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Tailored to TED’s high-stakes live event environment, the new communications upgrade provides robust, real-time capabilities across both on-site and remote production teams. Complex Communication Needs at TED's Live Events Require Seamless Comms Tailored to TED’s high-stakes live event environment, the new communications upgrade provides robust, real-time capabilities across both on-site and remote production teams. Edited by EE Team Stage Events Oct 27, 2025 TED Conferences LLC recently partnered with Clear-Com® to enhance its live production capabilities through a custom intercom solution centered on the Arcadia® Central Station communications platform. Clear-Com’s Applications team, represented by John Ferrante, led the installation at TED’s New York production facility, configuring an end-to-end system designed to support the complex communication needs of TED conferences. The Arcadia Central Station, upgraded to the latest firmware release, was integrated with an extensive suite of FreeSpeak II® digital wireless products, IP transceivers, wireless beltpacks, and remote connectivity via Clear-Com’s Gen-IC® virtual intercom. All photos courtesy of TED Conferences LLC. As part of the upgrade, TED also transitioned from its legacy analog wired intercom to the HelixNet® Digital Network Partyline System. This configuration streamlined on-demand communications across multiple teams, making the system adaptable for both live shows and distributed production workflows. The heart of TED’s new communications system integrates seamlessly with its existing network, allowing Clear-Com equipment to connect with other audio systems across the venue with minimal latency and pristine audio fidelity. Integrated IP and Dante-enabled channels further expand TED’s ability to manage communications in real time. This setup enables TED to retain established communication flows while introducing the flexibility and scalability of Arcadia as the organization gradually transitions to its new infrastructure. Gen-IC adds another layer of remote connectivity to TED’s operations. Six IVC links connect remote team members directly into TED’s on-site Arcadia infrastructure, delivering seamless integration between local and remote participants. This functionality is supported by an LQ® Series IP Interface connected to the Gen-IC Cloud, which provides TED’s production team with dynamic control over both remote and local communications channels. Gen-IC’s ability to easily integrate remote users has been transformative, enabling TED to remain agile while maintaining the highest standards of audio quality. All photos courtesy of TED Conferences LLC. Through on-site training, TED’s team can now configure channels, assign users, and manage remote links, providing a future-proofed system that scales with the organization’s growth. This workflow reflects the unique challenges TED faces as a hybrid live event and content production organization, blending elements of broadcasting, streaming, and high-end meeting production—demands that resonate with today’s cutting-edge producers of corporate AV events. Clear-Com’s installation of Arcadia, along with the migration from analog to HelixNet digital wired comms, deployment of FreeSpeak II beltpacks, and integration of Gen-IC, equips TED with a flexible, reliable communication solution that supports the present and future demands of live event production, remote collaboration, and content distribution. This empowers TED’s talented team to deliver programming with greater efficiency and quality. For more information: Clear-Com TED Conferences Arcadia Central Station HelixNet Partyline System LQ Series Read more about stage productions >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The real life WALL-E that visits newsrooms, tradeshows, and goes on media junkets had to look like the animated WALL-E from the movie. It appears that, like life, there’s a process that has to be gone through in order to look older. Making WALL-E Look Battered The real life WALL-E that visits newsrooms, tradeshows, and goes on media junkets had to look like the animated WALL-E from the movie. It appears that, like life, there’s a process that has to be gone through in order to look older. EE Staff Film and TV Jun 4, 2025 Because the WALL-E from the movie has been around for a long time, his body had been weather worn and beat up by the work he does – compacting trash and stacking it neatly. Computer animation allowed animators to create the look and feel of a well-worn WALL-E, but transferring that same look and feel to a ‘real’ robot was another story. Pixar utilized sophisticated computer graphics to create the digital representation of this fun-loving robot. This digital data was well suited for rapid and precise fabrication of all of the external covers that comprise WALL-E. Although, the covers could have been created in a number of ways, the Disney Imagineering team chose to have the parts created on an SLA rapid prototyping system (see sidebar on the SLA process) The form, fit and overall appearance of the prototype SLA covers were validated with a working robot. The final covers for the traveling robot needed to be significantly tougher than the initial SLA covers. Advanced cast urethane covers were reproduced using a silicone tool created from the SLA masters. The cast urethane process has been accomplished a number of ways by a variety of companies. Although we don’t have information on which method was used for the job, here’s an explanation of what the process might look like. General practices for secondary processing of the master might look similar to what some services do for their customers. Here’s one method that may be used: First prepare a master pattern — created using SLA, CNC, or PolyJet technology — that is worked to a desired surface finish. Then carefully position tape in specific areas to create joint or parting line to assist with cutting the pattern out of the mold. After this step, a mold box is built to enclose the master pattern. The box size is minimized so that the poured Platinum-based Silicone material is not wasted. The master is elevated off the floor of the box to allow the Silicone to surround the master. The material is allowed enough time to cure and then the cured mold is cut into two halves and the master pattern removed. A two-part polyurethane liquid is mixed and then poured (with a proprietary pressure differential) into the mold. The polyurethane filled mold is then placed into a proprietary pressure oven and the final cast polyurethane part is allowed to fully cure thus achieving maximum mechanical properties. Finally, the top half of the mold is removed and the final cast part is removed from the mold. The stressing and rust texture for WALL-E was reproduced from the animated production using paint. “Exterior components – including the treads and details on the inside of the WALL-E camera eyes – were based on the movie data and placed ‘on-model’ to look as authentic as possible,” according to Akhil Madhani, Principal Technical Staff Director for Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development. “For motion, the tracks are driven using custom designed brushless DC servomotors, which operate through planetary gearheads,” Akhil said. The remaining motors are standard brushed motors using a variety of reduction mechanisms. All the mechanisms themselves were custom designed, including the tracks and treads. As with WALL-E’s panels, the tread texture was copied from the movie models. Control software, as well as all the animation software, was written in-house at Disney and Pixar. This includes the system that allows the company to play Pixar-created animation on the physical robot in order to maintain its character. Designing the ‘real’ WALL-E was, as many Disney projects, highly proprietary, allowing only for general information to be discussed. Akhil did say that “every part of the system, including electronics, was included in the CAD model.” His team used Pro/engineer CAD software for design. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

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It takes a creative approach to develop the controls for a museum exhibit that simulates a bat’s echolocation. Museum Exhibit Technology Simulates Echolocation It takes a creative approach to develop the controls for a museum exhibit that simulates a bat’s echolocation. By Jay Rees, PE, Rees Engineering Corp. Museums Aug 18, 2025 Cool Stuff Over my years working as an Automation Systems Integrator, I occasionally get projects that are different from the normal industrial process and manufacturing systems, such as developing the controls for a unique museum exhibit to simulate a bat’s echolocation. This project was for the Children’s Center of Sofia, in Sofia, Bulgaria, which prompted the name “The Bulgarian Bat Detector.” In a near dark environment, the museum visitors rotate a viewfinder toward a display depicting an environment for bats. A couple of bats located in the display are the targets for the detector. As the viewfinder approaches the bat’s position, the sound level of an audio track increases in volume with a maximum level when pointed directly at a bat. The volume level decreases as the viewfinder leaves the bat’s position. Photo courtesy of Rees Engineering. The control solution required that the bats are actually detected, which meant that the controls must compare the direction of the viewfinder to the location of the bats in the display. The volume of the audio track is set based on the position of the viewfinder relative to the bats with volume increasing when approaching the bat and decreasing when leaving. The biggest hurdle encountered was how to control the audio volume without excessive development and testing while also keeping costs low. As an experienced automation systems integrator, I did not have a volume control solution in my bag of tricks, and it quickly became apparent that some type of hybrid solution was needed. The position detection and process logic would be handled with an AutomationDirect CLICK® PLC, the audio playback would use a commercially available digital audio repeater, and the volume adjustment solution would need to be built using electronic components. The viewfinder’s position is determined using a touchless Hall Effect encoder attached to the rotating shaft of the viewfinder to determine the rotational position of the magnet. The encoder output of 0.25V to 4.75V DC represents 0 to 360 degrees. This output range is perfectly suited for the CLICK’s built in 0V to 5V analog input. The PLC also has a built-in scaling configuration for the analog input providing the position’s 0-to-360-degree value. For the audio playback, I used the QuikWave™ EM38A, which is often used by museum exhibit developers. It allows MP3 audio files to be played in a variety of ways. For this application we used a playback script to run a single audio file in a continuous loop. Here's what a bat's echolocation sounds like. Audio Volume Solution One of the more challenging parts of the project involved how to control the audio volume from a PLC output. My customer, Andrew Tomasulo of Connect Interactives, came up with a solution that used Light Dependent Resistors (LDR), which consists of an LED and a photoresistor as a single device. The intensity of the LED regulates the resistance of the photoresistor. Because the only connection between the LED and the photoresistor is light, the photoresistor is an isolated and passive device. The PLC’s 0-5V analog output signal is used to vary the device’s resistance. In order to use the LDR solution for volume control, two LDR units are set up as a voltage divider. Two separate 0-5V analog outputs from the PLC provided opposite voltages to the devices (0-5V and 5-0V). The resistance of the LDR’s is from 1,200 ohms down to 60 ohms, which provides a full volume control range. The setup adjustment control uses four potentiometers to set the target locations for the bats in the display. The audio output volume increases and drops within +/- 10 degree range of the target. A 5V power supply voltage regulator (LM7805) was added to the circuit board to power the potentiometers. The outputs of the potentiometers are sent to an analog input module of the CLICK PLC. Photo courtesy of Rees Engineering. Packaging the System All of the components were packed into a 12- x 10- x 5-inch non-metallic enclosure. Field connections are made using Micro (M12) connections and the power cord uses a European Schuko plug (remember this unit is going to Bulgaria). The custom circuit board was hand assembled and mounted on stand-offs. Almost all of the components came from AutomationDirect except the audio playback unit, custom circuit board, potentiometers, and the power cord. Photo courtesy of Rees Engineering. This was a fun project with its share of challenges but in the end it all worked out (and no bats were harmed in the process). I’m thinking of adding a trip to Sofia, Bulgaria, to my bucket list so I can see and hear the unit in operation. For more information: Rees Engineering AutomationDirect CLICK PLC QuikWave Audio Player Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Motion control for the chairs in "The Voice" had to operate smoothly every time. The Technology Behind the Rotating Chairs on The Voice Motion control for the chairs in "The Voice" had to operate smoothly every time. Terry Persun Film and TV Jun 16, 2025 Stage Events The Scenic Route is a Southern California based global resource company that provides design and integration services to the entertainment, live event, and trade show industry. The company was tasked with the opportunity to work with The Voice, which required their chairs to rotate 180 degrees based on a simple push of a button. Also from Entertainment Engineering The chairs had to move smoothly and stop smoothly for the show. They chose to apply a proven motor drive to operate the motor. The operation required that the drive could sense two end-of-travel limit switches set at either end of the 180 degree movement. The company chose the AllMotion RGA440-10-CYC smart drive, which is a full-featured regenerative controller with the internal intelligence of a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) built into the drive. When either of the end of travel limit switches would be tripped, the motor drive would stop the motor in that position. Resetting the chairs to the previous position would be accomplished by pressing a reverse pushbutton. Photo: The swiveling chair from The Voice The RGA-CYC Series provides an added logic board to AllMotion’s RGA400 controls. These controls are dual voltage, fully-featured regen drives in a rugged enclosure. As high-performance controls they maintain motor speed with automatic motoring and braking torque, while allowing high-duty cycle reversing and braking—great for limit switch applications. Included are a power on/off switch and separate forward and reverse speed potentiometers so independent speeds for each direction can be easily set. Controlling the motor is user-friendly too, by pressing a button on the membrane panel for stop, run, reverse, or jog (jog speed is adjustable). The user can also wire in remote pushbuttons in conjunction with the on-board buttons. These controls can operate in several modes with either one or two limit switches, including continuous cycling, single cycle, dwell, and more—including adjustable stop and dwell times. Although this application might appear to be very simple, it comprises many of the facets of motion control that would have previously required several components to accomplish. The AllMotion motor drive essentially replaced a PLC plus the PLC power supply. Not all applications will be this straight-forward, but as design engineers maintain an open mind about what the new smarter drives are capable of, they can apply the technology to solve applications in simpler and more efficient ways. For more information: AllMotion American Control Electronics The Scenic Route Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Industrial automation products can be applied to a wide number of unique applications, like the advanced control needed for a sophisticated escape room. Escape Room Experience Uses Automation Tools Industrial automation products can be applied to a wide number of unique applications, like the advanced control needed for a sophisticated escape room. Terry Persun Games Jun 16, 2025 Stage Events Escape rooms are immersive adventure games where players solve puzzles to break out from a themed environment within a set time. While seemingly unrelated to industrial automation, a systems integrator leveraged expertise gained from working in industrial applications to enhance escape room experiences through advanced automation. Andrew Schulman details how he applied industrial-grade automation to 13 Hour Escape Rooms’ Campground project. An Entertainment Game Changer Andrew Schulman, the founder of Schulman Engineering, transformed his mechanical background into a successful systems integrator career, executing industrial-focused projects across multiple sectors. His client in the escape room industry was a bit of a departure from the typical project and needed improvements to an existing PLC-based (Programmable Logic Controller-based) system that controlled audio and effects for enhanced gameplay and elevated player engagement. Schulman’s objective was to develop a flexible programming structure that could accommodate future expansions, while addressing immediate operational needs. Immersive environments of this type often incorporate digital control and programming to manage various technical elements, including sensors, sound effects, lighting, and countdown timers. To meet these and other needs, the AtuomationDirect Productivity 1000, stackable micro PLC was chosen for its extensive input/output (I/O) capabilities and compact design, managing over 200 unique I/O points through digital and analog interfaces. This architecture allowed for smooth gameplay, along with real-time interactions based on player actions. Minimizing Code Risk The original code used AutomationDirect’s Productivity Suite software, which simplified programming but relied heavily on latching bits to ensure that logic proceeded in the correct order. This is a valid programming approach, but without careful attention to detail the logic can be left in improper states. Photo: The AutomationDirect Productivity1000 stackable micro PLC manages more than two hundred I/O points located throughout the room, utilizing software-based drum sequencing instructions ; photos courtesy of 13 Hour Escape Rooms and Schulman Engineering. To enhance manageability, Schulman implemented drum sequencer instructions, simplifying the program and facilitating easier maintenance. The interactive and unpredictable nature of gameplay required robust programming practices to ensure system reliability. An AutomationDirect C-more headless HMI (Human-Machine-Interface) lets game operators monitor progress, and override actions where necessary, using a computer or mobile device. Sound Programming Practices An essential aspect of the escape room experience is sound design to enhance gameplay, and even deliver clues. The escape room design company had developed a custom printed circuit board (PCB) sound board to do this, featuring multiple audio ports. The PCB was controlled via RS-232 serial communication from the PLC, and it allowed for concurrent playback of multiple sound effects in different locations. This approach minimized wiring complexity and optimized the use of I/O resources, and it provided sound playback in different rooms throughout the game. As gameplay progresses, PLC logic determines which sounds to play, and whether playback is a single-time event or looped. Backstage Support To ensure reliable technical support across multiple game room franchises, a secure AutomationDirect StrideLinx VPN router was integrated into the system. This provides Schulman and the game owners with remote access for monitoring and troubleshooting, and it streamlined the programming and commissioning phases, both of which were accomplished without any required on-site visits. With a solid commitment to providing intuitive, quality products and exceptional technical support, AutomationDirect was an ideal partner for this unconventional application. Similarly, Schulman’s client was impressed by the resulting system performance, and the training and support provided so they could develop their in-house ability to maintain the system. Overall, the collaboration between Schulman Engineering and the entertainment company exemplifies how industrial automation can enhance interactivity, leading to a successful application that is both technically sound and creatively engaging. See the escape room video here . A version of this article was published in Automation.com . For more information: AutomationDirect Schulman Engineering 13 Hour Escape Rooms 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

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

Data centers handle vast amounts of information and depend on reliable power and efficient cooling. Industrial Pumps Power and Cool the Internet Data centers handle vast amounts of information and depend on reliable power and efficient cooling. Cool Stuff Aug 5, 2025 Data centers serve as the foundation of the internet, managing massive amounts of information. To maintain continuous and uninterrupted operations, modern data centers depend on state-of-the-art technologies that provide both emergency power and sustainable cooling technologies. Industrial grade vacuum pumps from KNF are customized to these specific requirements. Emergency Power with Flywheel Technology When it comes to critical infrastructure, such as data centers, effective and reliable emergency power solutions are essential. One innovative technology used to bridge power fluctuations is flywheel kinetic energy storage. Unlike rechargeable battery-based systems, flywheel systems do not degrade with use, so they last much longer and are less expensive to maintain. They are also more compact, more efficient, and use more environmentally friendly and recyclable materials. Flywheel technology uses the kinetic energy of a rotating mass to store and release energy as needed. It consists of a high-speed rotating flywheel connected to a combined motor-generator. During normal power conditions, the motor uses electrical power to accelerate the flywheel to a high rotational speed. In the event of a power outage, the kinetic energy stored by the spinning flywheel is converted back to electricity to power critical equipment until slower starting systems such as diesel generators can take over. Advanced flywheel systems have rotors made of high-strength carbon fiber composites suspended by magnetic bearings that rotate in a vacuum enclosure. A KNF multi-stage diaphragm vacuum pump with a long-life BLDC motor can remove more than 99.5% of the air from the enclosure to create a very low friction environment, ideal for this application. This increases efficiency and minimizes drag, allowing some flywheel systems to reach speeds of more than 50,000 rpm. Sustainable Water-Based Cooling Systems As important as emergency power is to the reliable operation of any data center, efficient cooling is critical to maintaining optimal operating temperatures for servers and other components. Inefficient cooling and overheating can lead to performance degradation, hardware damage, and costly downtime. Moreover, when this cooling is done efficiently, it not only keeps the data center running reliably, but also reduces the need for a number of potentially harmful substances. Traditional cooling systems using conventional refrigerants often rely on substances such as fluorinated gases (F-gases), ammonia, or propane. However, these refrigerants can pose environmental risks by contributing to ozone depletion and global warming as well as safety and health risks. In response to these challenges, emerging technologies have turned to water as an energy-efficient refrigerant in closed-loop systems. Water-based cooling systems offer remarkable efficiency and sustainability, delivering energy savings of up to 80% compared to conventional cooling systems, while producing minimal CO 2 emissions. In addition, using water as a refrigerant poses no risk to the environment, making it a safe and clean alternative. The KNF N 952 diaphragm pump can be customized to meet the high demands of water-based cooling systems. Using water as an effective refrigerant requires precise, constant, and reliable vacuum conditions for the phase changes necessary for refrigeration. This places high demands on the vacuum pump, which must operate completely oil-free, within a range of 10 to 100 mbar abs. and a temperature range of 5° C to 45° C. In addition, compact size and overall robustness are critical factors in selecting the right vacuum pump for these systems. Thanks to its unique modular design, which allows for the optimal selection of materials for each application, diaphragm pump technology such as a customized KNF N 952 provides an ideal solution for handling demanding vapor environments and maintaining the required vacuum conditions. For more information, visit KNF . Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

What happens when you take fictional characters and bring them to life? How does this change interactions with humans? And how does it all work? Can These Robots Bring Enchantment to the World? Meet the Mirokai What happens when you take fictional characters and bring them to life? How does this change interactions with humans? And how does it all work? Terry Persun Stage Events Sep 23, 2025 Cool Stuff Enchanted Tools, founded by Jérôme Monceaux, recently unveiled the Mirokaï, the prototype of a new generation of humanoid robots that are both wondrous and useful. The Mirokaï are endearing robot characters that were created as half-child, half-animal, fox-like creatures from outer space. Two of them are able to come to Earth: Miroki (the yellow one) and Miroka (the orange one). According to the characters’ strong backstory and the characters’ design, developed with the help of French animation expertise, the Mirokaï have been given an extra element of soul. Because the company believes that robotics can re-introduce a touch of enchantment to the world, rather than dehumanizing it, the team at Enchanted Tools aim to revolutionize robotics by improving the acceptability of robots to promote their large-scale adoption. A Brief Backstory Far, far away in the cosmos, there is a planet inhabited by benevolent beings who have achieved a state of harmony. These creatures of light, the Mirokaï, have guided humanity along the path of otherness since the dawn of time. From cave paintings to the first writings and melodies, they have inspired humankind down through the centuries. According to this backstory, for the first time, two of them have passed through the portal that separates our two worlds and have come to our aid in person. “I'm not perfect, but I'll do my best,” Miroki declares in a presentation video, before jumping into space and entering our reality. His spirit then slips into a kind of spacesuit—the robot prototype developed by Enchanted Tools—to create social bonds and a sense of unity. With this in mind, Enchanted Tools pooled the creativity of animation experts and industrial designers to change how we think about robots. “We were able to create a robot with personality, a robot with a depth that no machine has ever had. This is a disruptive and innovative approach to robot design,” says Monceaux. The challenge when creating the Mirokaï was not only to create robots that people would accept, but also ones they would find useful. This meant meeting three challenges of robotics. Automated navigation in semi-standardized spaces: Perched on a rolling ball, the Mirokaï move and can be moved—in any direction. If one gets in the way, a gentle push with a finger will make it roll away, whereas a two-legged or track-mounted robot would need to be lifted. Miroki and Mirokais are easy to use and to handle, which is an essential feature for mobility in social and work environments. Automated gripping of objects: the Mirokaï hands are uniquely designed to grip special handles—or runes , to continue the fantasy narrative—that users can attach to objects they want the robot to lift. The radical simplicity of this all-purpose handle allows both Miroka and Miroki to achieve a 97% grip success rate, where market standard is about 60%. This is essential because a tool that fails 40% of the time is not satisfactory. Semantic and emotional interactions with untrained users: Each Mirokaï is capable of the level of interaction required to functionally understand and execute voice commands. Overall, the Mirokaï are simple robots. They are not the best at gripping, navigation, or interaction, but are adequate in all three areas to accomplish multiple tasks, including moving objects within a social environment. With the ability to carry loads up to 3 kg, Miroki and Miroka can be of use in all kinds of hospitality, transit, and leisure venues where staff recruitment can be difficult and where human interaction must take priority over logistics, such as hospitals, retirement homes, airports, trade shows, hotels, restaurant, etc. By means of simple voice instructions, the robot will be able to carry out tasks to make people's lives significantly easier. Presently, it is possible to encounter them—in testing—at AP-HP (Parisian hospitals), at the Cancer Institute in Montpellier with sick children, as well as in retirement homes in the USA. Several universities around the world have also purchased Mirokaï to use for research. Technical Challenges A major challenge in the design and build of the Mirokaï was that the company only had one year to complete the project. This meant that they had to find reliable products that were suitable for prototyping and could then ramp up to industrial scale production. According to Monceaux, “Working with maxon was the obvious thing to do—it was the safe choice.” The maxon team assisted Enchanted Tools with product design as well as in selection of the motor types while taking into consideration all of the technical constraints of the project. Chosen for the ball bot, were three the EC-i 40 motors with integrated planetary gearboxes. These motors provide maintenance-free operation and use an electronic controller to ensure high-precision speed and torque control. Other axes, such as arm joints, used 22mm diameter brushless DC (BLDC) motors from the company’s ECX torque range. BLDC motors from maxon are dynamic, durable, and highly efficient, providing long service life and higher speeds than comparable motors on the market. According to Kevin Schwartz, sales engineer responsible for Enchanted Tools at maxon France, and Max Erick Busse-Grawitz, Technology Transfer Manager at maxon International, “Because the application was in the area of autonomous robotics, where the systems needed to support themselves, and where the actuators are consequently both part of the solution and also part of the problem (due to weight, inertia, and size), we proposed motors with high power density and a high torque-to-inertia ratio; in other words, a low mechanical time constant, and gearboxes with high efficiency and high torque density.” The objective was to achieve a balance between technical performance and production cost. *All robot images courtesy of Enchanted Tools *All motor images courtesy of maxon. For information: maxon https://www.maxongroup.com/en-us EC-I 40 Brushless Motor https://www.maxongroup.com/maxon/view/product/488607 https://www.maxongroup.com/maxon/view/product/488607 Enchanted Tools https://enchanted.tools/ Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next