBook prices are on the rise. On Demand Books originally came up with the POD solution they called the Espresso Book Machine®. This machine was a collaborative design effort, first conceptualized by Jeff Marsh and On Demand Chairman Jason Epstein. The Espresso Book Machine was further refined for manufacturability by DT Engineering to reduce the overall assembly part count, improve performance, and reduce the total cost of printing. DT Engineering is a specialty engineering firm that focuses on machine design, build, and replication (build to print) of custom machinery. The first working prototype from On Demand Books was presented to DT Engineering, whose task was to bring in a more refined design that increased manufacturability, decreased machine complexity, and operated reliably. One issue with the original design was the numerous linear motion components that made up the system. Rails, mounting components, fasteners, and pillow blocks combined to take up a considerable amount of space resulting in a complex assembly. DT Engineering developed a modular approach for the internal sub-assemblies and sought out maintenance-free components for longer-lasting performance. DT Engineering began by working closely with PBC Linear to simplify the linear motion system, and finally decided on their Uni-Guide linear slide for the three critical tasks of the book printer. The simple, two-piece rail and carriage assembly of Uni-Guide provided a more streamlined design without bulky mounting pieces or painstaking assembly work. In addition, the carriage’s internal Simplicity® plain linear bearings glide smoothly and reliably without the need for additional lubrication or preventative maintenance. Images courtesy of PBC Linear. The rails have dual shafts that are precision machined along the edge to ensure perfect alignment and parallelism. All of these Uni-Guide advantages were essential to improving the performance of the Espresso machine’s smooth cutting of the book pages, gluing of the pages to the cover and spine, and collating the pages for binding. All in all, the Uni-guide provided long-lasting transfer and adjustment for some of the Espresso’s most important operating tasks. Uni-Guide linear slides are available in carriage widths of 75mm, 100mm, and 125mm, and feature a ceramic coated aluminum rail and anodized carriage with an underliner of self-lubricating maintenance-free FrelonGOLD®. This Gliding Surface Technology™ eliminates tolerance stack-up and dampens vibrations and shock loads. The guides are designed to be easily incorporated into existing applications, facilitated by their two-piece assembly. The fact that the device has no rolling elements eliminates the possibility of catastrophic failure. By implementing Uni-Guide technology from PBC Linear, DT Engineering was able to reduce each linear motion assembly from roughly ten pieces down to two, creating a simpler, cost-effective printing machine. Today, the on-demand Espresso Book Machine is used by a wide number of publisher and is also available in college libraries and bookstores worldwide. For readers who want a print book that they can hold in their hands and put on their bookshelves, the machine automatically prints, binds, and trims perfect bound, bookstore-quality paperbacks at the point of sale, eliminating the need for overstocked inventory. What’s better is that the Espresso Book Machine boasts the added value of offering rare, hard to find titles just as easily. Books are first selected using EspressNet® software developed by On Demand, and then printed within minutes. The final book is complete with front/back covers and is ready for immediate purchase. For more information: PBC Linear Uni-Guide DT Engineering Read more about motion >>> 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

This original short film, Remembering, was produced using virtual production techniques and a companion Augmented Reality experience to extend the film beyond the screen and into the audience’s home. Disney Short Film Brings Augmented Reality Into Your Living Room This original short film, Remembering, was produced using virtual production techniques and a companion Augmented Reality experience to extend the film beyond the screen and into the audience’s home. Terry Persun Film and TV Aug 26, 2025 Cool Stuff The Disney short film, Remembering , by Emmy® Winning director Elijah Allan-Blitz, stars Academy Award® winner Brie Larson as a writer who loses an important idea. Her inner child then goes on a journey to find it. The director and Disney wanted a powerful way to elevate the viewing experience of the film for Disney+ Subscribers. The challenge was to capture the surprise, joy, and wonder Larson’s character feels and allow Subscribers to feel those same emotions. Disney and StudioLAB, The Walt Disney Studios' advanced development division for innovation in creative technologies, pulled together two important technologies—virtual production and augmented reality—to produce Remembering— through the use of game engine assets filmed in an LED stage, and using the full potential of virtual production techniques. The company then published those assets into a mobile Augmented Reality application that was also built in a game engine to extend the 'World of Imagination' beyond the screen and into the audience's home. Available via an app to select Disney+ subscribers, this first interactive content on Disney+ was triggered by specific moving images. When prompted, subscribers simply hold their device up to their TV screen to see an enchanting waterfall scene expand into their real-world living room, complete with frolicking dolphins, bright blue butterflies, and blossoming trees. When developing the app, ease of use was top of mind. So, all it takes is for the Disney+ subscriber to scan the room they’re viewing the film in, then wait for the prompt in the movie to hold up their device. According to Director, Elijah Allan-Blitz, “This is part of the future of how humanity will interact with entertainment. The Augmented Reality experience moves away from a typical passive experience of streaming and allows viewers to engage with it in a deeper way. That makes it something that you’re going to remember on a deeper level than just something you watch. It’s actually something you did.” Remembering: The AR Experience is the first Augmented Reality app that connects directly in sync with content on a streaming platform. This first-of-its-kind companion app provides an early look at the potential of AR experiences to enhance movie storytelling when viewers are watching at home. For more information: Magnopus AR Disney+ Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

When a Vancouver-based boutique animation studio outgrew its consumer-grade storage when it took on bigger projects for film, TV, and commercials, it looked to a more scalable solution. Big Animation Dreams Mean Big Storage Needs When a Vancouver-based boutique animation studio outgrew its consumer-grade storage when it took on bigger projects for film, TV, and commercials, it looked to a more scalable solution. Edited by EE Staff Film and TV Nov 17, 2025 Od Studios (Vancouver, BC) started as a boutique visual effects studio with an aim to produce full length animated feature films using the latest technology and production practices. In the video production industry, great work can lead to more work—which means more generated data, and subsequently, the need for more storage. To reach their goal, they knew that they could no longer get by with their older consumer-grade storage solution. Od Studios generates a significant amount of data during production. Their product is the data they produce. Their efficiency was impacted by the low throughput of their previous consumer grade hardware solution. As they grow, the projects they work on become higher profile and their need to produce high quality work increases. Od Studios required a stable solution to finish projects on time and on budget. They needed a storage solution that would allow them to scale and provide them with the flexibility to resolve their specific problems. As a relatively new company, they had been using a product that only offered mediocre throughput that constrained their ability to produce work quickly. The system was slow, and they constantly questioned how many days remained until they pushed the system to failure. As a newer studio with a limited budget, total cost of ownership (TCO) was very high on their list of requirements. They needed to balance affordability with throughput and stability yet wanted flexibility to allow for scaling and future growth. They began researching hardware vendors for a replacement solution, considering Seagate along with competitors that are traditionally used to provide storage solutions in the animation/visual effects production industry. Od Studios wanted the ability to install whichever vendor’s drives they chose, as well as to use the Lustre file system software they selected. They believed that they could achieve performance that was as good as, if not better than, many of the proprietary systems in the market. All photos courtesy of Seagate and Od Studios. In the early part of their selection process, Od Studios appreciated that Seagate’s storage options were different than competitors that locked customers into a single, one size fits all solution where the hardware appliance, installed drives, and software are provided by one single vendor. That’s why the studio chose Seagate’s Exos™ X 5U84 RAID array that provided them with future flexibility and minimal vendor lock-in—a solution that gives them the flexibility to pivot should they ever need to. The 5U84 provides room to grow through a versatile architecture that opimzes TCO for petabyte-scale storage with industry-leading density. Plus, Od Studios can get its data to applications when and where it’s needed with high-speed, high-performance storage. The secure hard drives provide reduced power consumption and adaptive cooling technology to help Od Studios realize cost and energy savings. All photos courtesy of Seagate and Od Studios. The 5U84 is placed behind a Dell server which serves as the Lustre file system’s object storage service (OSS). A second Dell server is used for the Lustre metadata service (MDS). Due to the Seagate array’s design, Od Studios can scale out their system in different ways as needed—although with its extremely large capacity it may be a while before that happens. Another benefit for Od Studios is how the ADAPT RAID on the array allows for rapid rebuild times in case of drive loss. In addition, the ability to use preferred drives in the array, along with using a scalable software-defined storage solution like Lustre, provides Od Studios with the flexibility, scalability, and performance they need out of their storage system. Today, in addition to films, Od Studios also works on TV series and commercials. Its clients include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Warner Bros., Marvel, and NBC. According to Od Studios Founder and Visual Effects Supervisor, Marc Horsfield, “The ability to scale out is a big win. With Seagate’s Exos X 5U84, we have options to scale, and that flexibility is paramount in an ever-changing industry.” For more information: Seagate Od Studios Exos X 5U84 RAID System Read more articles about filmmaking >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

How engineers made the loading conveyor for Ain Dubai — the world's biggest observation wheel — faster, safer, and more efficient. Climb Aboard the World's Tallest Ferris Wheel How engineers made the loading conveyor for Ain Dubai — the world's biggest observation wheel — faster, safer, and more efficient. Edited by EE Staff Attractions Feb 24, 2026 Theme Parks With a diameter of 250 meters, the “Ain Dubai” is the largest and highest Observation wheel in the world. The world’s first concave loading conveyor belt from Sunkid allows around 1,750 visitors an hour to take in the views above Dubai. The Austrian manufacturer Bruckschlögl GmbH is a global market leader in the supply of small ski-lifts and chose inverter drives from Yaskawa for this challenging task. Named after the Arabic word for “eye,” “Ain Dubai” — or "Eye of Dubai" — is a magnificent attraction in the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over 11,000 tons of steel were used in its construction. Each of its spokes are longer than a football field. And each of the 48 luxuriously fitted cabins is larger than two double-decker buses. Another feature of this record-breaking observation wheel — which itself towers over observation wheels in Las Vegas, London, and Singapore — is its special loading conveyor belt, which can move up to 30 percent faster and can thus increase capacity by 30 percent. Furthermore, the loading conveyor belt is also designed as part of the emergency evacuation route. First U-shaped Loading Conveyor Belt Bruckschlögl GmbH, which is headquartered in Bad Goisern in Upper Austria, developed and produced both the belt and the access gate. The company is the main innovation and design location of the Sunkid family of companies. Conveyors from Sunkid (Sunkid Moving Carpet), which were originally developed as ski conveyors are also now used in the amusement park industry and a variety of other applications worldwide. All photos courtesy of Yaskawa. The loading conveyor belt created for “Ain Dubai” is one of the highlights of the company’s solutions to date: it is the first to have a concave U-shape that follows the specific design of the platform. Meanwhile, the design of the antistatic link chains ensures the highest safety standards, silent operation and slip resistance. The chain tensioning eliminates vibrations. Last but not least, a special cleaning feature effectively counters the local climatic conditions in Dubai, including heat, dust, wind, and salty sea air. The overall system conforms to the conveyor belt standard EN 15700. Drive Engineering Challenges Since the Observation wheel turns continuously, the loading conveyor belt optimally adapts the difference in speed between the rotating gondolas and the static platform to achieve the necessary level of safety and the maximum achievable capacity. To do so, the standalone control unit for the loading conveyor belt communicates with the control unit for the Observation wheel and access gate. The normal speed is 0.2 meters per second. Three inverter drives from the Yaskawa GA700 series provide the drive control. Through an internal Modbus bus system, the inverter drives were able to be tightly synchronized with each other. This ensured perfect synchronization between the movements of the while and the belt. The GA700 series offers a high level of connectivity by providing interfaces for all common fieldbuses which enables integration is a wide variety of system environments. This connectivity includes Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, EtherCAT, Powerlink, CANopen, DeviceNet, CC-Link, and the Yaskawa bus MECHATROLINK. All photos courtesy of Yaskawa. The inverters also feature an integrated RS-485 interface, allowing them to be networked with one another. Up to five inverters can be controlled with a single option card, meaning that fewer cards are required and thus lowering installation costs. These robust and reliable devices meet the high requirements for availability even under particularly challenging climatic conditions. They are able to tolerate operating temperatures up to at least 50° C (122 o F) with no derating. In addition, Yaskawa provides an on-site service, and stocks spare parts in Dubai—as it does in many other markets worldwide. Industrial Drive Versatility The GA700 is the versatile Yaskawa drive for industrial applications in a wide variety of industries. The GA700 inverter series is available in a power range of up to 355 kW and features an outstanding level of user-friendliness along with worldwide standards and maximum reliability. High flexibility, small dimensions and built-in functions make it easy to integrate into practically any application. Intelligent tools such as the startup wizard, data logging, the DriveWizard mobile app, and many more help with setup, startup, and troubleshooting. All photos courtesy of Yaskawa. Functional safety features such as SIL3-compliant STO inputs (Safe Torque Off) and an integrated EMC filter complete the basic equipment of the GA700 inverters. The STO function enables emergency stops to be applied easily and safely. All model variants are designed in protection type IP20 and are correspondingly robust. They are designed for ten years of maintenance-free, continuous operation. For more information: Yaskawa GA70C-GA7000 Series Bruckschlögl GmbH Read more about theme parks and rides >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Beckhoff provides the automation flexibility and reliability needed to convert walls, floors, and backdrops according to performance schedules. 60 Stage Configurations Supported by Flexible Automation Beckhoff provides the automation flexibility and reliability needed to convert walls, floors, and backdrops according to performance schedules. Edited by Terry Persun Stage Events Sep 12, 2025 The Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York (PAC NYC) offers visitors a truly unique theater experience. Advanced stage technology makes its three performance spaces extremely versatile. At the foot of Manhattan’s One World Trade Center building and across from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum stands the PAC NYC. While it offers programming similar to other major New York City theaters, the mission of this gathering space is distinctly communal. “PAC NYC is a place of civic healing,” says Miranda Palumbo, Director of Digital Content at PAC NYC. “Because we are on the World Trade Center campus, it's our responsibility to help everyone celebrate life.” The venue features three performance spaces that can flexibly combine or divide into over 62 configurations. The backstage technology also supports dynamic set changes and flying performers through the air. To harness the necessary engineering behind the performance art, PAC NYC directed The Chicago Flyhouse, Inc. and its programming partner, ELPLANT, to implement a safe, reliable, and flexible stage automation system. Flyhouse provides rigging, hoisting, and performer flying equipment for venues across the world ranging from hospitals and high schools to theaters and arenas. Distributed Control Flyhouse incorporated its distributed “MoM-and-Kid” control concept where a central server, Master of Machines,(MoM), communicates to distributed modules (the Kids). The more than 30 Kid modules at PAC NYC each have their own Beckhoff CX9020 Embedded PC and EtherCAT I/O wired to control Flyhouse’s ZipLift hoists and other equipment. The modules can be easily moved, connected to other hoists, or swapped for maintenance. Image courtesy of Beckhoff. The large number of Kid modules and their associated motion axes throughout the theater level raised the bar on the facility’s networking capabilities. The Flyhouse technologies also needed to interface with other vendors’ solutions such as the systems to raise and lower the massive walls or change the floor configuration to be flat or stairstep up. This meant that safety zones had to adjust dynamically as spaces changed to ensure human and equipment safety. “Even though the duty cycles are relatively short in theaters, we needed the reliability that comes with industrial automation.” Beckhoff supplied an ideal solution. The EtherCAT and PC-based control technology provides a foundation for seamless operation and high adaptability. Flyhouse collaborated with Beckhoff USA and ELPLANT to design next-generation control modules. ELPLANT, an ISO 9001-certified systems integrator based in Serbia, brought expertise in industrial automation and entertainment applications. CEO of ELPLANT, Aleksandar Arsić , explained, “Beckhoff was undoubtedly the logical choice, as few systems could provide such a modular and configurable architecture.” The system incorporated TwinCAT PLC, NC PTP motion control, TwinSAFE safety systems, extensive EtherCAT communication, TwinCAT PLC visualizations, TwinCAT HMI, database communication, and ADS with third-party applications, such as C# WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) operator consoles and similar solutions. Real-time communication allowed the team to configure the topology so that each embedded PC or other EtherCAT device operated as an independent sync unit. Much of the equipment also features EtherCAT P, which combines data and power on one cable. This configuration allows techs to remove or add Kid modules without taking all the others offline. Beyond sheer speed and robust diagnostics, the EtherCAT supports free selection of topology. It also offers hot connect functionality and automatic addressing of devices, simplifying component exchange and plug-and-play installation. Flyhouse also harnessed integrated functional safety with TwinSAFE terminals. Here, safety information is transmitted via Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) over the standard EtherCAT network, rather than a separate, hardwired system. Beyond the reduction in wiring effort and cost, TwinSAFE simplified implementation of the configurable theater concept. Flyhouse deployed its Ease® Control Console in each theater space, simplifying axis operation with joysticks and a multi-touch screen with a visualization built with TwinCAT Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs). The consoles can’t access axes outside the operator’s line of sight for safety reasons, so, when raising walls to combine spaces, the consoles need to control all the axes in that larger room. Likewise, E-stop buttons need to halt all motion in combined spaces if required, meaning that the MoM-and-Kid architecture must change on the fly. This could have been incredibly complex to implement, but with the flexibility of EtherCAT and software capabilities in TwinCAT, it was seamlessly implemented. The modular system will continue to support upgrades, and with a scalable, future-proof automation platform, this process won’t require a rip-and-replace of infrastructure. Instead, technicians can simply make changes in software or replace a device with a newer version. Beyond reducing costs, this approach avoids unwanted intermissions to find obsolete components. To Mark Witteveen, when the lights dim and the stage comes to life, the audience isn’t thinking about automation, he says. “They’re simply immersed in the magic. And that experience makes all the effort worthwhile.” For more information: Beckhoff PAC NYC Flyhouse Elplant Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The iglide® self-lubricating, maintenance-free plastic bearings are being used in the design and development of a single-passenger, urban commuting vehicle. Personal Transport Vehicle Uses Plastic Bearings The iglide® self-lubricating, maintenance-free plastic bearings are being used in the design and development of a single-passenger, urban commuting vehicle. IGUS (originally published in 2013) Cool Stuff Jun 4, 2025 The Personal Transport Vehicle, Ground (PTV-G), is the brainchild of Redbud Technology LLC out of Union Grove, AL. The design uses an articulated steering geometry where the inclined steering pivot is positioned just behind the occupant, and as a result reacts like a high-performance, two-wheeled motorcycle. iglide plastic plain bearings are used in both the independent rear suspension and in the rear wheel lean-and-tilt mechanisms. The bearings are ideal for the harsh, dirty operating environment of the vehicle since they will not corrode and require no maintenance or external lubrication. The low cost and easy installation of the bearings is also an important benefit. In conjunction with the company's Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, igus donated bearings at no cost to a group of students working on the project. The vehicle’s subsystems are being assigned to high school seniors and community college and university programs as special projects in order to encourage a younger generation to participate in the study of science, engineering, and manufacturing technologies. Photo: Rendering of the ongoing REDBUD™ PTV-G™ project Redbud is committed to projects that serve as educational resources to advance the knowledge of those who study and practice design, engineering, and manufacturing in the US. They seek to establish relationships with educational institutions and seasoned mentors to foster new learning models. igus’ Y.E.S. Program has a similar mission: to foster the mechanical design ideas of students with a passion for engineering, while at the same time educating them on the merits and benefits of plastic components. Redbud Technology is actively evolving the design and engineering of an urban PTV-G™ based on the plan form of a delta trike. The REDBUD™ PTV-G will serve as an educational resource to help technical high school, community college, and university students develop and analyze advanced single passenger commuting concepts, which includes fundamental 3D CAD/CAE/CAM, design, innovative engineering, and economical manufacturing, assembly, and lifecycle maintenance. For more information: igus Y.E.S Program Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The aquarium is partnering with ReBokeh to enable low vision visitors to explore the aquarium using their own eyesight. Georgia Aquarium Uses Technology to Give Low Vision Visitors an Enhanced Experience The aquarium is partnering with ReBokeh to enable low vision visitors to explore the aquarium using their own eyesight. EE Staff Theme Parks Sep 17, 2025 Museums, Cool Stuff Georgia Aquarium is partnering with ReBokeh Vision Technologies to offer free access to ReBokeh’s assistive technology software for people with low vision. The partnership provides Aquarium guests and staff with access to ReBokeh’s app-based software intended to help people with low vision to adjust the appearance of the world around them. Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, with more than five-hundred species. This partnership will allow “the 90% of low vision individuals who retain functional vision to experience the wide range of animals and exhibits using their own vision, rather than defaulting to tactile or audio descriptions,” according to a press release. The app-based technology behind it ReBokeh’s technology works through the live camera feed from their mobile devices with overlayed, customized filters that adjust aspects like contrast, color hue, zoom, and lighting to meet the needs of low vision users. An AI feature also offers the interactions with ReBokeh’s AI tool with which guests can ask questions about what’s around them and what they’re seeing. It also works in multiple languages so it can work as a translation tool for signage, information, and visual surroundings. Watch to see how the app's general technology works “Our key mission is to unlock the ocean for all; that includes providing features and opportunities like ReBokeh’s technology for guests so they can experience our larger-than-life animals and the wonder they invoke. This partnership with ReBokeh is integral to our continued commitment to accessibility for all,” said Sam Herman, Director of Guest Programs at Georgia Aquarium. “A day at the Aquarium is an opportunity to see the magic of our oceans and the incredible variety of wildlife that call the sea home,” said Rebecca Rosenberg, the low vision founder of ReBokeh. “Being able to see and interact with each exhibit using your own eyesight can be an incredibly powerful experience for people with low vision. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Georgia Aquarium to make them the first aquarium on the planet to create these new and immersive experiences for the low vision community.” ReBokeh is extending this partnership opportunity to other museums, zoos, and public spaces. Source: https://www.rebokeh.com/ Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Software provides creatives with innovative, time-saving solutions. AI Workflows Boost Efficiency for Artists and Producers Software provides creatives with innovative, time-saving solutions. Edited by EE Staff Film and TV Oct 13, 2025 Games Mid-2024, Autodesk unveiled its latest advances in generative AI and cloud-enabled workflows designed to help artists focus on creativity and empower teams to be more efficient. Delivering on a longstanding commitment to provide creatives with innovative, time-saving solutions, Autodesk released its Flow Generative Scheduling ability along with a host of new AI capabilities in Maya and Flame. Flow Generative Scheduling accelerates the creation of production schedules with constantly shifting project variables like deadlines, budgets, and team availability. Powered by Autodesk AI, Flow Generative Scheduling was designed to help keep projects running smoothly. In a fraction of the time previously required, teams are able to compare multiple schedule scenarios, evaluate tradeoffs, and create resource-optimized and balanced schedules for even the most complex projects. Whether planning for an upcoming show or responding to changes in real time, Flow Generative Scheduling enables teams to make critical decisions faster and gives creatives the freedom and insights to deliver their best work on time and on budget. Flow Generative Scheduling can be accessed via Flow Production Tracking (formerly ShotGrid) for a tightly integrated collaborative workflow. Being able to evaluate different scenarios without impacting a live project, and then publishing a revised schedule directly into Flow Production Tracking was a game changer for creative teams. Boosting creative workflows for artists To help creatives address the challenges presented by today’s dynamic production environment—from growing complexity to ever-shifting deadlines and audience expectations—Autodesk explored the power of AI to accelerate and augment artist workflows. These features, available to Maya and Flame, have arrived on the heels of Autodesk’s recent acquisition of Wonder Dynamics (Wonder Dynamics, an Autodesk company), the company behind Autodesk Flow Studio (formerly Wonder Studio). Flow Studio is a solution which combines AI with established tools to help artists more easily animate, light, and compose 3D characters within live-action scenes. An artist’s time has always been their most valuable resource, so being able to bring them AI tools to augment their creative process unlocked a host of new possibilities, such as spending more time iterating on their creative ideas, and less time on repetitive, noncreative tasks. Maya’s ML Deformer enables artists to work with complex characters for animation, VFX, and games projects. The tool processes complex deformation systems and represents them with a fast, machine-learned approximation. For example, if you have a character with a complex deformation system that runs slowly, Maya can be trained to represent that deformation system using ML Deformer. Artists can then use this fast representation to work more interactively and switch back to the original for final polish or render. New Maya ML Deformer enables artists to work more interactively with complex characters. Flame’s AI toolset continued to grow with ML Timewarp, a mode that generates an intermediate frame between two frames in a shot for retiming of clips. Users benefit not only from high-quality renders, but also from a fully integrated tool that maximizes their workstation’s hardware, eliminating costly file transfer workflows across multiple tools. For the most demanding workloads, this mode can also be queued to render with remote systems via Autodesk Burn. In addition to these features, the latest versions of Autodesk Maya and 3ds Max, offers increased support for open standards and improved modeling, animation, simulation, look development, and enhanced rendering capabilities. Header photo courtesy of Shangyu Wang. All other photos courtesy of Autodesk. For more information: Autodesk Read more about AI use in entertainment Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The sport utility yacht industry is using Large Format Added Manufacturing technology to produce aerodynamic grille vents and elegant structures. Robotic Additive Manufacturing Technology The sport utility yacht industry is using Large Format Added Manufacturing technology to produce aerodynamic grille vents and elegant structures. Terry Persun Sports Jun 4, 2025 Produced by Pershing, one of the seven brands of Ferretti Group (Milano, Italy), the GTX116 sport utility yacht leverages LFAM technology for some of its main superstructures. The air grilles and visor above the windshield of the yacht are produced using the Heron AM additive manufacturing system to achieve aesthetically interesting geometries with reduced weight. In the luxury yachting industry, innovation in materials and manufacturing processes are critical to ensure an exclusive design along with high performance and reliability. Ferretti Group, involved in the design, construction, and sale of luxury motor yachts and leisure boats, chose to commission Caracol for the printing of the Pershing GTX116 as part of its new range of sports yachts combining elegance and comfort space for what they consider the Pershing thrill. Pershing GTX116 is a 35-meter (115-foot) sports yacht that focuses on an elegant style for extreme livability to elevate the seagoing experience to a new dimension. The yacht optimizes all onboard weights to achieve high performance. Photo: CARACOL printing the Pershing GTX116 The application of Caracol’s Heron AM platform demonstrates how large-format additive manufacturing can effectively be used to revolutionize yachting and luxury boat production, enabling the fabrication of complex superstructural parts with intricate geometries. In this project, Heron AM manufactured key elements, including side air intake grilles and visors, demonstrating its capability to deliver high-performance, customized solutions for the luxury yachting industry. From traditional to additive manufacturing Yacht air grilles and other superstructures are traditionally produced through manual lamination of fiberglass on molds. This process requires multiple molds depending on the complexity of the geometry and involves intensive manual work by highly skilled labor, impacting both production time and costs. Photo: Caracol Heron AM printing the Pershing GTX116 (left) and the Yacht's gills (right) In contrast, large-format 3D printing eliminates the need for master molds and tools entirely, streamlining the production process. With Heron AM, composite components featuring intricate geometries and highly customized designs can be produced directly from the digital model, bypassing the manual lamination phase. This significantly reduces prototyping and production times, enabling rapid iterations and design optimizations. Moreover, the process only requires finishing operations such as gel coat application, further cutting down on labor-intensive steps. Heron AM also allows for the use of lightweight yet strong materials, improving component performance while reducing material waste, making the process more sustainable than traditional methods. Its flexibility allows for small-batch or fully customized production, catering to the specific needs of each project. Additive manufacturing benefits The adoption of Large-Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) for the production of air grilles on the Pershing GTX116 yacht has led to remarkable improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and overall product quality. By leveraging Caracol’s Heron 300 system, equipped with a high accuracy extruder and a 3-mm nozzle, the grilles were printed using ASA reinforced with 20% glass fiber—a material chosen for its durability and resistance to harsh marine environments. The entire 3D printing process took only 72 hours to complete, producing an air grille measuring 4200 x 400 x 400 mm and weighing 40 kg. Compared to traditional manufacturing methods, this approach has resulted in substantial reductions in lead time (50%), material waste (60%), and overall weight (15%), making it a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. To ensure both weather resistance and a flawless aesthetic, the grille was finished with a gel coat, enhancing its durability against environmental exposure. The implementation of additive manufacturing for such large-scale yacht components showcases the potential of this technology to revolutionize production, offering greater flexibility and performance while significantly cutting down on inefficiencies. The adoption of LFAM has proven to be a key strategy for the marine industry, enabling the production of highly complex and tailored components, optimizing manufacturing processes, and reducing time-to-market. In this context, Caracol’s Heron AM technology emerges as a cutting-edge solution, capable of delivering excellent performance and greater versatility than traditional methods. For more information: Video of the Robotic LFAM Pershing Yachts Heron AM Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Wildlife Filmmaker Remy Tarasin tells stories about the flourishing natural world, but also highlights where it’s struggling. It takes special camera gear to do the job right. Filming Elusive Wild Horses Requires Reliable High End Equipment Wildlife Filmmaker Remy Tarasin tells stories about the flourishing natural world, but also highlights where it’s struggling. It takes special camera gear to do the job right. Edited by Terry Persun Film and TV Aug 28, 2025 Cool Stuff In the heart of the Snowy Mountains of Australia, wildlife filmmaker Remy Tarasin embarked on an ambitious journey to capture one of nature’s most elusive creatures: a wild Brumby stallion. His documentary, In Search of the Grey , tells the story of a young grey colt he encountered years ago and the long, emotional journey to find him once again in a world where the balance between nature, culture, and conservation is as fragile as the terrain itself. With a background in environmental science and a deep-rooted passion for the wild, Remy brought a unique perspective to this project, blending technical expertise with heartfelt storytelling. His film doesn’t just capture beautiful imagery; it delves into the complex, multi-layered relationship between humans and nature. It’s a film about survival, change, and the profound impact that animals like the Brumby have on the cultural and environmental fabric of Australia. All photos courtesy of Sachtler. In his work, Tarasin must select and use the right equipment so that he can focus on the project and not the technology that assists him. For this reason, Tarasin and his team relied heavily on professional equipment to capture the raw beauty and unpredictability of the Snowy Mountains and its inhabitants. Key to the success of the shoot was the Sony FX6 camera and the Sachtler aktiv10 tripod, both of which proved essential in the remote, rugged environment. “The FX6 was perfect for this kind of documentary work,” said Tarasin. “It’s a full frame 4K camera with incredible internal frame rates and prerecord features that were essential for wildlife filmmaking. When you’re up in the mountains, you can’t have the camera rolling the whole time. The prerecord feature meant we could capture those fleeting moments without wasting power or storage.” Equally important was the tripod. Tarasin praised the Sachtler aktiv10 system for its adaptability and quick adjustments in the field. “We were constantly on the move, repositioning around trees and shrubs as the Brumbies moved across the frame. The ability to level the tripod in seconds with just one lever was crucial. Plus, the aktiv10’s lightweight design made it easy for the team to hike long distances while carrying all their gear. We were trekking up to 15 kilometres a day. Having a tripod that was easy to carry, quick to set up, and incredibly stable on uneven terrain made all the difference. We were able to capture footage that we otherwise would have missed.” All photos courtesy of Sachtler. One of the standout moments came when the team wasn’t even prepared to film. Late in the afternoon, they spotted a herd of Brumbies coming down through the trees, with the grey stallion trailing behind. “We weren’t set up at all,” Tarasin recalled. “But we raced to get the kit out, and within seconds, we had the tripod set up and the cameras rolling. Those moments are in the film—you can feel the urgency and excitement in the footage.” Reflecting on the gear, Tarasin added: “I would say that Sachtler tripods are absolutely designed by users, for users. It’s an insanely intuitive system. Everything that you would expect it to do and want it to do, it does that really quickly, really efficiently, and exactly the way you’d expect it to happen. I think any person, from an amateur to a professional, can pick up a Sachtler tripod and just become fluent in how it works.” Power management played a crucial role throughout the expedition, given the unpredictable nature of the shoot and the remote locations. Remy’s team relied heavily on Anton/Bauer’s Titon Micro 90 batteries to power the Sony FX6 and the SmallHD monitor, which were in near-constant use during their days in the wilderness. These compact batteries provided the durability and longevity needed for the harsh, cold conditions of the Snowy Mountains, ensuring that the camera remained operational for extended periods. “The Titon Micros lasted long enough to power both the camera and the monitor throughout the day, even in freezing temperatures, where other batteries might have struggled,” Tarasin said. With screenings lined up in Bristol and Sydney, as well as plans for a festival circuit, The Grey is set to make waves in the wildlife documentary world. And for Tarasin, the journey doesn’t end here. “There’s so much more to explore—so many more stories to tell.” For more information: Sachtler Sony Electronics Anton/Bauer SmallHD Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Introducing X1: The World's First Multirobot System EE Staff Mini Story Oct 27, 2025 Caltech’s Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates joined forces to design and build a multimodal system. The aim was to create a robot that could fly, drive, and walk so that you don’t have to focus on one area of operation—and purchase three devices. This demo shows how three distinct robot types come together to form a multimodal system that will offer a single solution to multiple challenges. We still think it operates similar to a Transformer, which is pretty cool. Read the whole article from CalTech here . *Photo courtesy of Academic Media Technologies/Caltech. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next