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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

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

Sign up for Entertainment Engineering Magazine's newsletter for the latest innovative technologies and epic applications. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration, insights, and compelling applications. View past newsletters here. Help us ensure our content remains relevant and valuable. Please tell us about your expertise and current challenges. First name* Last name* Company name Job title Engineering Expertise (please check all that apply) Electrical/Electronics Fluid Power Materials Mechanical Other / Additional Expertise Tell us more about your expertise What is your most pressing technology, tech-transfer, or innovation challenge? Company Size 0–50 51–250 251–1000 Over 1000 Primary Industry (please check all that apply) Aerospace Automation Automotive Broadcast (Radio, TV, etc.) Communications/ Telecommunications Computers/ Peripherals Construction Consumer Products Entertainment Heavy Equipment Industrial/ Manufacturing Machine Tool Marine Medical/ Life Sciences Military/ Government Packaging and Production Robotics Semiconductor Other Purchasing influence or involvement (please check all that apply) Computers/ Peripherals Factory Automation Hydraulics/ Pneumatics Mechanical Components Motors and Motion Control Plastics and Other Materials Robotics Sensors and Transducers Software Support Components Other Favorite Type of Entertainment (please check all that apply) Amusement Parks Books/Reading Computer/Internet Concerts Games Movies Music Outdoor Sports Television Theater/Stage Performances Other Email* Subscribe or Renew Your Free Subscription Our team thanks you.

A conversation with Joe Rando on how teams of creative engineers bring entertainment to life in stage, film, theme parks, and more WATCH: One-on-One with Joe Rando of Rando Productions A conversation with Joe Rando on how teams of creative engineers bring entertainment to life in stage, film, theme parks, and more EE Staff Stage Events Feb 16, 2026 Theme Parks Terry Persun sat down with Joe Rando, whose company, Rando Productions provides custom technology for major entertainment productions that include theme parks, television, and much more. Rando explains how, in an AI age, it remains essential to employ teams of creative engineers to create entertainment experiences that tell stories and connect with audiences on an emotional level. Persun and Rando dive deep into the nitty gritty behind-the-scenes of how Rando Prodictions works year round on custom technology to consistently deliver specially designed machines and technology in specific timeframes. Watch the full interview here: For more information: Rando Productions Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Here’s a look at some of the challenges overcome to build the remarkable space science observatory The James Webb Space Telescope Here’s a look at some of the challenges overcome to build the remarkable space science observatory Joe Gillard Cool Stuff Jun 7, 2025 In July of 2023, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) marked its one-year anniversary on-station a million miles (1.5 million km) from Earth. Its breathtaking imagery, derived from infrared (IR) wavelengths, shows galaxies at the farthest reaches of space and time, future planetary systems in the making, and previously invisible details of Earth’s solar system neighbors. Origins, challenges The JWST, an international program led by NASA, was conceived in 1988 as a follow-on to the Hubble Space Telescope. To see farther than Hubble, the new observatory would have to use IR light. It required a lens more than 20ft (6.5m) across, and a sunshield the size of a tennis court to protect it from heat sources that would overwhelm the faint IR signatures of distant stars. In operation, these structures are too large to fit atop any rocket. The lens and sunshield would have to survive launch, then unfold flawlessly to be reassembled in space. Photo: Mirror (left) and an image taken by the James Webb Space Telescope (right) Mirror The mirror collecting the IR light is composed of 18 hexagonal segments, each nearly five feet across. On orbit, small motors carefully realign the segments into a honeycomb surface. Northrop Grumman was the prime contractor for the JWST. In 2004, the contractor responsible for the mirror, Axsys Technologies, selected Mitsui Seiki to supply the machine tools needed to produce the mirror segments. The president of Mitsui Seiki USA at the time, Scott Walker, recalls the challenges of building eight Mitsui Seiki HS6A horizontal machining centers, with near-identical tolerances, to manufacture the mirror segments. “The [machines’] axes are straight to 2µm, and the perpendicularity is within 3µm over 1m. This is remarkable for machines of this size.” For comparison, 2µm (0.002mm) equals 0.00007874″, about 1/50 the thickness of a human hair. The 18 mirror segments would be machined from billets of cast beryllium – a light, stiff, strong, thermally stable metal with some toxicity – “and very difficult to polish into the perfect shape,” Walker says. Each billet weighed 700 lb (318kg), reduced to 28 lb (13kg) by the end of 18 weeks of machining time. The mirror surface’s specified thickness was 0.098″ ±0.003″ (2.49mm ±0.076mm). The 600 pockets cut into the back of each mirror panel featured eight different rib segments, 0.021″ to 0.2″ (0.53mm to 5mm) thick. The experience had lessons for future Mitsui Seiki machines. “What we learned on those big horizontal 4-axis machines was how to build accurate, big 5-axis machines,” Walker says. “I don’t think we could have successfully built a big 1m or 2m trunnion machine, and 20µm in the cube, without doing those eight machines.” Sunshield “We don’t want the telescope to glow brighter than the stars it’s looking at, so the telescope has to be cold – only 55°F above absolute zero or -361°F (-218°C),” says Mike Menzel, the NASA mission systems engineer for the JWST at the Goddard Space Flight Center How do you get 3 metric tons of telescope to that temperature? The first part is putting it one1 million miles away, a place where the Earth, sun, and moon can be behind the spacecraft. “We’ll build a big umbrella called the sunshield that’ll keep the telescope in the shade, and the telescope will naturally cool down to that temperature,” Menzel explains. The sunshield is illuminated by 200,000W of solar radiation, but it must only transmit 0.02W. “I tell people if it were suntan lotion, it would have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 10 million.” The sunshield is abou 69 feet x 49 feet And it must fit into an 18-foot-diameter launcher. The only way to do that is to fold it up. “Folding up the sunshield was one of the banes of my existence, because now it has to unfold in orbit,” Menzel says. “When I started in this business in 1981, the very first thing I learned was never deploy anything in space. Something always goes wrong.” “My colleagues are all standing around, thinking of how this thing needs to get out there, unfold, and work. And I’m thinking, I’m either going to have a job, or I’m not going to have a job or ever be able to get another one.” During ground testing, every time the delicate sunshield was unfolded, it took about three months to fold it back up, requiring three-story tall cherry pickers to accomplish the repacking. The development program for the process took about three years. The JWST required 50 of the most complex deployments ever attempted. Once the JWST reached space, the solar panel array deployed to start putting electrical power back into the batteries used during launch. After the JWST passed the moon’s orbit, two big panels which carry the folded-up sunshield were rotated. All the deployments were controlled from the ground and took 14 days. “We released 107 actuators that allow roll-up covers to unfold the sunshield,” Menzel states. Complicating matters, the sunshield is composed of five individual layers of reflective material, made of specially coated Kapton. Individual pulley systems tighten up the layers into the correct trapezoidal shape. Each layer must be the correct distance from each other, and extend fully to properly isolate the telescope from stray IR radiation. Next, the telescope’s secondary mirror must move into position, and the wings of the main mirror rotate from their stored position and lock in place. “All the deployments went successfully: 344 single-point failure items all had to work correctly for this to happen,” Menzel says. The cool-down period went correctly, and the telescope was aligned. “We literally had to rebuild that telescope and realign it on-orbit. That has never been done before,” Menzel says. By April 2022, all the instruments were working, and the first images were revealed in July. “The first image I saw was a galaxy cluster about 4 billion light years from us. But so many objects in it are about 13 billion light years away,” Menzel recalls. It took Hubble 14 days to gather the images to assemble a similar image. This JWST image required only 12 hours. After he saw that first image, Menzel knew he had a job for the next 20 years. He’s confident the JWST will be operational that long because the rocket put it exactly on target at L2. “We put 10 years of maneuvering fuel on it, but because we had such a great launch, the fuel will last for 20 years,” Menzel says proudly. The telescope is working twice as good as it’s supposed to, Menzel says. “We’re supposed to be diffraction limited at a wavelength of 2µm. We’re currently diffraction limited at 1µm, meaning the total error on that telescope is only about 1µm divided by 14.” Goals What can the JWST accomplish? Menzel lists the project’s goals: “When this started, we had four science objectives. First, we want to see the first light that turned on in the universe, which we believe began about 13.7 billion years ago, right after the big bang. There was a dark period where there’s no light, but maybe about 400 million years after that, the first stars came and we want to see them.” “Next, we want to see how galaxies evolve through cosmic time. When you look at the galaxies very far away in the universe, they look like blobs. We want to see how those blobs evolve into spirals or other structures. We want to see how stars are born in our own Milky Way galaxy. And finally, we want to see how solar systems are born and how they evolve to make planets.” “With a year of science under our belts, we know exactly how powerful this telescope is, and have delivered a year of spectacular data and discoveries,” says Webb Senior Project Scientist Jane Rigby of the Goddard Space Flight Center. “We’ve selected an ambitious set of observations for year two that builds on everything we’ve learned so far. Webb’s science mission is just getting started – there’s so much more to come.” Originally published in Aerospace Manufacturing and Design Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

What happens when you get a team of engineers and technologists together to see if they can recreate devices only found in comics, television shows, and in superhero films? Bringing The Mandalorian's Gadgets to Life What happens when you get a team of engineers and technologists together to see if they can recreate devices only found in comics, television shows, and in superhero films? Edited by Terry Persun Film and TV Aug 4, 2026 In Chapter Six of The Hacklorian series, Hacksmith Industries focuses on designing and fabricating Mando’s grappling hook winch, based on the Disney+ show, The Mandalorian . As many engineers know, the crew at Hacksmith Industries has been designing and building all types of functioning prototypes of devices originally created in comics, movies, and video games, such as Captain America’s shield, Thor’s Hammer, Star Wars light saber, the entire Mandalorian suit and other projects. Their whole idea is to “make it real” and they’ve done an inspiring job at doing just that. Like any designs of something truly innovative there are failures and successes. The greatest thing about The Hacklorian series as well as their other videos is that the team doesn’t give up. You get to experience not only the failures but an explanation as to what their fix is. Every company that they partner with has to sign up for a similar commitment. When the Hacksmith team decided to prototype the world’s fastest grappling hook winch, made famous on The Mandalorian series, they partnered with Protolabs. Using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), Protolabs was able to 3D print the metal revolving spool which controls the rope connected to the grappling hook. The winch had to easily lift as much as 200 lbs, which would be a testament to the durability and strength of metal 3D-printed parts. DMLS is an industrial metal 3D printing process that builds fully functional metal prototypes as well as production parts depending on the application. This technology is typically used when a company requires production-grade parts or functional parts for end-use. Because DMLS uses 3D printing technologies the machines are able to create complex geometries, and often reduce the number of metal components in an assembly. Protolabs services its customers with multiple 3D printing technologies for a wide variety of applications across all industries. When accuracy and repeatability are needed, Protolabs can select the right system for the required outcome. In addition, the company is able to provide design suggestions to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time. For the Hacksmith Industries application, Protolabs was able to provide fast turnarounds within the rigid specifications the application required. Through their YouTube channel, Hacksmith Industries aims to inspire the next generation to consider STEM fields. Protolabs was excited to play a role in that mission. *Images courtesy of Disney, sourced from MovieStillsdb. For information: Protolabs Hacksmith Industries Read more about film and TV >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Along with comparative analysis tools, Trek Bicycle was able to fine-tune prototypes, investigate potential issues, and adjust their manufacturing process. How Industrial CT Scanning Allows Engineers to Examine Parts Non-Destructively Along with comparative analysis tools, Trek Bicycle was able to fine-tune prototypes, investigate potential issues, and adjust their manufacturing process. Edited by EE Staff Sports Feb 24, 2026 Trek Bicycle is on a mission to make the world a better place to live and ride. Despite humble beginnings in a Wisconsin barn, Trek has been on the cutting edge from day one. Starting with its visionary early entry into carbon fiber bike frames, Trek’s engineering teams continue to embrace new technologies that will benefit their riders. According to Chad Manuell, Global Director of Engineering, Trek, “Our goal is to make only products we love. To do that, we need to have access to the best tools. Over the years, our products have become more complicated, and the tools we use have gotten more sophisticated.” CT scanning had been on Trek’s wish list for a long time, but the complexity and cost of legacy systems kept this vital inspection tool out of reach. Easy to use and significantly less expensive than competitors, the Lumafield Neptune scanner and Voyager analysis software made it possible for Trek to add CT to its core engineering toolkit. “When we got the opportunity to bring a Neptune in-house, we jumped on it,” Manuell said. The Neptune scanner and Voyager analysis software have delivered actionable insights to help Trek create products that both they and their customers love. Examining parts non-destructively with industrial CT allows Trek to understand the implementation of their designs. Larry Lardieri, Product Design Engineer, notes that “The Neptune scanner has given us the ability to look at our prototypes even more closely. It helps us investigate potential issues like adhesion, porosity, and plastic part design shrinkage.” Using Voyager’s suite of comparative analysis tools, including CAD Comparisons, Trek can tune design and production parameters to adapt to a manufacturing process. By overlaying a CAD file on a scan of a finished physical product, Voyager computes deviation from the design and visualizes it using color maps. Images courtesy of Lumafield and Trek. Legacy CT systems process and store data locally, usually requiring a dedicated operator and hardware system. Interacting with this invaluable data has traditionally been restricted to technicians. Lumafield's cloud-based software, however, gives engineers direct access to their scan data, and lets them share it with colleagues. Lumafield’s Voyager analysis software allows Trek engineers to easily access and share scan data, collaborate on analysis workflows, and visualize both external and internal features — all within their own web browser. Anyone using Voyager can author bookmarks, leave comments, and collaborate on analysis in real-time using Voyager’s user-friendly interface. Trek engineers also use Voyager’s high-resolution images of both 2D slice planes and 3D volumetric reconstructions for internal presentations, enabling them to solicit feedback from across teams and chart the progress of product development. Advancing e-Bike Battery Technology The electronics of the future are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which must be carefully integrated into products. This is especially true of products that push the limits of size, weight, and ergonomics. Trek has emerged as an industry leader in electric bikes, and its engineers are constantly innovating on battery integration. For Trek’s eSystems team, CT scanning has emerged as a safe and effective way to inspect the details of these critical components. For batteries, destructive testing not only deprives engineers of insight but can also be dangerous. With industrial CT, Trek engineers gain deep insights into battery enclosure design, latching mechanisms, and overall performance. Voyager’s advanced dimensioning tools allow for automated measurements that can help elucidate the integrity and performance of lithium-ion batteries. Enhancing Safety by Quantifying Impact Rider safety is a top priority at Trek, and CT scanning provides important insights for both bike frame and helmet design by illuminating how they respond to impacts. With Neptune and Voyager, Trek engineers can comprehensively study the way impacts affect a wide variety of materials used in bike parts and helmets. Images courtesy of Lumafield and Trek. To understand which materials and frame designs are less susceptible to everyday impacts from rock strikes and collisions, Trek engineers intentionally impact sections of bike frames and then analyze them with Lumafield’s CT scanning platform. Voyager enables engineers “to be able to do some real exact measurements of the impact site after the first hit, second hit, third hit, which allows us much more information than was previously available,”Manuell said. Megan Bland-Rothgeb, a Helmet Research Engineer at Trek, is able to use CT to quantify helmet impacts. This allows Trek to analyze designs to create high-performance helmets. Lumafield’s Expanded Scan Volume feature broadens the field of view on the Neptune scanner, enabling the inspection of parts that are up to 80% larger than before. Many bike helmets fall into this range and can now be fully scanned at high resolution. Trek’s meticulous, data-driven approach to understanding bike frame and helmet impact dynamics fuels the development of longer-lasting and more reliable products. Trek harnesses the power of Lumafield’s Neptune CT scanner and Voyager analysis software to fortify their product development process. From non-destructive testing of bike frames and parts to advancing e-bike battery integration and enhancing safety through quantifying impact, Trek is poised to advance its mission of getting more people on bikes by guiding the next phase of cycling innovation. For more information: Lumafield CAD Comparison Expanded Scan Volume Trek Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

It’s important to have devices that easily integrate with your present system. Amusement Ride Animatronics with Minimal Maintenance Requirements It’s important to have devices that easily integrate with your present system. Terry Persun Theme Parks Jul 9, 2025 A well-known theme park required an additional electric actuator and motor that was compatible with the drives and controls it was currently using. The application was to reliably support and move a large and heavy animated prop nearly 280 times per day while providing minimal maintenance requirements. The engineering team from Tolomatic was able use the company’s online sizing software to quickly specify the correct actuator and motor and provide a STEP file to the customer the same day the request arrived. Also from EE: Here's How Jurassic World Rebirth Captured the Nostalgia of Film The animated prop moving solution included the Tolomatic B3W electric linear belt drive actuator, which not only fulfilled the customer’s load requirements, but supplied consistent, smooth operation, easy integration using Tolomatic’s “Your Motor Here” program, and provided the long life the customer was looking for. Once selected, the theme park designers were able to use the same motors throughout the park to effortlessly integrate the new attraction into their system. Photo courtesy of Tolomatic The company’s B3W actuators offer a maximum stroke of 100-inches (2.5 meters) with an operating speed of 2.5-3 inches per second (63-76 mm/sec). As a belt drive actuator, the device is capable of accommodating very heavy loads as well as handling high bending moments with consistently smooth operation. The B3W linear belt drive actuators incorporate an enclosed recirculating bearing system eliminating the need for external load guidance. The device comes in three body sizes, incorporates a wide urethane-steel belt that delivers greater thrust with no stretch, and offers strokes up to 574-inches (14,579 mm). Alternate belt materials and extended stroke lengths are available. For more information: Tolomatic Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Masque Sound provides audio for touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Custom Audio Packages for Musical Masque Sound provides audio for touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Masque Sound Home Stage Events Jun 4, 2025 When Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s enduringly popular musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat embarked on its 2014 U.S. tour Masque Sound supported Co-Sound Designers David Patridge and John Shivers in their quest to bring the contemporary production to the stage. Since Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is scheduled to tour through spring of 2015, Patridge and Shivers wanted to make sure that in designing the sound system it would be capable of easily moving and fitting into a small footprint on the truck. “We wanted to provide the best audio experience that we could, in working within the confines of a traveling production’s space limitations,” says Patridge. With space at a premium, the designers opted to utilize the smaller-footprint Yamaha CL5 Mixing Console, along with a Yamaha CL3 for monitoring, both of which worked quite well for the show. The Yamaha Console was ideal for the production not only for its compactness, as it could be picked up and lifted into position by two people, but also because its comprehensive feature set addressed all of the production crew’s needs. In addition, connecting the console together is a fairly straightforward process and can be done with Cat 5 cabling, which is ideal on a show that needs to move quickly and efficiently. For the PA, Masque Sound provided an L-Acoustics dV-DOSC array, a tried and true speaker design that sounds great. The dV-DOSC line array was integrated into existing speaker towers from Masque Sound’s inventory, which gives the show a PA that is quite spectacular. The flexible system that Masque Sound provided is ample enough to fit, but also compact enough for smaller venues, which was particularly ideal for this production tour, as it features various venues of different sizes. “Fortunately Masque Sound has a very deep shelf of available gear, and we were able to put together an excellent audio package with its equipment that stayed within our budget and did not compromise on the quality of the sound at all,” adds Patridge. “In addition, Masque Sound’s modification of existing inventory speaker towers to fit with the L-Acoustics PA was a large cost savings to us. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors, this musical is full of unforgettable songs including "Those Canaan Days," "Any Dream Will Do," and "Close Every Door." Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, this new production features Broadway stars Diana DeGarmo ( Hairspray, Hair ) as the Narrator and Ace Young ( Grease, Hair ) as Joseph. For more information: Masque Sound Home Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Unique dispenser technology can produce various types of sushi at the press of a button. Printing Sushi in Space? It's Not As "Out There" As You Think Unique dispenser technology can produce various types of sushi at the press of a button. Muge Deniz Meiller Cool Stuff Oct 21, 2025 The phrase “micro fluid dispensing” is generally associated with applications like medical device assembly or battery manufacturing. It certainly doesn’t conjure up visions of sushi—at least not yet. If engineers at IHI Aerospace and Yamagata University have their way, though, 3D printed sushi will be served to space tourists as they circle in low Earth orbit. IHI Aerospace is involved in developing a commercial space platform that could be used to carry civilians into orbit. The company is already looking ahead to enhancing all levels of the experience, including meals—in particular, sushi. IHI had to look beyond specialty chefs, sharp knives, and coolers of fish and seafood and decided to print the sushi with a lightweight countertop micro dispensing system. Considering that adventurers looking for the thrill of orbital spaceflight will expect an unforgettable experience which includes something more exotic than just a sandwich, IHI Aerospace reached out to Yamagata University, which has a strong aerospace engineering program and an equally well-regarded culinary arts program. After some brainstorming, the University team chose proteins in a paste form rather than as solid fish or seafood. Uni (sea urchin) and other fish pastes are common food items in Japan and many parts of the world. Thus, the concept of sushi made with uni paste is familiar. Pastes have benefits for both quality and logistics. The proteins are harvested and packed at the peak of flavor. Plus, packaged pastes are shelf stable with no leftover food waste to generate odor. Protein pastes are also compatible with non-contact micro fluid dispensing technology, making it possible to automate the sushi preparation. All photos courtesy of Nordson. The Challenges Developing printable sushi was an innovative concept and presented a number of challenges. The application required a specific volume of uni paste to be dispensed on a bed of rice in a specific pattern and location. Uni paste is a high-viscosity fluid that requires well-controlled pressure to dispense. The nozzle needed to be wide enough to discourage blockages but narrow enough to provide controlled deposition. In addition, the goal of the program was to create a system to produce four different kinds of printed sushi in paste form: uni, white fish, crab, and shrimp. The system needed to be able to toggle from one to another without flavor residue. Further, in the event of blockage, the nozzles needed to be cleanable. To tackle these challenges and build their prototype, the Yamagata University team turned to Nordson EFD Japan. By integrating a Nordson EFD PICO Pulse piezo jetting valve technology with a compact robot, the group created a precision micro fluid dispensing system capable of printing sushi that rivals products from the local sushi bar. The unit can be installed in a galley and produce various types of sushi with the press of a button. All photos courtesy of Nordson. Piezo valves are very high-resolution and reliable, with long lifetimes. These characteristics enable the user to tailor stroke length, precisely controlling the amount dispensed. This characteristic equips the PICO Pµlse jet valve to optimize deposition to achieve a uniform appearance for sushi pastes with different consistencies. The PICO Pµlse is a modular product, offering great flexibility and enabling it to be configured ideally for each application. A tool-free latch enables the fluid body to be exchanged rapidly and easily. Rapid exchanges are as useful during prototyping as they are once the product is in operation. The ability to swap out fluid carrying parts quickly allows the valve to serve its purpose of dispensing different types of pastes and being easy to clean. The IHI Aerospace/ Yamagata University team combined the PICO Pµlse valve with the Nordson EFD PICO Touch valve controller and fluid reservoir for an end-to-end solution that combined ease of integration with accurate, reliable operation. The next step was to choose the optimal nozzle to handle the protein pastes. Nordson EFD recommended a flat nozzle with a 300-micron orifice. This nozzle has a wide enough aperture to ensure smooth, controlled deposition of the protein pastes while minimizing the risk of blockages. This nozzle was covered with a special hydrophilic coating used for sticky fluids. It reduced surface tension of the wetted pathway for improved micro dispensing consistency. While printable sushi for orbital meals is an admittedly exotic use case, printable food in general could have a much broader impact. The Yamagata University team, for example, hopes to continue to explore the technology for food service in facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. For more information: Nordson EFD Nordson Pico Pulse Valves IHI Aerospace Yamagata University Read more about food technology >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

About Us Our Core Values We believe that design engineers are an investment in our futures. That engineers are interesting people who are motivated to produce something from nothing, or to produce something better from what we already have available. We believe that engineers deserve to have fun at their jobs, to enjoy technology, and to express their creativity in ways many people never get the chance to. Entertainment Engineering magazine was created as a magazine for engineers. Our goal is to provide technological pieces that provide ideas for tech transfer across all vertical markets from aerospace to semiconductor and from off highway to medical. While providing interesting information, we want engineers to ‘enjoy the ride’, to feel good about their jobs and themselves. And to enjoyably educate themselves along the way. Our Team Co-Founder Terry Persun For over thirty-five years, Terry Persun has been working in the B2B world in senior marketing and editorial positions. He has also taught physics and electronics at the college level. He has written and published literally hundreds of technical articles in over thirty different vertical markets for design engineers of various disciplines including electrical/ electronics, mechanical engineering, fluid power, machine tools, 3D printing, and more. Terry holds a BS and MA and applies his learning to everything he does. Co-Founder Bruce Wiebusch Bruce Wiebusch grew up in a family that was involved with B2B marketing, from strategic planning to sales, to editorial. Bruce has worked in senior marketing and editorial positions for over thirty years. He uses his business degree to enhance every aspect of his work life, including with Entertainment Engineering magazine. He has worked with several marketing agencies and has written and edited hundreds of technical articles for all of the major OEM publications in the B2B market. Bruce is also the author of a book on maximizing your PR. Client Strategist Mark Wiebusch “Whoever knows the customer best WINS.” Superior strategy, strong execution and the right metrics provide a clear view of how to win in the market, and with customers. For over 35 years, Mark has sharpened his “street-smart” instincts in management, sales and marketing management, and in front of customers. He still does. Outcomes matter. Working for leadership media brands in B2B, across several major industry segments, Mark's skills in optimizing marketing investments, driving brand awareness/preference, leadership positioning, market insights, new business opportunities and conversions are talents he brings every day. Mark is a business guy. Senior Editor & Content Production Manager Nicole Persun Nicole Persun has over a decade of experience working with online publications and businesses to provide everything from marketing strategies to editorial selection and delivery. An expert in content production, she continues to expand the capabilities of whatever business she is working with. Her services have been instrumental in helping online businesses to thrive and grow even in tough markets—as well as adapt to the ever-changing shifts in digital content production and marketing. Nicole has both BA and MFA degrees that she uses in her everyday work. Content Advisor Joe Gillard After serving as Editor-in-Chief for several major business-to-business magazine brands, Joe Gillard brings a high-integrity approach to the editorial and content requirements for every brand and multi-channel audience engagement. Joe’s skills in the marketing agency business leverages a strong foundation; handling large online and digital accounts for numerous companies. His approach to business and market development is a big plus for EE’s push into new markets and audience development. Joe's experience is key to our growth plans. Our History An idea is a funny thing. If talked about, it gains momentum; if researched, it gains structure; and if acted upon, it manifests. When first created, Entertainment Engineering was the very first online-only B2B publication. We were ahead of our time and competing with traditional print magazines that were not ready to change to meet the times. We even considered moving to print to better compete directly. For years, we interviewed hundreds of design engineers in multiple disciplines in the OEM and MRO markets. Those engineers were adamant about what they were looking for in a magazine. We listened! Every month, these same engineers and more returned to Entertainment Engineering because the magazine was interesting and fun to read. We also learned that whenever engineering professionals read about a product or service, they instantly consider how that product or service relates to the projects they are presently working on. Our articles might be of general interest, but they have wide engineering applicability. We call that technology transfer, and it is how engineers learn about new technologies. What better place to learn than in fun and interesting entertainment applications, which provide an emotional component to their experience. Entertainment Engineering grabs their attention emotionally and feeds their curiosity with new technologies. Our readers are from over 24 different industries from aerospace to machine tool and from construction to semiconductor and from broadcast to medical. These engineers purchase a broad range of products in the OEM world. In fact, we reach engineers who decide and influence the purchase of products and services in most component- and device-level categories. The right magazine with the right articles and stories brings a targeted audience to its pages. And the best magazines bring readers back again and again, delivering motivated purchasers to you.

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