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Gimbal suspended from crane controls the motion of Iron Man props during street fight scenes with Iron Man’s nemesis, Iron Monger Hydraulic Gimbal Aids Iron Man’s Motion Control Gimbal suspended from crane controls the motion of Iron Man props during street fight scenes with Iron Man’s nemesis, Iron Monger Parker Film and TV Jun 4, 2025 Controlling the motion of Iron Man suits and other props from the Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment movie at times appears to be done with futuristic technology. But instead, the advanced motion-control technology truly responsible for moving props in the movie is actually here today and includes a hydraulic gimbal, cylinders, valves, hose, fittings, and other hydraulic products from Parker-Hannifin (Mayfield Heights, OH). Stan Winston Studios built the large and sometime difficult-to-move Iron Man suits. “The Iron Monger suit is 10 feet tall and weighs approximately 800 pounds,” says Shane Mahan from Stan Winston Studios. “We developed and built it during the course of filming and used it to help bridge the character into the digital world of ILM and John Nelson. A gimbal was also built, which allowed us to push it and mimic the actions of the big torso walking.” Mahan continues: “It takes up to five operators to operate the Iron Monger when you’re using both arms. We have had a couple of instances where we’ve been able to put both arms on and do manual puppeteering to accomplish shots as well. The Iron Monger wasn’t built as a hydraulic character, so it’s basically human muscle, a gimbal, and our stuntmen making it work.” For the gimbal, the film’s Director Jon Favreau relied on Parker’s D81FH and BD101 valves. “The crew was trained very thoroughly on the implementation of the BD101 and D81FH, so the start up and operation of the system for Iron Man went very smoothly,” notes Steve Camp from Parker-Hannifin. “Iron Man was a gimbal application; however, this gimbal was suspended from a crane.” The four-axis floating gimbal was used largely in the street fight scene with Iron Man’s nemesis Iron Monger. The gimbal used D81FH servo proportional control valves. These Parker valves are used for tilt control. They are two-stage pilot operated solenoid valves with electronic spool-position feedback and on-board integrated control electronics. Their performance is characterized by repeatability and high dynamic performance. The gimbal also relied on BD101 servo valves and valve drivers. These valves are for applications requiring high dynamics, high flow, and a defined spool positioning in case of power supply breakdowns. The DB101 has onboard electronics and a closed-loop, position-controlled pilot valve and main stage. Parker sold valves, cylinders, hose, and fittings used in the gimbal. The company also supplied accumulators, gas bottles, and D31FH EH valves along with the connectors. For more information: Parker Home Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

As differentiating features of automobiles are increasingly defined by software, OEMs are transforming their development processes from hardware- and component-centric to software-centric approaches. Complete Automotive Design Through Virtual Prototyping As differentiating features of automobiles are increasingly defined by software, OEMs are transforming their development processes from hardware- and component-centric to software-centric approaches. Gunnar Braun, Technical Product Manager, Synopsys and Stewart Williams, Segment Mamagement Director, Synopsys Cool Stuff Jul 29, 2025 In the race to develop software-defined vehicles (SDVs), automotive manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers are facing pressure from all angles. With vehicular codebases often exceeding those of commercial aircraft, OEMs must wrangle enormous complexity while shortening developing cycles. In addition, companies must deliver frequent software updates throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, which continually assures quality, safety, security, and reliability. Further, cost pressures are enormous. These challenges demand faster, more rigorous software development, testing, and validation. While traditional hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing rigs are still a mainstay for system validation, their expense, latency, and inflexibility are increasingly at odds with the agility required by today’s automotive software development practices. To enable earlier and more efficient software testing and validation, the industry is adopting cloud-based development practices and the use of virtual prototypes. Cloud-native development Automotive software is simultaneously becoming more expensive and central to a car’s identity. Infotainment, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), traction control, and even powertrain management are all shaped by lines of code. The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the push toward fully autonomous transport have further increased the role and importance of automotive software. The shift from hardware-centric to software-centric vehicles means that OEMs and suppliers must rethink their development models. The IT industry pioneered cloud-native development approaches, leading to web applications and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions that are quickly delivered and continuously updated. These approaches involve incremental development and a strong emphasis on automation. DevOps practices further bridged the gap between the software development process and its operational deployment environment. Thanks to technologies such as containerization, testing cycles are now performed and automated in a production-simulated environment. This is one of the key challenges for OEMs and suppliers adopting cloud-native methods for SDV development: The replication of the operating environment — the vehicle — when developing and testing software. While the cloud provides virtually unlimited compute and collaboration resources, physical hardware—the ultimate destination for automotive software—often lags behind in availability. Teams often wait months for electronic control units (ECUs) to be ready for initial testing and validation. If hardware revisions are required, it extends the waiting period before OEMs and their suppliers can fully test their software at scale. All photos courtesy of Synopsys. Virtual prototypes accelerate automotive software development Virtual prototypes are models of target hardware that are used for software development, testing, and validation — before the hardware is available. Referred to as electronics digital twins (eDTs), these virtual prototypes simulate the behavior of automotive compute platforms; enable continuous software testing, integration, and delivery (CI/CD); and minimize the reliance on hardware and eliminate associated delays. Virtual platforms are used throughout the embedded software industry for starting software development before hardware is available, which results in a significant time-to-market advantage. A notable example is the open-source community’s use of QEMU, an emulator that allows open-source software stacks to leverage cutting-edge Arm CPU features well before the corresponding hardware is available. But traditional emulation-based tools were never designed for the complexity of modern automotive processors, such as Arm’s Cortex-A720AE, or the runtime demands of continuous, cloud-based software development. With Synopsys’s introduction of Virtualizer Native Execution, they are addressing these limitations and enabling Arm embedded software to be executed directly on Arm server CPUs—in the cloud, with no emulation or hardware required. This means developers can run workloads at the speed of the eventual hardware, roughly 100x faster than traditional instruction set simulators, while retaining the benefits of virtual prototypes and full compatibility with the existing ecosystem of models, tools, and workflows. Here are some of the technical and operational impacts: Software teams can validate complex system-level behaviors early and often, reducing the dependency on HiL rigs during the development cycle. With architecture parity between cloud and vehicle CPU (via Arm’s instruction set), developers can use the same development tools to significantly reduce workflow complexity. Native execution on Arm-based cloud instances, such as AWS Graviton servers, enables continuous DevOps and CI/CD pipelines, with virtual prototypes providing the critical link between development and operational environments. Leveraging the SOAFEE reference architecture An essential part of this puzzle is the SOAFEE (Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge) initiative. Led by Arm and other industry stakeholders, SOAFEE provides a standardized framework and reference architecture—based on the principles of modularity and orchestration—for SDV workloads. By adhering to common standards like SOAFEE, the ecosystem of automotive OEMs, suppliers, and technology leaders can increase interoperability and reduce vendor lock-in. All photos courtesy of Synopsys. At Embedded World 2025, while in collaboration with Arm, Synopsys demonstrated how virtual prototypes, SOAFEE reference architecture, and cloud-to-edge software development come together: Leveraging Synopsys Virtualizer Native Execution in an AWS cloud environment, the demonstration featured an open-source autonomous driving workload running on top of the SOAFEE edge reference stack. Executed at real-time speed, the virtual prototype was approximately 100x faster than a comparable QEMU-based simulation. The demonstration showed how virtual prototypes replicate the structure of an edge device with sufficient granularity to validate real-world functionality and software behavior, while remaining scalable and shareable across teams and geographies. While the technical underpinnings are compelling, the business value of virtual prototypes and cloud-native development is just as important. Cloud-based workflows are becoming a prerequisite for meeting time-to-market expectations in a world where vehicle features are continuously updated via over-the-air (OTA) software pushes. Synopsys’s collaboration with Arm and other SOAFEE partners is ongoing, and forthcoming advances to Virtualizer Native Execution will enable more complex scenarios and system-level parity. This includes better support for real-time behavior, safety domains, and full-vehicle E/E system integration. In the meantime, the automotive industry has a powerful foundation on which to build. For more information: Synopsys Home Synopsys Virtualizer Native Execution release Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

How Tolomatic accurately positioned a large and heavy camera in a very tight space. Camera Positioning System for Theme Park How Tolomatic accurately positioned a large and heavy camera in a very tight space. Terry Persun Theme Parks Jun 12, 2025 When a well-known amusement park required a digital camera positioning system for a popular attraction, they turned to Tolomatic for a solution. The major attraction required the positioning of a large and heavy, 25-pound camera to happen in a very limited space. The solution could not use a separate control cabinet or extensive cabling, yet the motion control drive components were required to maintain an overall pleasant attraction experience. In addition, maintenance free operation was highly desirable. For the final solution, the engineering team selected to use the JVL integrated servo motors integrated with the Tolomatic ERD electric cylinder actuator. JVL’s innovative motors are integrated with the drive included, providing a flexible motion control solution that can exist outside of the control cabinet. Tolomatic’s ERD series is an economical electric cylinder that is compatible with many NEMA and metric mount stepper and servo motors to create a flexible and powerful, yet cost-effective electric cylinder solution—over the use of traditional pneumatic cylinders. ERD actuators are available in three body sizes, offer force/thrust capabilities up to 500 lbf (2.2 kN), and stroke lengths up to 24 inches (610 mm). IP67 and IP69K options are available. The Tolomatic and JVL camera positioning system for the amusement park application was chosen based on its compact size, maintenance-free ball screw design, and ease of system integration. Offering a very simple setup and configuration software added to the ease of implementation. The system incorporates a closed loop positioning configuration to ensure proper positioning of the camera every time and with minimal electric components. The final application stroke length is three inches which happens within a speed of 6-8 inches per second. For the customer, Tolomatic provided an all-in-one actuation solution that also eliminated the need for additional components. The easy, clean actuator installation with minimal maintenance requirements provided an enhanced attraction aesthetic by eliminating the need for separate control enclosures. For more information: Visit Tolomatic Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

A discussion about why one might get into engineering and the many ways to apply continued learning and experience. WATCH: One-on-One with Henry O’Bryan of Biomerics A discussion about why one might get into engineering and the many ways to apply continued learning and experience. EE Staff Videos Oct 7, 2025 DIY/Home Applications In Entertainment Engineering’s second one-on-one discussion, we spent time with Henry O’Bryan, Design Transfer Engineer at Biomerics, a company that provides solutions to the medical device industry from concept review through manufacturing. The company employs multiple engineers with varying expertise to help their customers bring their products to market. Together, Henry and Terry Persun, co-founder of Entertainment Engineering , talked about how Henry ended up becoming an engineer, what his present job entails, and how his hobby working with projects from Bottango add to his capabilities and value on the job. Bottango is an animatronics development tool that encourages creativity in robotics. It’s always interesting to hear how individuals pull together what they do at work and what they do outside of work to create a life that is both interesting and forward thinking. Design engineers are some of the most creative people working today. They often mix several categories of engineering along with creative concepts and ideas at work and at home. For more information: Biomerics Bottango Bambu Lab Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

This education center required lighting that could adjust vertically and rotate with precision, while also blending in with the aesthetics of the space. Specialized Lighting Illuminates Environmental Education Center This education center required lighting that could adjust vertically and rotate with precision, while also blending in with the aesthetics of the space. Cool Stuff Aug 18, 2025 Museums Located in an Illinois forest preserve near the convergence of three rivers that form the Illinois River, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center’s visitor center needed a variety of interior and exterior spaces, including a 2,000-gallon fish tank, to immerse visitors in the region’s natural habitat. Wight and Company, partnering for lighting and design with Bluestone and Associates, worked on the overall design and engineering for the project, led by architect Ania Szulc. Szulc was uniquely suited for the large-scale master planning and detailed work on such pedestrian-scaled spaces because of prior planning and design for parks and recreation projects, public and educational projects, and private commercial client applications. All photos courtesy of Alcon Lighting. A two-phase approach was selected for the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, which is part of the Forest Preserve District in Will County. IL. The initial phase involved converting an underutilized classroom into office space. Phase two involved the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural infrastructure desig, which was carried out to support the exhibit scope of work designed by Bluestone Associates. The main exhibit is located in the confluence wing of the interpretive center, featuring a 2,000-gallon fish tank and mussels and bird exhibits. Additionally, there is an outside bird bath with a heated pad, providing water for birds year-round. To find the best lighting option to enhance the exhibits, Wight and Company’s challenge was to find the right museum-like lighting they could that also blended with the existing architecture and aesthetics of the education center. All photos courtesy of Alcon Lighting. Overall, the project used 89 of Alcon Lighting’s multi-sized LED track light. This LED track light is stylish and durable, with an aluminum body and clear glass lens. The track head adjusts 180° vertically and rotates 358° for precise lighting control, with a color temperature switch that transitions between 3000K, 3500K and 4000K. The track light met the flexibility required for beam spread and color temperature. The track light’s simple design also blended perfectly with the aesthetics of the space. For more information: Alcon Lighting Wight and Company Bluestone and Associates Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Multiple rigging systems and bungie-assisted motion bring 'Puppet Master - Into Thin Air' to life through immersive, multi-axis flight choreography. Custom Aerial Rigging for Stage and Theatre Multiple rigging systems and bungie-assisted motion bring 'Puppet Master - Into Thin Air' to life through immersive, multi-axis flight choreography. Gavin “Wild” Smith, Founder of Aero Motion Australia Stage Events Aug 5, 2025 Film and TV Aero Motion Australia designs and produces custom rigging systems for aerial performance across stage, theatre, circus, and screen. With deep roots in aviation and an unrelenting pursuit of visual wonder and technical mastery, the company continues to redefine what’s possible in the air—creating elegant, mechanical solutions for complex motion. For the theatrical performance, Puppet Master - Into Thin Air , Aero Motion developed a uniquely manual rigging system design capable of supporting dynamic, three-dimensional flight on multiple planes of axis, without relying on motors or automation. The system combined an overhead catenary or dual running slacklines, diversion pulleys and compound rigging pulleys with 4:1 advantage that assisted with the lifting of the aerial artist, and bungies to create an expressive movement language suited to the show’s surreal themes. At the core of the design was an overhead catenary dual rope running span line system or slackline engineered with mechanical advantage—a rope-and-pulley method that amplifies the operator’s lifting force, allowing the artist to be flown by hand. The performer was suspended from a rolling point mounted mid-span, enabling single-plane, multi-axis flight. This setup produced a pendulum-style motion across the stage, with the performer rising from an offset floor position interacting with a ground based artist and ‘floating’ through space. All photos courtesy of Aero Motion Australia To push beyond a linear flight path, a secondary tangential rigging system was introduced. This added an orbital layer of motion by tethering to the rolling point, allowing the performer to traverse complex arcs. Coordinating both systems demanded not just technical precision but also a skilled human counterweight operator—something Aero Motion believes can be trained within circus and stunt rigging disciplines. To assist with vertical movement along the Z-axis, custom-built bungy cords connected a corset-style harness to a circular spreader bar, providing elastic lift and responsive recoil that enhanced the rigging’s mechanical rhythm. These bungy cords are hand-crafted using raw materials similar to those found in AJ Hackett-style systems, tailored specifically for aerial performance applications. The construction method is intricate, carefully calibrated to achieve the desired elasticity, rebound characteristics, and overall dynamic response required for the choreography. While highly effective in delivering a fluid and energetic performance, the bungy rubber is inherently prone to wear. As the cords stretch and recoil, the energy exerted under tension generates internal heat, which gradually degrades the rubber from the inside out. Because of this, each bungy rope has a limited operational lifespan and must be closely inspected and monitored for signs of fatigue or damage before every use. Swivels enabled the spreader bar to spin freely. As the performer’s rotational speed increased, the system exhibited a striking physical effect—gyroscopic precession. This phenomenon is the change in orientation of the rotational axis of a spinning object when an external force is applied. Rather than moving in the direction of the force, the spinning object responds 90° later in the direction of its rotation, introducing new rigging geometry and layout design challenges. Aero Motion addressed this by offsetting the rig’s secondary tangential rigging system geometry to allign this to contain the full X-Y-Z motion envelope within a 15-meter (50-foot) high studio space. “The performer’s movement became both aerial and orbital—suspended in a mechanical ballet that was entirely human-powered,” says Gavin “Wild” Smith, Aero Motion’s founder. With the full spectrum of the rigging universe engaged, Puppet Master - Into Thin Air became a rare example of immersive, live performance engineering, where rigging, choreography, and physics converged. Technical Details for Engineers & Riggers: Primary System: Overhead running span line or slackline span, with 2:1 to 4:1 mechanical advantage pulley system, no automation, operated manually. Rolling point is a dual pulley on both overhead running catenary lines that rolls along the span, Kernmantle static rope 11mm diameter is used throughout the system Flight Domain: Single-plane pendulum flight with a radial rigging system manipulating the main system. Secondary System: Tangential tether to rolling point enables X-Y movement in arc, requires human counterweight operation for control. Vertical Control: Custom elastic bungies in parallel, fitted to a bespoke circular spreader. Rotation produces gyroscopic precession. Considerations: Operator training essential. Flight path management requires anchor point offsetting and clear stage-to-roof clearance of ~15m. No load cell integration. Relies on operator feel and controlled descent/lift. For more information: Aero Motion Australia Watch Puppet Master - Into Thin Air Author Bio: Gavin “Wild” Smith is the founder of Aero Motion Australia, a specialist in custom aerial rigging for circus, stunt, theatre and aviation environments. With a background in both engineering and mechanical systems as well as creative performance, his work bridges the gap between engineering precision and artistic expression. Gavin’s rigging designs have featured in live events, feature films, and high-risk helicopter operations around the world. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Innovation has no bounds when an engineer tackles an industry need and comes up with a single e-mobility concept to fit multiple applications. Electric Mobility Technology Meets Utility With This Highly Versatile Vehicle Innovation has no bounds when an engineer tackles an industry need and comes up with a single e-mobility concept to fit multiple applications. Terry Persun Sports Nov 6, 2025 Cool Stuff E-mobility is flourishing around the world with everything from skateboards to trucks. But what isn’t available is a modular concept that is highly versatile and powerful. Envo has been involved in designing and manufacturing versatile mobility solutions for commuters, recreational use, and for utility operations offering everything from electric bikes, snow bikes, and trikes. Their latest endeavor is the Utility Personal Transporter (UPT). According to Envo Founder and CEO, Ali Kazemkhani, “Our forward-thinking team recognizes significant gaps in the e-mobility industry, particularly between e-bikes and e-cars, for both personal transportation and cargo/utility purposes. These untapped opportunities hold immense potential in the market for products like our new UPT. With it we’re introducing a highly versatile, 4-wheeled mobility platform, with niche futuristic micro-mobility options as clean alternatives to UTV/ATVs, Cars, and Trucks.” The innovative UPT is a powerful, long-range, all-wheel-drive utility platform. This flexible vehicle starts with a skate-board chassis similar to what you might find on a golf cart except that the basic unit doesn’t have a body or seats. Instead, the UPT offers a wide range of possible configurations designed to handle anything from garden/home improvement jobs to snowplows to backcountry rescue vehicle and much more—including equipment carrier on movie/TV sets, camera mounting for motion capture, or for simply ferrying people or equipment from one place to another when converted into a fully covered micro e-car. The direct-drive PMSM (permanent magnet synchronous motor) hub motors were designed in-house because of the specific geometry and features required of the UPT, such as high-efficiency, high-performance, lightweight, and modularity. Afterward, the motors were assembled, wound, and tested at a motor factory before delivery to Envo. Each motor is a 23-pair pole motor that provides speeds up to 60 kph with a maximum torque of 140 Nm. They are IP67 compliant, which means that they are dust-tight and protected from short-term water immersion of up to one meter for thirty minutes. Images courtesy of ENVO. The four wheels are independently controlled and managed through a main VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) mounted inside the main chassis. The VCU controls motor-wheel behavior based on driving demands such as cruise, traction, anti-slip, tank turn, and other driving modes including sport/eco, 2WD, 4WD, and many more. The controller is modular and updatable for a limitless variety of use cases. A dashboard VCU is available with an HMI (Human Machine Interface) that is external to the main chassis. This touchscreen display not only indicates vehicle driving information but also controls all components and accessories that can be added to the vehicle—module by module. Further, the HMI is CarPlay/Android Auto capable for all other apps used in modern cars. Through the use of a CANBUS network, any future electric or powered accessory could be added and controlled by the same HMI dashboard. Anything that can be controlled or monitored by the HMI dashboard can also be controlled remotely. Images courtesy of ENVO. The dashboard VCU is responsible for matching the vehicle user interface with the main VCU, which means that vehicle developers or individuals (including ENVO) will have different options for controlling the powertrain. Handlebar, thumb throttle, brake lever, or steering wheel with pedals are all possible. Even steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire for robotic and autonomous application is capable, while everything communicates with the main VCU to drive the vehicle. The UPT’s modular design, flat floor surface, and array of attachment points are the key to its configurability. This base platform features a fold-up, telescoping steering column for standing operation—plus an adjustable fold-down seat/leaning support—and allows for simple, narrow-profile upright or stacked storage and transport. From there, users can install accessories like high-capacity carriers and trays, a variety of seating options, gear racks, weather protection, and more, plus front and rear hitches for plowing and hauling. With payload capacities of up to 250 kg and towing capacities to 350 kg, the UPT is capable of traveling over 100 km. In addition, the unit boasts 12,000 watts of power harnessing 640 Nm maximum torque. Key design and functionality features include a fully adjustable upright handlebar for use in left, right, or center location; integrated headlights, taillights, and indicators; and multiple attachment points for various configurations. The flat deck allows for maximum cargo capacity and a pass-through area allows storage or transport of longer items. The handlebar and seat fold to allow the UPT to be stackable as well as to provide stand-up and compact storage. Images courtesy of ENVO. While the company continues to beta test the UPT, they expect to start deliveries in less than a year and are already taking pre-orders. The company also has early interest from the likes of law-enforcement groups, rescue teams, hunting/fishing organizations, construction companies, park/forest administrators, commercial farms, entertainment venues, and general consumers. UPT is a mass-customization platform that incorporates standardized modules that assemble into various LEV chassis. The company expects to scale by leveraging its existing supply chain and in partnering with small to medium manufacturers worldwide to deliver locally tailored vehicles for personal, commercial, and government needs. ENVO will provide the IP and upstream components while local partners will build and support the local community. This approach acknowledges the niche nature of the product and its need for deep customization. The goal is to address varied mobility needs using a fully customized mobility solution—the UPT platform. The company is presently seeking partners in the USA, India, China, Europe, Canada, the Middle East, and ANZ for local production. For more information, visit ENVO . More articles about vehicles >>> 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

Innovative components allowed Harley-Davidson® to reduce the weight of its souped-up Road Glide® motorcycles. High-Speed Parts for High-Speed Racing Innovative components allowed Harley-Davidson® to reduce the weight of its souped-up Road Glide® motorcycles. Sports Aug 5, 2025 Cool Stuff Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing competes in the King of the Baggers series, a one-of-a-kind motorcycle competition bringing together the best riders in the world to race souped-up Harley-Davidson Road Glide® motorcycles. To better compete in the race, the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing team needed to identify ways to reduce weight, increase speed, and decrease the lean angle of the large bike during turns. These adjustments would be complex due to the bike’s touring body design—especially when compared to Superbikes built for racing at breakneck speeds. To start off, the production Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycle weighs up to 960 lbs. Harley-Davidson Factory Racing engineers constantly iterate designs. Their year-round need for quick-turn parts across a variety of manufacturing processes brought them to Protolabs and their digital manufacturing expertise in search of a partner that can provide both prototype and race-ready parts. The partnership has allowed the engineering team to apply key learnings from a Sunday race and translate that knowledge into a new part design. The team can prototype, test, iterate, and order the final part using a race-ready lightweight material—all before the green flag drops the following weekend. According to Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Team Principal, Jason Kehl, “For us to be successful, we need to respond rapidly to what we are learning on the racetrack. To do that, we require a partner that is able to bring these ideas to life. As a digital manufacturer, Protolabs allows us to make those weekly incremental improvements that lead to season-long success.” Tight turns on the track are pivotal to the team's success. Just one-half degree of extra lean angle during turns can reduce track time by about 1/10 of a second. With some racetracks sporting as many as 14 turns in a single lap, the benefits of increased lean angle are clear. Harley-Davidson Factory Racing engineers constantly evaluate how they can modify parts on the bike to add extra lean angle, which can help maintain performance and comfort for the rider. The exhaust components on the right side of the motorcycle offered the best potential for improving lean angle, so the team turned to the design freedom of metal 3D printing at Protolabs. The result was an organically designed exhaust that tucks in closer to the bike, ultimately allowing Wyman and Rispoli to ride closer to the ground on right-hand turns. The DMLS-printed (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) exhaust utilized titanium for a lightweight, organic design. All photos courtesy of Protolabs. King of the Baggers riders race rain or shine. As you might expect, bad weather creates several on-track challenges. With riders handling the 620 lb. bike at high speeds in tight turns, hydroplaning and crashes are common. Finishing the race in even the worst conditions is paramount for the season-long points race, as failing to cross the finish line—even in last place—results in a steep slide down the leaderboard. When a bike does go down, protecting critical parts from damage allows riders to continue competing. The shift assembly tops that list as it is especially susceptible to damage due to its position on the bike’s left side. The part, built to protect the shift assembly, is intended to take the brunt of any damage. Harley-Davidson Factory Racing engineers designed the shift skid that Protolabs machined and delivered in two days. Requiring mandatory tight tolerances, the part was manufactured using 3+2 CNC machining. In the end, this part allows riders to continue competing for precious points throughout the season. All photos courtesy of Protolabs. Collecting first-hand feedback from the racers as they return from the track and combining that with quantitative data analyzing performance in every straightaway and turn fuels the bike’s evolution. Protolabs is able to manufacture quick-turn, high quality parts, speeding iteration of injection-molded, CNC-machined, 3D-printed, and sheet metal fabricated parts. For more information: Protolabs American Motorcycle Association Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

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

Baseball speed and spin rates will be integrated into app and live broadcasts and used for recruiting. Capturing Ball Speed and Spin Rates with Radar for Live Broadcasts Baseball speed and spin rates will be integrated into app and live broadcasts and used for recruiting. Joe Gillard Sports Jul 7, 2025 Stalker Sport, manufacturer of sports radar technology, has partnered with AWRE Sports, who specializes in multi-angle video, data analytics, and live streaming products for baseball and softball. The partnership will integrate Stalker’s speed and spin rate data into AWRE’s app and live broadcasts. Also from EE: Electric Race Car Uses 3D-Printed Components While speed is a well-known pitch measurement, spin rate is the measure the amount of spin, in revolutions per minute, of a baseball or softball, which can affect the trajectory of a given pitch. Stalker Sport’s Pro S line is a handheld sports radar capable of capturing this measurement in addition to speed. With the AWRE partnership, baseball teams using the Pro 3s, Pro 3, or Sport 3 Connect can connect their radar with AWRE’s system, allowing pitch data to be displayed during broadcasts and logged in AWRE’s charting system. AWRE has developed a number of sports apps for athletes, schools, sports facilities, and other users. “At Stalker Sport, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to enhance the value of our technology for players, coaches, and scouts,” said Greyson Jenista, Product Manager for Sports Tech at Stalker Sport. “Partnering with AWRE Sports allows us to bring our trusted data directly into dynamic video and live streaming environments, making performance insights more accessible and impactful than ever before.” How do sports radar guns work? Radar guns for measuring pitch speed rely on Doppler Radar. Microwaves are directed at the ball (or any moving object) and the change in frequency is measured after it bounces off. As explained by OSU professor Todd Thompson, a radar gun, such as a police radar, “bounces a pulse of microwaves (or infrared laser light) of a known wavelength off a car or truck,” and then it measures the wavelength that is reflected back towards the gun. “The Doppler shift gives the vehicle's speed.” Measuring spin rate is more difficult, and Stalker boasts having the only sports radar gun that can do it. According to the company, “measuring ball rotation requires longer tracking of the ball’s flight, followed by a complex calculation determining ball spin.” A tool for recruiting The data will also include automated highlight reels that can be shared with college recruiters and coaches, the company says. “We are constantly seeking opportunities to integrate verified data our clients desire with video. Integrating the Stalker Gun, already a very valuable tool, directly into the AWRE Charting app was a no-brainer,” said Chris Clark, CEO of AWRE. “Stalker plus AWRE now allows coaches and scouts to automatically gather, tag and organize video and verified data. This integration presents a significant advantage for coaches, scouts, players, and prospects alike.” “This integration is just the beginning,” continued Jenista. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead to innovate alongside AWRE and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in athlete development, recruiting, and fan engagement.” Source: Stalker Sport Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

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