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The food and beverage industry is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors globally, with new trends and demands continuously shaping the market. Robots Used in Food Preparation, Serving, and Delivery The food and beverage industry is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors globally, with new trends and demands continuously shaping the market. Terry Persun Cool Stuff Jul 9, 2025 Technological advancements have brought about several changes in the food and beverage industry, with robotics being one of the most impactful. Robots have been introduced to perform various tasks, ranging from food preparation to serving and even delivery. Here is a rundown on some of the latest advancements regarding robotic technology and the benefits that come with it. Food Preparation Traditionally, food preparation has been a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, involving the use of multiple kitchen tools and equipment. However, robots have made food preparation more efficient and cost-effective by handling tasks ranging from chopping and slicing to mixing and cooking. Food prep robots are designed to work alongside human employees, with minimal supervision, and can handle large quantities of food. For example, Moley Robotics has developed a robotic kitchen that can prepare thousands of recipes with precision and speed. The robots measure and weigh ingredients with high accuracy and are incredibly fast during operation, helping to increase the output of a kitchen to ensure that orders are fulfilled promptly. Plus, robots offer consistency, which is an important factor in food preparation and assures that the final product will always have the same quality, regardless of who is preparing it. Moley Robotics has systems that can cook for you, teach you to cook, and more. Robotic Serving Photo courtesy of Lin Engineering. The traditional method of serving food and drinks in the food and beverage industry has always involved human servers. However, robots are now being used to serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants, cafes, and other food establishments. These robots are designed to be interactive and engaging, with some programmed to communicate with customers directly. For example, the robot Servi developed by Bear Robotics is designed to serve food and drinks to customers and navigate through crowded restaurants. Servi is equipped with proximity sensors that help it detect obstacles, enabling it to navigate through tight spaces. Additionally, Servi is designed to interact with customers, engaging them in conversation and providing them with a unique dining experience. Robotic serving can not only enhance the customer experience but help to reduce labor costs so that funds can be redirected toward other areas of the business. Robotic serving can also improve service speed, reducing waiting times and increasing customer satisfaction. Robotic Delivery Robotic delivery is a new and exciting development that provides an innovative solution to multiple food delivery challenges. With the increasing demand for food delivery services, the use of robots to deliver food and drinks has become more prevalent. These robots are designed to navigate through city streets and traffic, delivering orders to customers efficiently and effectively. Photo courtesy of Lin Engineering. One example is the robot developed by Starship Technologies, which is equipped with sensors and cameras that enable it to navigate through city streets and avoid obstacles. The robot can be programmed to deliver orders to specific locations, and customers can track the progress of their orders through a mobile app. These robots can travel up to 4 mph and deliver orders within a two-mile radius, making them ideal for delivering food and drinks to customers in urban areas. Overall, robotic delivery reduces delivery costs and improves delivery speeds, which increases customer satisfaction. Custom Robotic Solutions In addition to the many benefits that robotic technology brings to the food and beverage industry, custom motion control solutions from Lin Engineering can further enhance these advantages. Lin Engineering specializes in creating custom motion control solutions with products such as stepper motors, brushless motors, linear actuators, servos, motorized traction wheels, and other products. In the food and beverage industry, Lin Engineering provides motion control solutions that improve the performance and efficiency of robotic equipment. The company’s solutions enhance the precision and speed of robotic food preparation, serving, and delivery, ensuring that food establishments can meet the demands of their customers. By partnering with Lin Engineering, food and beverage robotics manufacturers can benefit from custom motion control solutions that are tailored to their specific needs. These solutions can help to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience, making them a valuable addition to the food and beverage industry's robotic technology. For more information: Moley Robotics Bear Robotics Starship Technologies Lin Engineering Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Reykjavik City Theatre recently underwent a major intercom system upgrade — with minimal disruption — to deliver flexibility within a unified production network infrastructure. How Iceland's Renowned Theatre Seamlessly Upgraded Its Intercom System Reykjavik City Theatre recently underwent a major intercom system upgrade — with minimal disruption — to deliver flexibility within a unified production network infrastructure. Edited by EE Staff Stage Events Feb 24, 2026 Since opening in 1989, the Reykjavik City Theatre (RCT) has been a cultural hub for Iceland’s theatre community, hosting a diverse range of productions in its three performance spaces which share foyer and backstage dressing rooms. During its operations, RCT has gone through multiple intercom system upgrades to meet growing demands. Most recently, RCT transitioned to a unified production network infrastructure. With this high-speed architecture in place, the move to the Arcadia Central Station proved ideal, seamlessly leveraging the new network to launch the theatre into a modern era of communication—ready for immediate needs as well as long-term expansion. Images courtesy of Clear-Com. “This project demonstrates how existing customers can take a stepwise approach to upgrades without replacing entire systems,” said Gunnar Gunnarsson, General Manager at Atendia, Clear-Com’s distributor in Iceland. “Arcadia delivers scalability, performance, and effortless live configuration while minimizing disruption, a perfect solution for a busy theatre like RCT.” The Arcadia upgrade included FreeSpeak® high-capacity IP transceivers and 24 FreeSpeak II wireless beltpacks, alongside HelixNet® networked partyline speaker stations to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout all shared performance spaces. By making extensive use of Clear-Com’s virtual Role configuration, the team effectively deploys this shared inventory across different venues and tasks. Additionally, Dante® connectivity was added to the production audio network and paging system. This allows any audio input or output to be assigned within the intercom system while still retaining existing V-Series® keypanels, FreeSpeak beltpacks and analog partyline system components, now powered by Arcadia. Images courtesy of Clear-Com. According to Steinar Snæbjörnsson, Technical Director at RCT, “Clear-Com’s Arcadia system proved to be the perfect fit for our new production network infrastructure. Its flexibility and ease of use transformed our communication workflow, providing the clarity and control that made a real difference during this season’s major productions such as Moulin Rouge .” Flexible, Full-Scale Capabilities The upgraded system provides RCT’s teams with the mobility, capacity, and ease of use needed to adapt effortlessly to dynamic production demands. Some of the new capabilities include venue-wide coverage of intercom support across multiple performance spaces, featuring wireless coverage that leverages the facility’s production network. Here are five additional benefits of the new system: Flexible Role Configuration — Efficient management of shared equipment inventory using agile Roles, allowing for task-, persona-, or location-centric setups. Dante® Integration — Integration with the venue’s audio infrastructure where any microphone or monitoring output can be routed to the intercom, while providing a flexible paging interface for front-of-house and back-of-house operations. Efficient Intercom — High-density V-Series keypanels that provide efficient access to channels, direct point-to-point communication, program audio, and paging. Live Management — Effortless Central Configuration Management (CCM) accessible from any web browser, facilitating live Role and label changes to adapt to user needs instantly, while providing real-time monitoring of transceiver loads to optimize system deployment. Unified Control — Custom API control integration with the Q-SYS back-of-house audio system. This upgrade is a model example of how modern intercom solutions can enhance efficiency, performance quality, and creative collaboration in live theatre environments. For more information: Clear-Com Arcadia Central Station FreeSpeak II Wireless HelixNet Partyline V-Series Keypanels Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

At the Virtual Production Days event at the Amsterdam Studio, a combination of LED displays and processing technologies were showcased for film and TV. How LED Displays and Real-Time CGI Could Replace Green Screens in Film and TV At the Virtual Production Days event at the Amsterdam Studio, a combination of LED displays and processing technologies were showcased for film and TV. Terry Persun Film and TV Mar 2, 2026 When Faber Audiovisuals set out to organize the Virtual Production Days, they chose a combination of Black Pearl BP2 and Brompton processing technology for the LED screens that were set up as green screen replacements for film and TV. Faber Audiovisuals and Sweetwater, both part of the NEP Group, were at the forefront of innovative developments and implementing ready-made solutions for their clients. In addition, Fuse Technical Group was involved as a VP Days equipment supplier. According to a Faber Audiovisuals spokesperson, “Shooting sets with a virtual production team involved in the process adds greatly to saving on production time and costs, compared to regular post-production VFX work.” As presented in different set-ups, Faber Audiovisuals showcased the nearly endless possibilities that can be created using a combination of specific technologies, bringing together LED technology, processing power, video playout, and visualization tools. In addition to the virtual studio corner set-up, using Black Pearl LED panels on Brompton HDR processing, Faber built a car-rig showcase, using Carbon series CB3 LED panels. Images courtesy of ROE Creative Display. While the Black Pearl BP2 LED screens have outstanding on-camera performance, due to distinctive product specifications, such as scan rate and LED quality, Brompton’s Dynamic Calibration technology delivers images that appear sharper, more detailed, and vivid. Next to these to set-ups, Faber displayed some Black Marble LED floor panels and ROE LED Strip elements. Images courtesy of ROE Creative Display. “The car rig worked with a BMW situated in front of and under an LED screen. On the driver’s side, we situated a third, smaller LED panel. The camera used was dolly mounted, so we could drive along the driver’s side of the car. The side panels either showed a shopping street or a bridge. The roof panel provided reflections on things like the windscreen. The composite image was astonishingly realistic; as if you were racing at full speed through a neon-lit shopping street or across a long suspension bridge,” explains Jasper Reijgers, Sr. Executive Streaming, TV & Film for Faber Audiovisuals. LED screens can provide immersive, realistic backdrops for film productions. “With the panels being recalibrated with Hydra, we ensured that the HDR content could be shown with higher contrast ratios, deeply saturated colors, and true-to-life color accuracy,” states Dries Vermeulen, Business Development Manager Europe at Brompton Technology. Images courtesy of ROE Creative Display. “This new production process will change the way we plan film productions, shifting the attention to pre- and on-set production. Film production will include the whole process from shooting to script adjustments to editing at one go, in a controlled environment like a studio. Real-time rendering helps support this new methodology,” states Nils Pauwels, Sales manager solutions at Faber Audiovisuals. During the event in the Amsterdam Studios, attended by over 220 international guests, including VFX supervisors, directors of photography, content designers, directors, and VFX/post-production companies and broadcast production companies, Faber Audiovisuals demonstrated Virtual Production as a new production process that merges physical objects, such as actors and real-world camera movements, into real-time computer-generated imagery (CGI). They also showcased rendering solutions and the process of virtual production to create a digital world, with real-time interaction on set. For more information: ROE Visual Carbon CB3 Black Marble Floor Panels Faber Audiovisuals Sweetwater Fuse Technical Group Read more about film and TV technology >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The vests provide athletes and instructors with “data-driven insights on striking power, reaction time, stamina, and overall performance." Martial Arts Smart Training Vest Technology Aims to “Revolutionize” Combat Training The vests provide athletes and instructors with “data-driven insights on striking power, reaction time, stamina, and overall performance." EE Staff Sports Jul 31, 2025 Cool Stuff Century Martial Arts, a manufacturer of martial arts equipment, is acquiring 2020 Armor, who makes smart training technology for combat sports. Also from EE: Reimagining Sports Swimwear 2020 Armor is known for its impact-tracking vests and real-time performance analytics . The vests provide athletes and instructors with “data-driven insights on striking power, reaction time, stamina, and overall performance,” according to the company. As part of the acquisition, 2020 Armor’s technology will be incorporated into Century’s training equipment to provide real-time feedback and measurable improvement metrics for martial artists of all levels. “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision of combining traditional martial arts training with modern innovation,” said Michael Dillard, CEO of Century Martial Arts. “... we’re excited to integrate its advanced analytics into our products, empowering martial artists with tools that enhance their training like never before.” The integration of 2020 Armor’s technology into Century’s products is expected to roll out in the coming months, with “further innovations on the horizon.” How do the smart vests work? The smart vests are designed by “martial arts experts,” according to their website. They’re made from marine-grade vinyl and use technology to track performance metrics among other features. The vests, which can be linked with an app, provide stats on power, stamina, and reaction time, and also allow students to train using games. The 3.5 lb. vests use patented sensors built into them with ten different degrees of sensitivity. They can be charged with a USB Mini-B port for six hours of battery time, and they also have Bluetooth connectivity. Watch the video below to see the vests in action: SOURCE: Century Martial Arts Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

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A rehabilitation of Atlanta’s historic Fountain of Rings earlier this year included the installation of a new, transformative technology that’s dramatically improved the water feature’s programming capabilities. Fountain Technology Transforms Iconic Water Feature A rehabilitation of Atlanta’s historic Fountain of Rings earlier this year included the installation of a new, transformative technology that’s dramatically improved the water feature’s programming capabilities. Theme Parks Sep 4, 2025 Cool Stuff Built nearly 30 years ago, the enormously popular LED-lighted show-style water feature comprises more than 250 manifold-mounted precision jet nozzles supplied by several large dry pumps. Designed to reflect the iconic interlocking Olympic rings, this choreographed display has become one of Georgia’s most photographed attractions, delighting guests with daily performances of synchronized water, lights, and music. Led by Texas-based fountain design firm The Fountain People, the comprehensive restoration effort included the installation of 256 new display nozzles and an integrated LED ring light fixture for dramatic color-changing effects. The project also added plug-and-play connections and a new water feature show panel with a touchscreen interface that allows operators to select among up to ten choreographed musical fountain shows. Video courtesy of The Fountain People. Further improvements included modernized pump and filtration systems, fog system repairs, and remote access capabilities that give staff greater control over the fountain’s operation. Perhaps the most exciting addition brought by the renovation, however, was the installation of a new fountain valve technology that’s enabled vastly richer nozzle effects and choreographies, thrusting the historic attraction into a new, growing class of elite manifold-based fountains and water features. Until recently, manifold-based water features such as the Fountain of Rings used a water switch, a three-way valve installed at each nozzle that allows on/off nozzle sequencing. The ability to independently control spray height for each nozzle, however, has always required a distributed pump architecture where each nozzle is controlled by its own VFD-driven effect pump. This approach required extensive submerged electrical infrastructure but allowed for show flexibility where programmers could provide complex effects such as waves, variable height chase scenes, and more. Now, this same level of control is available among manifold-based water features. The Robotic Water Switch Developed by Texas-based aquatic robotics company SplashBotix, the SplashValve is a single-axis, fast-acting robotic valve that uses a specially shaped diverter to bring proportional nozzle height control to manifold-based water features for the first time. The Fountain People’s restoration effort marks one of the first and largest uses of the new technology, representing a new standard in manifold-based water feature design and programming. SplashValves are three-way valves installed at the nozzle, designed to divert incoming water to effect or bypass. Unlike water switches, however, SplashValves can also divert water to varying proportions of effect and bypass, enabling both on/off and spray height control. Capable of cycling up to four times per second, SplashValves marry the speed and on/off action of a conventional water switch with the height control flexibility of a VFD-driven effect pump. Image courtesy of The Fountain People. SplashBotix is a division of ARM Automation, an industrial robotics and automation firm with more than 30 years of experience developing high-performance motion systems for semiconductor, aerospace, and factory automation. Unlike other technical suppliers in its industry, SplashBotix takes much of its design and engineering inspiration from the world of industrial automation. For this reason, the story of SplashBotix and the SplashValve challenges assumptions about where advanced robotics and automation principles can provide value—not just on factory floors, but in public and municipal spaces as well. Design Features The secret behind the SplashValve’s advanced flow control capabilities lies in its clever electro-mechanical design. Rather than using a pilot switch to control the flow of water, the SplashValve uses a specially designed, servo-actuated diverter. Set inside the SplashValve’s bore, the diverter rotates 90-degrees between effect and bypass, incrementally changing the nozzle spray height as it shifts its position. Fully enclosed, the SplashValve’s servo motor transmits motion to the diverter through magnetic actuation, a clever static-seal design that makes the SplashValve virtually leak-proof. Image courtesy of SplashBotix. Composed mainly of 316 stainless steel and a proprietary blend of wear- and chemical-resistant plastics, the SplashValve also offers advantages over competing solutions when it comes to maintenance and durability. Effectively a one-inch diameter pipe when the diverter position is at full effect, the SplashValve allows most fountain debris to pass right through to the nozzle, making screen filters largely unnecessary. When clogs do occur, SplashBotix has made the diverter easily accessible for maintenance personnel, who can remove the diverter from the magnetic coupling, clean the valve and return the diverter back to the SplashValve all in less than a minute. From a fountain engineering and design perspective, the SplashValve represents a major paradigm shift. By bringing proportional control to manifold-based systems, the SplashValve is enabling designers to deliver world-class shows without the cost, complexity and power requirements of installing hundreds of VFD pumps. For municipalities like Atlanta and other stakeholders, this means richer experiences for guests, safer public amenities, and less frequent, less costly maintenance. For more information: SplashBotix ARM Automation The Fountain People 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

Moog offers simulation motion bases and solutions installed in flight simulators, 4D theaters, and theme park rides around the globe. Motion Simulation Provides Essential Training, Theme Park Thrills, and More Moog offers simulation motion bases and solutions installed in flight simulators, 4D theaters, and theme park rides around the globe. Terry Persun Theme Parks Oct 13, 2025 Museums Motion bases are what’s used in flight simulation machines and are ideal for training without the risk of a crash if there’s a failure. These same systems are used in submarine simulation, racecar simulation, and more. But like many industrial systems and components, motion bases have an equally key application in entertainment for dogfight scenes, and ground travel, as well as for theme park rides. When designing for motion base simulators, regardless of the industry, customers want accuracy, repeatability, and long-life cycles. Moog has produced over 1,500 high-performance, human rated systems currently being used around the world and achieves a 99 percent uptime. Depending on the specifications the customer is looking for, Moog allows them to choose from hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, and hybrid-based technologies. Their all-electric E60 Series and electro-pneumatic P60 Series are designed to meet Level D certification requirements for flight training as well as vehicle and maritime simulation. Moog’s new P60 Series Motion System. Motion bases provide full control of heave, sway, surge, pitch, roll, and yaw using six legs incorporating high-density BLDC (Brushless DC) motors. In the hybrid model, the pneumatic preload supports the static load of the platform, allowing the electric actuators to focus on delivering precise, dynamic motion. This improves energy efficiency and reduces overall power demand while maintaining high-fidelity performance. This motion might be used to simulate turbulence in a flight simulator but might also simulate a space battle or driving along a bumpy road in a theme park ride. The stroke length of each of the six legs of the motion base is up to 62.5-inches. These systems provide reduced actuator peak forces through the use of bi-directional reusable end-of-stroke buffers, resulting in smaller joints. These smaller and thus lighter moving joints are what help to increase the payload capacity of the system—while reducing the system footprint. Motion base platforms can handle up to 14,000 kg, which allows the customer to create and mount their own application specific construct such as the cockpit of a jet, command center for a submarine, control console for a tank, or display screen for a theme park ride. The P60, which combines electro-mechanical actuators with integrated pneumatic support delivers high-fidelity motion with significantly reduced energy consumption of up to 75 percent compared to fully electric systems. Newer systems are designed with the latest technologies leading to a power cabinet that is 50 percent smaller than other systems on the market, saving valuable space particularly for theme park rides where compactness is a requirement. Using modernized electronics and removable battery systems also reduces energy use as well as environmental impact. Moog motion products, like this flight training device, can be applied to pilot training or be remotely controlled for entertainment such as theme park rides or movie set motion. Moog designs, manufactures, and collaborates with entertainment providers to seamlessly integrate motion systems into full-scale simulation solutions through off-the-shelf and custom motion systems. Working closely with the customer as a partner, Moog provides all the software needed to provide direction, speed, and distance for each of the six legs. Moog provides a graphic user interface (GUI) to the customer who then integrates their simulation or ride elements. Moog’s experienced team of engineers work hand-in-hand with the customer from concept to completion. *Lead image courtesy of Sogitec. All other images courtesy of Moog. For more information: Moog E60 and P60 Motion Systems Read more about simulation devices. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

In NASA’s Artemis campaign, Orion is the only spacecraft capable of taking humans from Earth to lunar orbit. Docking is a dance between precision and timing. The Autonomous Choreography Behind Docking Orion In NASA’s Artemis campaign, Orion is the only spacecraft capable of taking humans from Earth to lunar orbit. Docking is a dance between precision and timing. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Mar 9, 2026 Orion’s unique design allows it to seamlessly maneuver and perform safe and precise docking with different types of spacecraft, such as SpaceX’s Starship human landing system, Blue Origin’s lander, or even other vehicles if needed, including habitats and propulsion systems. This capability is crucial for enabling the transportation of crew and cargo between different spacecraft, as well as for facilitating the assembly and servicing of spacecraft in deep space. Images courtesy of Lockheed Martin. According to Harvey Mamich, Orion guidance navigation and control manager at Lockheed Martin, “Docking is like a choreographed dance of timing to make everything work. If Orion or the other vehicle drifts from its position, Orion has to readjust based on a variety of information, figure out where both vehicles are located, and conduct thruster burns to get back in the right spot. Everything must work together seamlessly and autonomously.” The activity of a spacecraft approaching, interacting, and connecting to another spacecraft is known as Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD), and Lockheed Martin is working with NASA to develop and test the latest RPOD generation for Orion. Images courtesy of Lockheed Martin. RPOD systems are used on an array of spacecraft and incorporate a combination of sensors, cameras, and computers to guide the vehicle into the correct docking position. Software and hardware components work together to provide real-time data on the spacecraft's position, velocity, and attitude. Orion’s RPOD systems utilize Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, which generates high-resolution maps of the docking environment. This enables the system to navigate the spacecraft with greater precision and accuracy. LiDAR provides the position information of the target vehicle, and as Orion goes through the entire docking procedure from a far distance out down to the two vehicles touching, LiDAR provides locational data while making continual automatic corrections to ensure the two spacecraft are docked perfectly. Where earlier docking systems relied on manual operation with limited automation, Orion's RPOD system incorporates LiDAR targeting retroreflectors to enable automated docking with a high degree of precision. The automated docking process—controlled by the LiDAR and resident software in the system—drives the thrusters to maneuver the Orion into place. For safety, an optional manual override can be activated by crew members if necessary. Images courtesy of Lockheed Martin. Testing Using Drones and Robots Testing and simulation of Orion's RPOD system were recently conducted at Lockheed Martin’s Space Operations Simulation Center (SOSC) in Denver—a testing facility where engineers can replicate the operational conditions of space—as well as at large open-field ranges at Lockheed Martin’s Santa Cruz, CA facility. Engineers at Lockheed Martin plan for different scenarios that Orion and the Artemis crew will encounter during a variety of missions, then use these facilities to put the RPOD system through a rigorous test regiment. For example, custom-built drones outfitted with 3D-printed parts simulated the separation distance of multiple target reflectors—think moving targets at a shooting range—near a docking port. Orion’s RPOD LiDAR system was deployed in a fixed trailer on the coast, tracking the motion of the moving drones out over the Pacific Ocean. The drones were flown in a variety of approach paths toward the trailer, ranging from 10 meters to further than one kilometer, at varying speeds and angles similar to how Orion would approach another spacecraft. This enabled the team to simulate rendezvous approach tracking, holds, and unexpected conditions. The second part of the RPOD testing incorporated the cameras and was performed at the SOSC using its large 50-foot-tall robot running along a 180-foot-long track. These tests were designed to fine tune the limits of the system’s performance and to evaluate its ability to maintain accuracy down to centimeters in distance. The LiDAR’s field of view is typically narrower at close range, which makes it more sensitive to misalignment. Orion is poised to undertake a series of critical missions in support of NASA’s Artemis program. The spacecraft is scheduled to play a key role in the Artemis III mission, slated for launch in 2027, which will dock with the lander while in orbit around the Earth. This sets up a mission to land astronauts on the surface of the Moon in 2028. With the Moon in its sights and Mars in the near future, Orion—carrying humans and docking with a variety of vehicles—will be a critical element of NASA’s Moon to Mars efforts. This just in: NASA recently announced that it is increasing the cadence of missions under the Artemis program to achieve the national objective of returning American astronauts to the Moon and establishing an enduring presence. This includes standardizing vehicle configuration, adding an additional mission in 2027, and undertaking at least one surface landing every year thereafter. For information: Lockheed Martin Human Landing System Artemis Missions NASA’s latest news Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Unique cooling solution is optimized to provide cooling for an electric Vertical Take Off and Landing aircraft capable of traveling flight distances of 1,000 km. Electric VTOL Aircraft Unique cooling solution is optimized to provide cooling for an electric Vertical Take Off and Landing aircraft capable of traveling flight distances of 1,000 km. Terry Persun Cool Stuff Jun 10, 2025 Conflux Technology designs, engineers, and produces additive manufactured heat exchangers for a variety of thermal challenges in multiple industries. Recently, they unveiled a collaboration with AMSL Aero, an Australian aircraft manufacturer involved in building the world’s most efficient long-range zero emissions electrical VTOL aircraft. Also from EE: Electric Race Car Uses 3D-Printed Components Under the first phase of the project to develop hydrogen fuel cell cooling for AMSL Aero’s Vertiia VTOL aircraft, Conflux developed three heat exchanger concepts, each focusing on minimizing weight and volume while managing continuous heat loads and reducing drag. The ultimate goal was to enable flight distances of up to 1,000 km. Already at its second phase, the company will optimize the design and manufacture of a full proof-of-concept assembly to evaluate its performance within Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. According to Michael Fuller, CEO & Founder of Conflux Technology, ““Hydrogen fuel cells represent a transformative technology in Australia’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. We are proud to incorporate our heat exchange technology to enhance the efficiency and performance of Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cells. Together, we’re advancing innovation in creating world-leading sustainable air transport.” The Conflux cooling solution will be optimized to provide cooling for high transient heat loads experienced during vertical take-off, landing, and hover operations. Weight, performance and packaging size are key constraints for aeronautical hydrogen powertrains. Geometrical freedoms granted by additive manufacturing means heat exchangers for these systems can be lightweight and conform to the space available. Conflux’s unique thin-walled, patented designs deliver thermal performance and low drag. Photo: A closeup of Conflux Fins AMSL Aero chairman Chris Smallhorn said: “In Vertiia we are building a hydrogen-electric aircraft that flies record-breaking distances at Formula 1 speeds, making Conflux Technology, with its storied history of innovation in motorsport and aviation, the perfect partner for us. Conflux’s AS9100D manufacturing and quality certification is critical in enabling Vertiia to become the world’s first long-range passenger-capable hydrogen VTOL.” Working together, the companies are pioneering a future where clean energy and cutting-edge engineering drive the aviation industry toward a greener and more sustainable future. This engagement further expands Conflux’s presence in aerospace applications, leveraging additive manufacturing to develop high-performance heat exchangers for next-generation aviation. Applications now extend across propulsion system cooling, transmission and gearbox cooling, environmental and avionics cooling, and power electronics cooling. As the demand for sustainable solutions accelerates, additive manufacturing is setting new performance benchmarks, delivering advanced thermal management solutions that conventional methods cannot achieve. Watch: News video of the Vertiia For more information: Conflux Technology AMSL Aero Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

A behind-the-scenes look at the drive systems, automation, and comms that keep America’s #1 Broadway musical running smoothly. The Technology Behind The Lion King Musical’s North American Rafiki Tour A behind-the-scenes look at the drive systems, automation, and comms that keep America’s #1 Broadway musical running smoothly. Nicole Persun Stage Events Dec 16, 2025 Lead photo: Cheetah and Giraffes with the sun in the background | Photo by Joan Marcus and courtesy of Disney Since its debut in 1997, more than 114 million people have experienced the awe-inspiring artistry of Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway. The musical has won six Tony Awards, is Broadway’s third-longest running show in history, and is the highest-grossing Broadway production of all time. From the iconic first notes of “Circle of Life,” to the song’s reprise at the end of the final act, every element of the show — moving sets, puppets, dancers, actors, and the crew behind the scenes — must work together with precision. To celebrate The Lion King’s latest North American Tour, Entertainment Engineering spoke with Head Carpenter Kyle Techentin at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre about what goes into running this iconic and beloved show, and the technology that helps make it happen. Managing 23 Axes of Motion As the Head Carpenter, Kyle Techentin manages the setup, takedown, and ongoing maintenance of the show. “We start with a blank canvas,” he said. “The stage, lighting, hardware — all of it is ours.” The show never stops, so the production owns duplicate sets: one for the current city, and one that travels to the next location on the tour. “If something breaks,” Techentin explained, “we send it to the upcoming city to be maintenanced, so that it’s ready for the next stop.” This strategy helps keep the tour running continuously without unforeseen breaks. The Lion King musical has gone on multiple tours since its inception, with slightly different set configurations evolving over time to suit the needs of the locations it visits. The show is currently touring North America on their Rafiki Tour; the tour is open-ended, with cities currently announced through the end of September 2026. “There was actually more automation in the Gazelle Tour,” Techentin said, referring to the previous tour. “We cut the set down by about four feet to be able to fit it into smaller theaters.” This resulted in more manual set pieces and fewer electronically-operated elements — but there are still plenty of ways that technology fits into the show. The production itself has 23 axes of motion. “Anything that moves is considered its own axis,” Techentin explained. Pride Rock — a motorized staircase that travels across the stage on a track circuit system — is considered one axis of motion. The grasses — props with wooden bases that also move across the stage on the track — are another. The diaphanous fabric sun is its own axis, too. Company of The Lion King on Broadway during “Circle of Life” | Photo by Matthew Murphy and courtesy of Disney “There can be up to thirty-six actors onstage at a time, and many of the costumes greatly hinder the actor’s ability to see,” Techentin said, emphasizing the importance that everything runs according to plan. All axes must move with precision and reliability to ensure a safe environment for the actors and crew — and an unforgettable experience for the audience. Motion Control Pride Rock is perhaps the most iconic and recognizable part of the set, traveling out from the wings and turning in slow circles while the actors move through a scene. Its path is operated by a circuit track system in the stage that incorporates pneumatic switching units and eleven magnetic sensors. Inside Pride Rock, there’s a battery powered friction drive that controls its speed and timing as it moves along the track. A top-down camera allows a stage manager to monitor its progress in relation to the actors onstage. Peter Hargrave as Scar atop Pride Rock | Photo by Matthew Murphy and courtesy of Disney Entertainment Engineering also got an inside look at the mechanical wildebeest “herd” that is used to indicate the fateful stampede scene toward the end of Act I. As Simba runs from the stampede of wildebeest, there are three visual elements used to create a sense of depth onstage. First, in the background, a piece of fabric painted with tiny wildebeest rotates on a wheel to give the illusion of the herd running toward the audience from a distance. Then, in the middle ground, is a motor driven “herd,” which consists of multiple wooden wildebeests mounted on rotating arms. If there’s an error, the crew can flip a switch to “kill the beast” and operate it manually. Finally, in the foreground, actors in large wildebeest masks crowd the stage. It’s an intense moment in Simba’s journey — but it’s also an intense part of the musical for the crew due to the various set axes happening simultaneously. Closeup photo of the mechanical, motor-driven wildebeest “herd” taken by EE Staff with permission. This combination of set design, motorized components, and actors all add to the grand scope of one of the most pivotal and emotional scenes in the musical. How it All Comes Together It takes about 120 people — including actors and behind-the-scenes crew — with a minimum of three stage managers (there are five on staff) to run the show on any given night. Techentin manages many of the moving parts at his onsite automation desk that incorporates a Blackmagic Design control system and software used to monitor all of the set axes. The backstage support crew stays in touch using a professional-grade, multi-channel intercom system from Clear-Com, known for their complete connectivity and effortless scaleability. Techentin relies primarily on Hudson Scenic for much of the motion control and automation components, including custom jobs when required. “They get us whatever we need,” Techentin said. When watching Disney’s The Lion King Musical, it’s easy to get swept away in the incredible set designs, puppets, costumes, and superb acting. The technology might be subtle, but the seamlessness is intentional. From friction drive motors, to all-LED lighting, to CO2 “geysers,” and more, all the components — and the crewmembers who operate those components — are an essential part of the magic. The result? A truly unforgettable experience. For more information: Disney’s The Lion King Musical Seattle Theatre Group / Broadway at the Paramount Theatre Blackmagic Clear-Com Hudson Scenic Studio Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2 Mechanical Articles focusing on Actuators, Assemblies, Bearings, Brakes & Clutches, Claps, Conveyors, Couplings, Fans, Fasteners, Linear Slides, Machining, Mechanical Components, Mounting Components, Packaging Systems, Pipes & Tubes, Pulleys and Sprockets, Seals, Shafts & Axles, Snap Rings, Springs, Stamping, and more. Filming 'The Odyssey' in IMAX Required Ingenious Design Fixes Solving the challenges of camera noise and face-to-face interactions took some thoughtful engineering, but made all the difference in the final product: the very first one-hundred percent IMAX technology film. Read More Simulating Zero Gravity in Royal Caribbean International's New High-Tech Stage Performance Astronaut Clayton C. Anderson informed the new show 'Flight,' which features the first-ever stage replica of the International Space Station. Read More 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. Read More A Smooth Train Ride Requires a Smooth Track — Which Can't Be Achieved Without Precise Rail Grinding Technology Keeping train tracks smooth and efficient takes a heavy-duty grinder that operates with precision and efficiency. Read More Window Glass on Public Transportation Hinders Cell Service — Until Now A Swiss startup — known for its process that makes glass permeable to telecommunication frequencies — requires the right components to create their revolutionary technology. Read More Exploring a Completely Silent Anechoic Chamber Without any sound to distract you, you can hear your heart, lungs, and more — watch this video from Veritasium to explore what it's like to step inside an anechoic chamber. Read More How NASCAR's R&D Group Optimized Its Machining Processes with Next-Level Components Innovative tools help to make NASCAR manufacturing of parts faster, more efficient, and of higher quality. Read More Prototypes Played a Crucial Role in Development of Tabletop Cricket Game Before a full-scale model could be manufactured, prototyping focused on smaller, more manageable designs allowing for greater creativity while keeping costs down. Read More Innovative Pins Used in High-End Cosmetics Cases Small details like easy-to-use cases with squeak-free hinges enhance the high-end makeup experience. Read More To Capture Fast-Moving Subjects, Photographers Need the Right Equipment Gimbal fluid head enables smooth, shake-free panning without micro-jitters for perfect shots. Read More Interview with Legacy New Tech for Yachts Subscribe to EE Mag! Interview with Legacy 1/3 Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2