Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport for three years in a row. Find out how engineers are designing paddles for maximum performance. Carbon Fiber Foam Core Pickleball Paddle Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport for three years in a row. Find out how engineers are designing paddles for maximum performance. Joe Gillard Sports Jun 16, 2025 Body Helix, a pickleball equipment provider, announced the upcoming launch of their FLiK F1 with TerraCoreXC pickleball paddle which the company says employs their “Gen 4 Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foam core technology.” The paddles, which are designed for “controlled power and spin,” are slated for release in July, and are USAP-approved. TerraCoreXC Technology TerraCoreXC is the name given to the paddle technology Body Helix says is a patent-pending Gen 4 EPP foam core that “shatters the limitations of traditional polypropylene honeycomb cores.” The core is built using a bonding process. Conventional cores, according to the company, can suffer from rapid breakdown, dead spots, and harsh feedback. For precision, these paddles are designed for a longer dwell time paired with a proprietary high-friction peel ply surface. The paddle also has an area of fiberglass on top of the 4 layers of carbon fiber for “added pop” and for providing power, says the company. Engineered for Excellence The paddle design is a 16.5" x 7.5" elongated shape with a face that features four layers of Toray T700 carbon fiber which the company says gives it its strength-to-weight ratio, and has a central fiberglass area for “added pop.” The handle is made from a solid polyurethane. “This precise layering provides the perfect balance of stiffness for power, flexibility for feel, and surface texture for spin, while the fiberglass layer adds a crucial element of dampening and enhances durability, creating a truly robust and high-performing paddle face,” explained Body Helix founder and head of R&D Fred Robinson in a blog post about the technology. The company says that it utilized player feedback in designing the paddle. “The FLiK F1 with TerraCoreXC is the culmination of over a year of research and player feedback,” said Robinson. “We’ve engineered a paddle that solves real player complaints - a paddle with power that doesn't "break in" while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in pickleball technology.” Body Helix says players eager to experience TerraCoreXC can try the Sandbox F1XC , a limited-edition Sandbox version, while awaiting the official launch. For more information: Body Helix Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Brewing beer is a precise process that requires reliable motion feedback to ensure that each batch performs exactly as the brew master requires. Brewing Beer with High Precision Components Brewing beer is a precise process that requires reliable motion feedback to ensure that each batch performs exactly as the brew master requires. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff May 15, 2026 Community Beer Company in Dallas, TX is known for growing their own yeast in-house and for their top-notch equipment. They claim to have invested in the finest, most sophisticated brewing and packaging equipment made. This also meant that they focused on the best components as well—including encoders. Beer Making Process Part of beer-making involves mashing , where grains move through the mill, into the grist hopper, and are transferred via flex auger to the mash tun. Hot water is added at specific temperatures to convert the starches in the barley into simple sugars. Then there's lautering , which takes place in the lauter tun . It’s in this vessel where precise motion is needed to get the taste of the beer just right. The lautering process is where the liquid solution known as “wort” is separated from the solid grains, forming the foundation for the beer's flavor. The wort is then pumped into the boil kettle where the hops are added, contributing to the bitterness, flavor, and aroma of the finished product. From there, the liquid gets ready for fermentation , the final stage of the brewing process before bottling. Images courtesy of Encoder Products Company. Automating the Process Automating beer-making improves production efficiency and the quality of the beer, particularly during the lautering stage. Inside the lauter tun, a motorized rake gently breaks up the grain bed, allowing for the highest quality wort to be extracted. The grains are sprayed with hot water during this phase to recover all of the remaining sugars. On top of the lauter tun is the motor and gearbox which drive the screw jack, raising and lowering the rake inside as the liquid level changes. Community Beer found it challenging to properly position the rake inside the lauter tun, resulting in poor sweeping of the grains, slowing wort extraction, and inhibiting the entire brewing process. Images courtesy of Encoder Products Company. The team decided that they needed a reliable shaft encoder. Final specifications indicated that the encoder would need a quarter-inch shaft size, positive pulse polarity, and a resolution of 200 CPR. The interconnection would use a 6-pin MS connector. After some research, Community Beer reached out to Encoder Products Company (EPC) to help them better control the motion of the screw jack and rake inside the vessel. Working with EPC, Community Beer selected the company’s Model 716 Accu-Coder® encoder as their solution. The Model 716 is ideally suited for applications requiring a quadrature output. Designed for compatibility with most programmable controllers, electronic counters, motion controllers, and motor drives. The encoder comes in five versatile housing styles, quadrature output, and resolutions available up to 10,000 CPR It was discovered that putting the Model 716 on the gearbox driving the screw jack, was the best way to correctly raise and lower the rake inside the lauter tun, loosening the grains and effectively extracting the wort. With such a precise process, reliable motion feedback is a must to ensure the equipment functions efficiently so that each batch performs exactly as the brew master requires. After installation, Community Beer found that they had eliminating the bottleneck in the lauter tun. For information: Encoder Products Company Model 716 Accu-Coder Community Beer Company Read more about technology and food >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

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

A system-level platform spanning humanoid robotic arms, integrated joint modules, global remote operations, and open-sourced real-world data was exhibited at CES 2026. The Core Innovations Behind the Industrialization of Intelligent Robotics A system-level platform spanning humanoid robotic arms, integrated joint modules, global remote operations, and open-sourced real-world data was exhibited at CES 2026. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Feb 2, 2026 RealMan Robotics, a system-level infrastructure platform company for the era of embodied intelligence, unveiled its latest advancements at CES 2026, showcasing a comprehensive technology stack spanning hardware, data, and remote operations. Three core innovations were displayed, including a fully integrated joint module, ultra-lightweight humanoid robotic arms, and the Global Labor Network (GLN) that is powered by RealBOT wheel-foldable robots and the Humanoid Robot Data Training Center. These offerings demonstrate RealMan’s holistic approach to embodied AI, bridging physical intelligence, real-world data, and distributed human-robot collaboration. RealMan’s ultra-lightweight humanoid robotic arms are engineered to closely replicate the length, thickness, flexibility, and load characteristics of an adult male arm. Each arm supports a rated payload of 5 kg, a peak load of 9 kg, and achieves a TCP speed of up to 1.8 m/s, enabling seamless integration into human-centric work and living environments. Images courtesy of RealMan. The 7-degree-of-freedom RX series, featuring a highly anthropomorphic wrist design, was created for dexterous manipulation in confined spaces. Certified to CR L3, the robotic arms achieve an average MTBF of 50,000 hours, supporting stable execution of real-world tasks such as opening refrigerator and washing machine doors, capabilities critical for large-scale, high-quality data collection. In addition, RealMan’s integrated joint modules have obtained RoHS and REACH certification, following rigorous compliance testing conducted by TÜV SÜD Germany. A major highlight at CES 2026 was RealMan’s live demonstration of cross-border, real-time teleoperation from Beijing to Las Vegas. Embodied trainers at RealMan’s Humanoid Robot Data Training Center in Beijing remotely controlled a RealBOT wheel-foldable robot on the CES show floor, performing tasks such as item delivery and fruit handover in real-world environments. Images courtesy of RealMan. This remote operations network transforms human skills into scalable infrastructure, making operational capabilities schedulable, quality-assured, and billable. Through an immersive teleoperation interface, operators can precisely command robots in real time, executing tasks ranging from towel folding and box handling to complex operations such as pipeline inspection and power system management. Beyond hardware, this capability enables efficient global distribution of labor resources across time and space, while continuously generating high-quality, real-world data to drive the next breakthroughs in embodied intelligence. RealMan’s Humanoid Robot Data Training Center operates 108 embodied robotic bodies across ten real-world application scenarios, accumulating data from thousands of tasks and millions of trajectory segments. The center has developed the world’s first high-quality, multimodal real-world dataset, which has been open-sourced to address critical data bottlenecks in robotic learning. By providing critical data support to both academia and industry, RealMan accelerates the development of advanced algorithms and the industrialization of intelligent robotics. For more information: RealMan Robotics Robot Integrated Actuators Read more about innovative robotics >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Rogue State turns to LightWave 11.5 3D software to conquer CG dragons for Dracano. LightWave 11.5 3D Software Used in Video Games Rogue State turns to LightWave 11.5 3D software to conquer CG dragons for Dracano. EE Staff Film and TV Jun 4, 2025 In Dracano, a volcanic eruption in the Pacific Northwest spews lava, steam and fire—along with eggs that hatch ancient, menacing, winged dragons that prey on man. Since similar volcanic eruptions in Russia, Japan, and other “Ring of Fire” regions are also releasing these menacing creatures into the world, scientists fear they are witnessing the start of a global dragon apocalypse. Set in contemporary times, this ambitious plotline depends upon the credibility of the dragon creatures and their appearance, movement, and interaction with people from a nearby U.S. military base who fight back. Three visual effects animators completed the movie’s 220 visual effects shots using LightWave 11.5, which advances the features, capabilities, and efficiency of the popular LightWave 3D modeling and animation system. “There is no other 3D animation software out there with the breadth of features and ease of use to allow us to handle all of these visual effects shots for Dracano, given the tight time and budget constraints,” said Scott Wheeler, visual effects supervisor for Dracano and president of Rogue State, a visual effects and post production boutique in Burbank, CA. In the fall of 2012, Rogue State worked closely with Los Angeles-based Remember Dreaming Productions to realize this fantasy/action adventure movie for Odyssey Entertainment in Australia. LightWave 11.5 was used to create all of the CG dragons, military vehicles, helicopters, and jets, as well as volcanic smoke, steam, and lava. It was also the primary tool for creating the 220 live action visual effects composites. LightWave 11.5 features like Genoma for character rigging, Soft Body Bullet Dynamics, and Motion Blur added to the Viewport Preview Renderer (VPR) system, and sped up the process and streamlined the workflow on complex effects shots by a factor of ten. Credit: LightWave Dragon The Genoma Potential Genoma is an intuitive character rigging system that jump-starts the 3D modeling process by providing instant rigging of legs, arms, fingers, wings, spines, and other body parts for biped, quadrupeds, and even exotic creatures, like dragons. While Genoma provides a head start in creating 3D rigs, animators can modify the rigs, such as making a tail longer, or any other creative changes they need. “You’re basically just putting pre-programmed pieces together almost like an erector set to build your character. There isn’t a lot of trial and error because once you set-up your creature in Modeler and export it to Layout, it just works exactly the way you’d expect it to,” Wheeler said. “With Genoma, an animator can rig a creature without having to understand the underpinnings of the process.” The Flesh of Dragons Most of the CG dragons in Dracano are six to eight feet tall with a massive wingspan and sharp teeth. The dragons have soft flesh covering their bodies and wings that move in relation to the rigid skeletal structure underneath. Soft hanging flesh can even jiggle as the creature moves for greater realism. In LightWave 11.5, Genoma works in conjunction with another new feature, Soft Body Bullet Dynamics to produce this effect. LightWave 11.5 extends LightWave 11’s Bullet dynamics for rigid models to encompass flesh, cloth, rubber, and other soft materials that deform. A dress can blow in the breeze even if the underlying model remains rigid because Genoma and Soft Body Bullet Dynamics understand the distinction between the two materials. “Bullet knows which surfaces to deform based on the weight maps and other parameters you set. These values are not the weight of the creature, they are values you set that define the degree of deformation you want to achieve,” Wheeler said. “It’s like mapping an object by making different areas different colors. One color denotes a rigid structure while another color means that area needs to deform and move in relation to the rigid framework underneath. Genoma works with Bullet’s hard and soft body dynamics to figure out how much each object or surface should bend, collide, flop, wiggle, wave, stretch, or any movement based on how you set it up.” Motion Blur for a Better View The Viewport Preview Renderer (VPR) that was introduced in LightWave 10 has also been extended in LightWave 11.5, making the rendering process much more efficient. Instead of seeing the animation as frame to frame to frame, like a stop motion animation, motion blur gives a better, clearer sense of the animated motion and depth of field without having to go through the full rendering process. Motion blur on the VPR is not a visual effect, it’s a way to preview how the animation will actually look and integrate within the scene. With motion blur inside the VPR, the user can get a feel for the speed of something that’s moving very fast, such as a dragon swooping by, which offers a quick, accurate view of incremental creative enhancements without rendering and saves a lot of time previously devoted to trial and error interspersed with rendering. “LightWave has had motion blur available at the wireframe stage, but now its addition in the VPR makes this valuable tool even more indispensable,” said Wheeler. In the same way that Genoma and Bullet dynamics work together throughout the modeling, layout, and animation process, the VPR is also readily available at every stage of the process. Swarms and Flocks Prior to Dracano, Rogue State produced visual effects scenes for Dragon Wasps, including swarms of dragon wasps flying in the sky. Since hundreds of wasps had to move as an organized group, Wheeler’s visual effects team used the LightWave Flocking feature. In Dracano, many dragon creatures also take to the air and fly around or congregate in caves. But in this instance, Wheeler said they used Instancing to clone one dragon and create a group of 20 to 30 creatures. “Flocking is best to move large numbers of creatures like a thousand wasps to form a deadly swarm. But for a relatively small number of dragons, we used Instancing to create a group. LightWave lets you vary their attributes, like size or colors, and animate them independently of each other,” said Wheeler. “Having a wide array of tools ensures that we have the right one for the unique challenges of every task.” “In our segment of the market, creating visual effects for ultra-low or low-budget features, our visual effects team needs powerful, cost-effective 3D animation tools that get the job done quickly,” said Wheeler. “LightWave 3D helps us meet the production demands of budget-conscious producers without sacrificing the visual impact, credibility, or realism of creatures or visual effects.” For more information: LightWave 3D Home LightWave on YouTube Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Advanced linear actuators allow the Marines to rapidly produce essential components and prototypes under diverse conditions. How US Marines Produce On-Demand Tools with 3D Printing Advanced linear actuators allow the Marines to rapidly produce essential components and prototypes under diverse conditions. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Aug 11, 2026 Linear actuators power the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity’s (MCTSSA) XFAB, a portable expeditionary fabrication lab for additive manufacturing, supporting maintenance, fabrication, prototypes, supply, and equipment modification. MCTSSA, which aids the Marine Corps and Joint Service C4I architecture through communications exercises, cyber testing, and tactical networking, recently hosted design experts to test XFAB’s network connectivity. XFAB is a transportable and self-contained, additive manufacturing lab that can be deployed with battalion-level Marine maintenance units. Images courtesy of PBC Linear. The lab features a 3D Platform 300 Series Workbench Pro large-format printer, enhanced by PBC Linear industrial-strength linear actuators. These actuators ensure superior performance and reliability, enabling precise, robust motion control for demanding field operations. The lab is 20-by-20 feet and is collapsible for easier transport. Inside there are five 3D printers including two desktop printers, two industrial carbon fiber printers, and the 3D Platform 300 Series Workbench large format printer. In addition, the lab includes laser scanners and cutters, and a corresponding computer design software system. Images courtesy of PBC Linear. The XFAB container is powered by a generator or shore power and can be set up or torn down by a team of four Marines in roughly two-to-three hours. Its weight, when fully equipped, tops the scales at about 10,500 pounds and can be transported via the Logistics Vehicle System Replacement or a typical commercial flatbed truck. XFAB has been in development for over five years and will eventually provide Marines with an opportunity to fabricate their own manufacturing tools, parts, and signage. This capability will offer support in forward-deployed expeditionary environments where specialty and hard-to-find parts are not readily available. UG (SIMO) Series Linear Actuators The 300 Series large format printer from 3D Platform offers the highest print volume dimensions of the group, with a robust 1000 mm x 1000 mm x 700 mm (0.7 m³, 1.4×). It is built with linear motion hardware that includes five UG (SIMO) Series actuators from PBC Linear. Each actuator that moves along the X-Y-Z gantry is customized and incorporates Constant Force™ anti-backlash lead screws and nuts for high precision and strength. SIMO is an acronym for Simultaneous Integral Milling Operation. It is a process developed and patented by PBC Linear that has revolutionized traditional machining. The SIMO process uses synchronized cutters, eliminating built-in extrusion variances by machining all critical edges concurrently in one pass. This ensures tight tolerances, limited variance, and a remarkably straight and repeatable surface at minimal additional cost. This process is used on both our plain bearing Gliding Surface Technology and related actuators, as well as cam roller V-guide bearings. The SIMO process offers many advantages to the standard aluminum extrusion process. The twist and flatness are generally two times better than standard aluminum extrusions, with the straightness (camber) reaching six-times that of standard extrusions. Images courtesy of PBC Linear. The testing event at MCTSSA included senior leaders and Marines from 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Regiment, 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The demo offered them a first-hand look at the equipment and how they can manufacture parts and products. The ultimate objective was to reach final operational capability and then begin delivering labs to the Fleet Marine Forces. For information: PBC Linear UG (SIMO) Series Actuators XFAB 3D Platform Read more linear guide case studies >>> 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

Generative AI will expand scenes and enhance characters The Wizard of Oz at Sphere in Las Vegas Will Use Google’s AI to Create an Immersive Experience Generative AI will expand scenes and enhance characters Joe Gillard Film and TV Jun 7, 2025 Stage Events Google and Sphere Entertainment, the immersive entertainment venue in Las Vegas, Nevada, announced a partnership to develop The Wizard of Oz at Sphere using generative AI (gen AI), according to a press release . The companies say the collaboration will involve engineering work, as well as “thousands of creators, coders, VFX artists, and more,” to present the immersive experience which opens in Las Vegas on August 28, 2025. Google Cloud and DeepMind will deploy Gemini models Veo 2 and Imagen 3 to enhance the film's resolution, extend backgrounds, and digitally recreate existing characters who would otherwise not appear on the same screen. Sphere is also using Google Cloud's AI-optimized infrastructure to support the data and computational demands of immersive experiences, with The Wizard of Oz at Sphere processing 1.2 petabytes of data over the course of the project to date. Google is one of the many tech giants ramping up AI across multiple domains, though the film industry, in particular, has been somewhat hesitant to embrace AI . Nevertheless, Google is moving forward in this attempt to combine cinema with AI for an immersive entertainment experience. "Our partnership with Sphere on The Wizard of Oz at Sphere is a great example of pushing the boundaries of generative AI to deliver exciting new experiences for audiences – and new opportunities for studios and filmmakers," said Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud. "We are honored to play a role in such an ambitious project to bring a classic piece of Americana to an entirely new generation of audiences." Google AI and The Wizard of Oz at Sphere Originally released in 1939, The Wizard of Oz was filmed using what was at the time a revolutionary, three-strip Technicolor 35mm motion picture camera and was only the third Hollywood production to bring this color process to cinema audiences. Google and Sphere are quick to point out that this same film is part of their own attempt to innovate nearly 90 years later. Sphere will bring an immersive version of The Wizard of Oz to its 160,000-square-foot interior display plane, using Google AI alongside traditional VFX and film techniques to expand scenes and enhance characters. Google Cloud and DeepMind are employing Gemini, Veo and Imagen models, as well as Google Cloud infrastructure such as the company's custom AI accelerators, Tensor Processor Units (TPUs), Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), and more. One technique being used for the film is called “super resolution,” intended to “intelligently enhance” the film's resolution, filling in missing pixels and creating an ultra-crisp 16k image, essential for Sphere's 16k x 16k resolution interior display plane. Other techniques include “outpainting” to expand the film's visual scope for Sphere's immersive environment, and extend the backgrounds and characters, “performance generation” for storytelling techniques that allow multiple characters to remain on screen for extended periods, and context window for ensuring that the enhanced visuals remain consistent throughout the film. "The power of generative AI, combined with Google's infrastructure and expertise, is helping us to achieve something extraordinary," said Jim Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO, Sphere Entertainment. "We needed a partner who could push boundaries alongside our teams at Sphere Studios and Magnopus, and Google was the only company equipped to meet the challenge on the world's highest resolution LED screen." 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

A home appliance company needed a custom solution to power the water and air pumps in an at-home "countertop garden" for microgreens. Countertop Growing System Uses Custom Plug-and-Play Motor A home appliance company needed a custom solution to power the water and air pumps in an at-home "countertop garden" for microgreens. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Jul 7, 2026 Food A major home appliance manufacturer required a motor partner capable of delivering a value-added, cost-effective solution for their appliance, while also improving manufacturing efficiency. The technical requirements were strict and specific. The company wanted a NEMA 11 Hybrid Rotary Step Motor operating at 1.8 o per step that could operate at speeds up to 1,000 rpm using a 24 Volt power supply. Images courtesy of Dings’ Motion. After some research into the right solution for their specific needs, the manufacturer turned to Dings Motion. The motor powers the water and air pumps to automate plant nourishment. Through a series of collaborative meetings, the engineering team at Dings Motion were able to work closely with the client to develop a uniquely designed plug-and-play motor solution. Specific customizations were required to make the appliance work with efficiency and precision through a fully integrated package under a single part number. Besides the motor, the package required custom cables similar to those used in 3D printers, a custom wiring harness that was integrating two motors into one connection, and a component labeling system that simplified and sped up assembly times. The custom motor solution delivered by Dings Motion provided significant operational improvements over previous designs, plus enhanced both efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the final product. Overall, the home appliance manufacturer was able to reduce the need for additional cable management in the single plug-and-play solution, which also lowered material and labor costs—making assembly 50 percent faster. For information: Dings’ Motion Custom Solutions Read more kitchen and food applications >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

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

A fast-growing electric vehicle infrastructure provider required compact, high-speed components for fluid handling within the power electronics enclosure of next-generation EV chargers. Full Solution Custom Assembly Simplifies EV Charging A fast-growing electric vehicle infrastructure provider required compact, high-speed components for fluid handling within the power electronics enclosure of next-generation EV chargers. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Apr 13, 2026 Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is a critical aspect for bringing EV adoption online. Key requirements include reducing range anxiety among users and supporting local and national environmental goals. When an EV infrastructure provider approached Dings Motion, they had already sourced a magnetic gearhead pump from a manufacturer overseas, intending to pair it with a NEMA 24 BLDC (brushless DC) motor. However, they encountered persistent communications issues, which included delays in technical support that hindered their ability to finalize the assembly and move forward with prototyping and testing prior to production. Image courtesy of Dings Motion The complexity of integrating the pump with the motor presented additional engineering and supply chain headaches. What they needed was a partner that could overcome these initial roadblocks as well as one that could provide a custom product of high quality. The Dings Motion engineering team quickly identified an opportunity to streamline the development process by leveraging its strong supplier relationships to obtain answers to the client’s technical questions within days—compared to the months they had previously waited. To further reduce complexity, a turnkey solution was developed, sourcing the pump on the client’s behalf, assembling it to a Dings BLDC motor in-house, and delivering a fully integrated drive subsystem. This eliminated the need for the client to manage cross-continental component sourcing as well as system integration. Image courtesy of Dings Motion The partnership between Dings Motion and their EV infrastructure client resulted in a customized motor and gear pump subassembly that matched the client’s performance specifications. Dings’ engineers were able to select from the company’s broad range of low-cost, customized BLDC motor solutions and match them with the right amplifier for the application. The advantages of brushless DC motors include speed regulation, higher power density, and overload capacity. The company produces NEMA sizes from 17 to 34 and with three different lengths per size. The final subsystem was fully compatible with Dings’ open-loop BLDC motor driver networked through RS485. Image courtesy of Dings Motion The plug-and-play solution significantly simplified the client’s prototyping and testing process. By delivering a fully assembled subsystem, the client’s R&D process was accelerated, which greatly eliminated the pain points of overseas coordination. While the project is ongoing, early feedback indicates that the client has shortened their development timeline and minimized integration risks by sourcing a full solution rather than individual components and having to assemble and test them in-house. For more information: Dings Motion BLDC Motors Read more EV case studies >>> Main image from Depositphoto.com. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next