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. Upgrading a Broadhead Arrow for Bow Hunting Sometimes the simplest component change can make a huge difference—especially when maintenance is just as important as operational specifications. Read More Disney’s Latest Patent is Revolutionizing How Track Rides Operate A ride system that uses a movable arm to physically reposition a ride vehicle while it travels along a track could change how many attractions work in the future. Read 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 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

Chief sound engineer shares the challenges of live performance in a world-class historical venue. The Sound Engineering at the Vienna State Opera Chief sound engineer shares the challenges of live performance in a world-class historical venue. Judit Hollos Spoerli, Corporate Communications Manager at LEMO Stage Events Oct 19, 2026 Music As twilight settles over Vienna, the curtain rises on Mozart's beloved opera The Magic Flute. When the Queen of the Night unleashes the piercing opening notes of her famous “rage aria,” over 2,000 pairs of eyes and ears are spellbound, drawn to the vibrant stage of the Vienna State Opera. Her dazzling coloratura soars effortlessly, carried with crystalline clarity through the Staatsoper's masterfully tuned sound system. Image credit: ©Wiener Staatsoper/ Michael Pöhn. Backstage, unseen by the enraptured audience, lies a delicate cobweb of cables and connectors—an intricate, silent network binding microphone to loudspeaker, performer to listener. Athanasios Rovakis is the head of the Audio and Video Department and is responsible for ensuring that every performance sounds perfect—from rehearsals to final curtain, sound quality is paramount. Rovakis leads a team of thirteen professionals where a typical day involves rehearsals in the morning or an evening performance, and on some days both. The iconic Vienna State Opera opened on May 25, 1869. A blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements, with some details even influenced by Emperor Franz Joseph himself. The now world-famous Staatsoper, cherished by the people of Vienna, offers 1709 seats and 435 standing places. Each season, around 350 performances of over 60 different operas and ballets take place on the main stage and in the state rooms, alongside over 800 guided tours and other events. In total, around 900,000 people visit the opera house each season. Image courtesy of LEMO. Precision connectivity behind the scenes is handled by LEMO connectors, which play a crucial role in sound quality. The company’s 4S.304 connectors are hooked to the microphones and loudspeakers all over backstage, some of which have been there for nearly thirty years without failure. Other connectors include the 4E.675 and 3K.93C SMPTE, which are used to bridge to the world beyond the state—the Austrian Television’s OB vans linked to the heart of the stage. Again, these connectors have operated night after night for hundreds of performances every season—unseen but essential. Image courtesy of LEMO. According to Rovakis, “The geometry of the hall, the materials used, acoustic reflectors, and the layout of the boxes all contribute to the unique sound.” Yet, working with a historic building has its challenges. All technological upgrades must be carefully integrated to respect the existing architecture. The overall setup uses a wide range of equipment because the selection for each production must ensure that any sound system change is compatible with all sixty productions in the repertoire. Equipment selection is only made after thorough testing, to be sure that it meets the specific needs of the performances. “Over the past ten years, we have upgraded to a modern digital mixing console, installed wireless systems, high-quality modern loudspeakers, and a powerful video projector,” Rovakis said. The team performs a complete system check before every performance, which includes the connectors. According to Rovakis, “LEMO connectors have proven to be incredibly reliable.” For information: LEMO Vienna State Opera SMPTE Connectors Lead image credit: ©Wiener Staatsoper/ Michael Pöhn. Read more about music technology >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2 Software Articles focusing on Application-Specific, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Engineering, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Computer Graphics Imaging, Controllers, Data Centers, Development Software, Games & Gaming, Manufacturing Execution Systems, Motion Control, Online Development, Operational, Organizational, Production, Productivity Tools, Project Management, Software as a Service, and more. How Disney Leverages Industry Convergence to Create Immersive Theme Park Experiences Building information modeling (BIM) helps Walt Disney Imagineering coordinate disciplines such as architecture, design, industrial manufacturing, digital media, animation, animatronics, and 3D modeling. Read More Inside the Four-Season Toboggan at a French Winter Sports Resort At Chamrousse, smart ride assistance distance control provides guests with an unforgettable experience for maximum summer and winter fun. Read More Transforming Video into a 3D Animated Scene The artist retains the control with this AI-supported software that incorporates video-to-3D-scene technology to accelerate animated film production. Read More Visualizing and Quantifying Food Texture Texture is a key factor in enjoying food—at times more important than color and even flavor—yet texture is an elusive element that is difficult to analyze. Here's how one company is striving to unravel texture's true nature. Read More How VFX Motion Designer Mehdi Hadi Creates Cinematic Realism in Dystopian Scifi Worlds Creating projects that immerse audiences into another world takes the right software tools and a sophisticated process. Read More Smart Pool Technology Needs to Be Reliable — This Software Helps Make That Happen Here’s how a major pool and spa equipment manufacturer ensured its products met the highest standards of quality and reliability. Read More Shedding Light on the Moon’s South Pole There could be water on the Moon’s south pole, but landing on, researching, and navigating the treacherous landscape is a difficult task. This powerful simulation software allows engineers to explore potential challenges and variables throughout the mission. Read More Animating Realistic Piano Performances is Tricky. This Motion Capture Tech Provides a Solution The ultimate test for animation on-screen might be piano playing, where every key must be hit in its exact place, and the fingers’ motion has to match perfectly. Read More Digitizing Large Industrial Equipment to Streamline Custom Modifications To customize large, complex industrial equipment for specific project needs, you need to capture a 3D model with sufficient accuracy to perform reverse engineering before designing the modification. Read More Reimagining Online Music Lessons to Change Lives Musora’s Director of Production Josh Holliday uses Blackmagic Design’s products to better provide content to 10 million subscribers from over 100 global musicians. Read More Interview with Legacy Subscribe to EE Mag! New Tech for Yachts Interview with Legacy 1/3 Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering Subscribe to Entertainment Engineering 1/2

Pulled from aviation technology for pilot feedback and arcade games like Astro’s Playroom and Cyberpunk 2077, haptic feedback is used in movie trailers — among numerous other applications. Haptic Feedback Rumbles Your iPhone for the F1 Movie Trailer Pulled from aviation technology for pilot feedback and arcade games like Astro’s Playroom and Cyberpunk 2077, haptic feedback is used in movie trailers — among numerous other applications. Terry Persun Film and TV Aug 13, 2025 Sports The latest trailer for F1:The Movie , when viewed in the Apple TV+ App on an iPhone running iOS 18.4 or later, uses haptic feedback to provide the feel of the car engine as it rumbles into life in the pitlane. Keep watching because additional feedback synchronizes with gear changes and tire squeals as the car races around the track. All photos courtesy of AppleTV You’re familiar with haptic feedback by how your smartphone buzzes when someone calls and how game controllers shake, buzz, and rumble to make your experience feel more real. Haptic feedback has been around since the 1970s and is the feedback used on surgical robots so that doctors can maintain their feel of what’s going on during surgery. For this reason, the technology is also used in training simulators where soon-to-be doctors can experience how tissues, veins, and organs feel without using a human body. The automotive industry has incorporated haptic feedback as part of their Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for safety reasons—such as alerting drivers to potential hazards like lane departure and collision warnings. In manufacturing, haptics is used as feedback on robots allowing them to detect when there are product inconsistencies. Subtle variations in the texture of specific products can alert the robot to send an alarm to the supervisor to employ a human to inspect the anomaly. Even interactive product displays are using haptic feedback to allow customers to feel the texture, weight, or other physical properties of a product in a virtual setting. This adds to the information companies can now provide a customer before a purchase is made. The haptic technology market is estimated to be worth over $3.9 Billion. As companies like Apple explore its many applications, this market will only grow larger. And to that end, the new F1: The Movie trailer may be the start of a new experiential way to enjoy all sorts of entertainment. For more information: Apple F1: The Movie Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Watch this lecture from Nick Hutzler, Assistant Professor of Physics at Caltech Where Did Matter Come From? Watch this lecture from Nick Hutzler, Assistant Professor of Physics at Caltech EE Staff Mini Story Nov 11, 2025 We here at Entertainment Engineering magazine have very curious minds. Because of that, we’re often falling down rabbit holes and pulling on threads to learn more about things that a lot of people probably don’t think about too often. One of those things that interest us is the universe: how it came to be, what it’s made of, and why are we even here. Well, that last part we’ll leave to another post. To help drag you into our rabbit hole with us, we’ve got a Caltech lecture that explores the origins of matter in the universe. And questions the presence of anti-matter, dark matter, etc. In this lecture by Nick Hutzler called “Molecules, Mysteries, and the Matter of Existence” you’ll find some answers, more questions, and a lot of fun things to think about—all with some humor as well. See the lecture here: Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Entertainment Engineering talks with the best-known and most highly respected special effects companies in the film business to discuss creativity, freedom, and herding cats. Dave Merritt is Model Shop Supervisor at Legacy Effects, and took time out of a very busy day to speak with us. Here is part of that conversation. Creativity on a Monstrous Scale Entertainment Engineering talks with the best-known and most highly respected special effects companies in the film business to discuss creativity, freedom, and herding cats. Dave Merritt is Model Shop Supervisor at Legacy Effects, and took time out of a very busy day to speak with us. Here is part of that conversation. Derek Wells Film and TV Jun 4, 2025 EE: First of all, how many men and women do you typically employ, and what are their specialties? Dave Merritt: Legacy Effects operates from a core group of about 45 people, and we can quickly ramp up to 150 people as more projects come in. We staff all types of specialists, but we separate them by departments; some departments include more than one specialist. The Departments are broken up into Art, 3D Modeling, Mechanical, Fabrication (which includes hair and fur), Electronics, Molding and Casting, and the Model Shop. EE: Creativity is an important aspect of Legacy’s production. How often do you start with one design and end up with something completely different based on inputs from different departments? Dave: We strive to create exactly what our clients desire, but there are times when our staff collaboration may change our approach to the final project. Typically our timeframes are short so a great deal of collaboration needs to happen during the project. For example, we may use materials and processes from one department to replace a more time consuming method in another department. EE: What percentage of your projects have some sort of motion involved? And do your designers typically use electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic components for the motion? Dave: About 50 percent of our work involves some sort of motion. That motion can incorporate everything from simple rod puppets to large hydraulic systems depending on the individual project. In Real Steel, the robot Atom was built with rod puppet arms and a hydraulic head which allowed for a smoother and more fluid operation. EE: For any single project, how many different designers are involved? Dave: Each department has input on the design of a project. For instance, 5 key designers from various departments were involved with the Iron Man suit. Our Fabrication Dept. dealt with how the materials would work together as a whole; Mechanical worked out hinge points and fasteners, while the Model Shop and Mold Dept. focused on the patterns and casting process. Then, Electronics followed up with the lighting and wiring harness. Now for something like the aliens in Cowboys and Aliens, the same process applied, but the puppet was more organic, so the Digital and Real World Sculptors, Mechanics and Mold Dept. were more predominate in the build. EE: How do you use the computers you have in-house, since you don’t provide CGI to your clients? Dave: We utilize 3D modeling in order to visualize what we are going to build and to identify specific elements that may go through the rapid prototyping process. We use our in-house system to produce maquettes for clients as well as small detail components. EE: How many projects do you work on at any one time? Dave: We typically run four to six television commercials and two to four feature films at one time. EE: If you had only a few words to explain how it is to work with such a diverse and talented group, what would you say? Dave: It's a very rewarding experience to be able to work in a creative environment with such talented people. EE: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Dave: Thank you. For more information: Legacy Effects Home Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Upgrading to professional-grade comms offered better sound quality and interference-free communication, but involved numerous behind-the-scenes considerations. Why This Laser Tag Arena Replaced Walkie-Talkies with Professional-Grade Comms Upgrading to professional-grade comms offered better sound quality and interference-free communication, but involved numerous behind-the-scenes considerations. Edited by EE Team Theme Parks Nov 25, 2025 Games Mission Laser offers interactive laser tag gaming experiences in Richmond, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, with a third arena opening soon. At one point, the company had an interest in upgrading its communications systems, both inside and outside the arena. Director of Operations and Sales, Trip Roberts explained that when he was looking for ways to help the team become more efficient, he chose to work with Clear-Com® systems. Upgrading its critical communications was certainly a core goal, but so was the ease of use and operation of the devices by the crew, who are often team members unfamiliar with professional-grade communication systems. Images courtesy of Clear-Com and Mission Laser. Roberts had worked with Clear-Com in the past and felt that they were the right company to partner with. He opted for the Clear-Com DX210 Digital Wireless System comprised of a two-channel communication base system and lightweight all-in-one WH220 wireless headsets. This system was an instant “upgrade” over the walkie-talkies the staff previously used, offering exceptional sound clarity and interference-free communications with the option of a single or dual-channel intercom system in Mission Laser’s demanding environment. Images courtesy of Clear-Com and Mission Laser. The DX210 can run in ISO intercom mode, so that communications can be routed directly to the facility’s indoor and outdoor speakers. This feature is perfect for customer announcements and getting the attention of the large and often distracted crowds. DX210 base stations and extender antennas are placed in “mission control” mode and integrated seamlessly with Mission Laser’s house audio system. The WH220 headsets are lightweight and comfortable to wear, yet rugged and reliable—an important feature in a fast-paced and physically active business. Plus, they allow staff to keep their hands free for other on-the-job tasks, and most importantly, provide superior sound quality and word recognition, a critical factor in a loud laser tag environment. Images courtesy of Clear-Com and Mission Laser. “Being able to communicate in a more controlled and coherent way removes a fair amount of stress for our crew, improving overall productivity and fun on the job,” Roberts said. After their shifts, each team member can simply hang up their headsets, set the batteries on chargers, and the equipment is all set for the next shift to start. “If I’m working in front of the house, I can easily troubleshoot any issues with my team without having to physically go to them,” Roberts explained. “Precise communications are an essential component of our day-to-day business running smoothly. The Clear-Com technology gives our busy staff the freedom and flexibility they need to manage the games, gather customer groups, work more efficiently, and ultimately offer better customer service.” For more information: Clear-Com DX210 Digital Wireless System and WH220 Wireless Headset Mission Laser Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

A small but vital component helps protect people, goods, and ships in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. The Special Materials That Make Harsh Ocean Travel Possible A small but vital component helps protect people, goods, and ships in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Feb 16, 2026 When a cargo ship crosses the ocean in heavy weather, there’s a lot at stake. Inside multiple containers might be food for a supermarket, medicine for a hospital, or a long-awaited package on its way to someone’s doorstep. And while most people think it’s size or strength of the ship itself that keeps everything steady, the truth is often something much smaller—a spring, hidden deep inside the system of the cargo ship.  The disc spring is a powerful example of Alleima’s innovative capabilities in developing advanced steels built to withstand life at sea. Disc springs absorb shock, reduce vibration, and help prevent cargo from shifting when a ship hits rough seas. They’re not made to stand out. They are hidden deep within the ship’s systems. But when they do their job, everything stays exactly where it should. If that spring doesn’t work, containers can move, and even small shifts can cause serious damage. That’s when a tiny spring suddenly makes a big difference.  Harsh conditions The marine environment is no joke. Pressure, movement, salt, heat, and vibration all work against the materials used on and inside the ship. That’s why what you put into a disc spring really matters. Alleima, as a materials expert, has developed a spring steel designed specifically for extreme demands like cargo ships and other ocean liners. The material is tough, elastic, and resistant to fatigue. In other words, it doesn’t give up when the conditions get hard. It holds.  Creating a steel that performs under constant movement, pressure, and exposure to saltwater isn’t just experience—it’s innovation. Each new material is tested and pushed far beyond typical conditions to make sure it can handle whatever the ocean delivers. “All of our spring steels are rigorously evaluated for fatigue resistance through extensive testing in our advanced R&D facility,” says Mikael Hansson, Product Specialist at Alleima. “Because when you're out in the middle of the ocean, you need to know your materials will perform. No second chances.”  Invisible, But Essential Disc springs don’t get much credit. You won’t find them on a poster or in a campaign. But they are there, behind the scenes and doing what needs to be done. Disc springs keep cargo secure and protect the systems that keep the ship moving. They help the world move, even when the sea says otherwise.  Premium spring steel developed by Alleima can be used for all types of demanding applications. The company offers a range of spring steels in stainless and nickel-based alloys that combine strength, elasticity, and corrosion resistance for use in automotive, electronics, medical, and other applications. They manufacture disc springs, non-magnetic springs, contact springs, brush springs and more in a large variety of sizes. For information: Alleima Spring Steel *Images courtesy of Alleima. Read more about ocean and deep sea technology >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Font dels Colors fountain in Andorra’s capital city is automated and synchronized using PC-based control system. PC-Controlled Water, Light, and Audio Installation Font dels Colors fountain in Andorra’s capital city is automated and synchronized using PC-based control system. Terry Persun Stage Events Jun 12, 2025 Fluidra S.A. creates impressive installations involving water, light, and music, including the Font dels Colors fountain. The company relies on PC-based control from Beckhoff, whose openness and flexible approach to creativity open up a whole host of possibilities for designers. Fluidra’s technical skills and Beckhoff’s expertise in automation technology are at the heart of spectacular water displays such as the twin fountains in Plaça de Catalunya (Barcelona), the fountains in La Pedrera Park (Argentina), and the Vadistambul shopping center fountain (Türkiye). These projects contain PC-based control technology from Beckhoff, including TwinCAT 3 PLC/NC PTP and TwinCAT 3 HMI Server as software, plus EtherCAT Terminals and EtherCAT Box modules—which can be installed in a decentralized configuration—acting as the I/O level. The lighting technology is integrated using technology including EL6851 EtherCAT Terminals (DMX master). A CP2216 multi-touch built-in Panel PC allows technicians to control the system as required, call up status messages, and respond to alarms. Developed by Fluidra in collaboration with architects Pere Cervós of Pere Cervós Arquitectura and Ricard de Deus of Causa Estudi Arquitectura, alongside the construction company Locub S.A., the Font dels Colors water display combines an impressive installation with light and music located next to the Gran Valira river and the Puente de París bridge in the heart of Andorra’s old town. This attraction transforms the city promenade into a living work of art that captivates tourists. Another special feature of the project is its innovative, sustainable approach in which the water for the cascades is taken from the river and then reused. Precise synchronization PC-based control allows all the components of the Font dels Colors and other projects to work in perfect synchronicity—from the lighting effects and background music to the dynamic choreography of the water jets and pumps. Fluidra makes full use of Beckhoff’s extensive modular I/O portfolio, which covers everything from simple digital inputs and outputs to motion control and AM8000 servomotors. The communication options with DMX management systems are a key advantage; Fluidra uses these for programming and operating the water installations, for example. Photo: The lighting scenarios and motion sequences created using 3D DMX software are converted into precise, synchronized control signals for the nozzles, pumps, and LED lights, working on the basis of a PC. Fluidra uses its 3D software to create the sequences for its water displays, from the jets and illumination features to the sound system. The control data for the light and water jets is then output via what are known as DMX control universes. These sequence programs are installed on a separate DMX player, which is included in every system. The sequences are transferred to the CP2216 Panel PC via an EL6851-0010 EtherCAT Terminal (DMX slave) and EtherCAT, and are executed in TwinCAT 3 PLC/NC PTP—in other words, converted into control signals for the various components, including the servomotors. Any components with a DMX connection can be integrated directly via additional EL6851 EtherCAT Terminals (DMX master). To allow intervention in the sequences on site, DMX control channels required for this purpose were created for each device in TwinCAT 3 HMI. Operators can also access the system remotely and respond quickly to an alarm message by email. Conserving water resources The solutions from Fluidra and Beckhoff don’t stop at aesthetics and technology, however. Both companies are also committed to using ecological resources sustainably. For this reason, Font dels Colors has implemented a water cycle that significantly reduces consumption and ensures efficient use of the valuable resource of water. In addition, UV filters and disinfection systems have been installed to maintain high levels of water quality without the use of harmful chemicals. According to the experts at Fluidra, this integrated approach involving technological and ecological innovations is setting new standards for planning and constructing water systems. Combining aesthetically appealing water displays with ecological responsibility points the way toward a more sustainable and exciting future for urban spaces. For more information: Fluidra Beckhoff Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Multiple industries including broadcasting, medical, military, consumer, and others require heating and cooling depending on their application. Thermal Management for Concert Lighting Multiple industries including broadcasting, medical, military, consumer, and others require heating and cooling depending on their application. Terry Persun Stage Events Jun 11, 2025 Cooling fans are a staple product in many industries, such as large data centers, broadcasting, medical, commercial products, military and defense, and multiple large-scale operations whether in lighting or temperature management in office buildings. As a design and manufacturing company, Pelonis provides a wide array of products that deliver the necessary thermal management required by users. When the right product isn’t available off-the-shelf, they provide custom and semi-custom solutions. Here are a few examples: A high-end concert lighting company required exceptionally good airflow blowers to maintain temperatures on a series of high-temperature emitting lights. Pelonis was able to meet the challenge by first evaluating the environment and calculating the overall needs of the system. For motorcycle rider comfort, one motorcycle manufacturer called on Pelonis to supply off-the-shelf cooling fans. In a similar operation, the company supplied fans for delivery vans to cool the driver. Each application required the company to understand the needs of the system to select the most affordable and reliable product for the customer. A consumer electronics company who required ultra-thin flexible heaters for their latest line of portable devices selected Pelonis to help them solve the challenge. Pelonis engineered low-profile heating elements that not only maintained optimal device temperatures but did so without compromising design aesthetics. A robotics manufacturer needed a compact, yet highly efficient cooling system for their automated machinery. Overcoming multiple proprietary design challenges, Pelonis was able to provide customized axial fans that improved thermal management, ensured longer operational life of the equipment, and reduced overheating risks. A commercial HVAC company sought an energy-efficient blower solution to enhance airflow in a large-scale ventilation system. To provide the right system for the project, Pelonis had to design and develop a cross-flow system of fans that could deliver consistent air distribution while reducing power consumption to help save energy. For more information: Pelonis Technologies, Inc. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Lifting a Bed-of-Nails in a museum display demanded reliable performance, long product life, and simple integration. Bed of Nails Museum Exhibit Lifts with Ease Lifting a Bed-of-Nails in a museum display demanded reliable performance, long product life, and simple integration. Museums Aug 12, 2025 On a Bed-of-Nails lift table application, the question facing engineers was, “How much do you trust your linear bearing technology?” CW Shaw Inc, a designer and fabrication firm that specializes in bringing interactive, fun and educational museum exhibits to life was posed with this question. For linear ball-bearings, any slight contamination of the bearing cages can lead to breakage, stalling, or total machine failure, which results in a low rate of confidence when lying on a spiky table. After considering the design, load, environment, and necessary long-term operation, CW Shaw opted for Simplicity pillow block housings to guide the support rails on the Bed-of-Nails lift table for a museum exhibit. To demonstrate the full effect of the exhibit, the lift table needed to be raised and lowered by 3-inches, handle loads up to 1,000 lb (for safety), and move at a moderate speed of 5-feet per minute. Potential contamination was a major factor CW Shaw considered. Any trace of dust or particulate posed a risk of system failure, raising safety concerns. Therefore, CW Shaw sought a linear motion system that would not fail under contamination (dust and carpet fibers). Since most museums operate on fixed budgets, CW Shaw also held maintenance-free operation as a crucial design prerequisite, which is why the company designers turned to Simplicity linear plain bearings and pillow block assemblies. The Linear Pillow Block Solution Simplicity products from PBC Linear became a proven solution when requiring maintenance-free, worry-free linear motion. Designed and refined for over 25 years, Simplicity technology has been successfully applied in some of the most extreme environments: temperature extremes, high contamination, and shock and vibration. The bearings travel using a proprietary Frelon liner which transfers the load and glides over dust and other particulate without damaging the shaft. Also, since the pillow blocks are precision designed with no rolling elements, Simplicity pillow block housings will never catastrophically fail, allowing for reliable and safe linear guidance of the support rails. Two Simplicity pillow block assemblies were installed at each end of the lift table to support the load and guide the lift rails. CW Shaw noted no problems in performance and, over time, has implemented the design for several nail bed exhibits throughout the country. For more information: PBC Linear Plain Pillow Block Free Product Sample CW Shaw Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Games for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch are becoming more fun. Free-to-Play Zombie Stampede Games for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch are becoming more fun. EE Staff Games Jun 4, 2025 Bandai Namco Games has launched Zombie Stampede©, a free-to-play tower defense action game for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. In Zombie Stampede players are immersed in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a devastating virus. Facing waves and waves of flesh-eating zombies through intense action sequences, the game proposes users to take control of a team of ferocious hunters with a variety of unique combat abilities and destructive weapons. Beyond the action, the game offers a powerful cocktail of strategy and collectability with multiple in-game commodities such as the Card Box filled with common and rare hunters and items to be added to one's game. Players also have to be tactical in their use of the precious Zombie Juice collected from slaughtered zombies on the battlefield and that helps unleash hunter skills. Bandai Namco Games America Inc. is a global publisher and developer of interactive content for platforms including all major video game consoles and computers, with marketing and sales operations in 50 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia. The company is known for creating games like PAC-MAN©, Tekken©, SOULCALIBUR©, NARUTO©, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN©, Dragon Ball©, GALAGA©, RIDGE RACER© and ACE COMBAT©. For more information: Bandai Namco Games Home Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next