Country star Megan Moroney’s varied tour environments required a system that was reliable in all conditions, including weather-sensitive locations. From Rodeos to Outdoor Arenas: The LED System That Handles it All Country star Megan Moroney’s varied tour environments required a system that was reliable in all conditions, including weather-sensitive locations. Edited by Terry Persun Stage Events Jun 16, 2026 Megan Moroney steps onto stages across the country with a sound that has quickly become a fixture in modern country music. Gained attention with her single “Tennessee Orange” following her debut EP Pistol Made of Roses , Moroney released her first album, Lucky , in 2023 and followed it with Am I Okay? in 2024—which debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200. Moroney’s tour has taken her team across a wide mix of venues, from rodeos and music festivals to arenas and outdoor stages. For OSA International, Inc., the variety demanded an LED system that could withstand shifting environments, tight schedules, and repeated transport. Those requirements were met using Absen’s X5, a legacy product that still performs like new, citing its durability, serviceability, and performance consistency across more than 60 shows. Matt Searle, video director for OSA International, said the X5 tiles performed reliably in all conditions, including weather-sensitive locations such as Red Rocks. “You can put a lot of weight on the tiles, and you can easily swap one without taking the whole videoscope down,” he said. Searle noted that the design cut load-in and load-out time and limited downtime during travel. The system’s stability played a direct role in show execution. “It made it good for me directing the show, knowing everything was safe and performing the way it should.” Because Absen offered a knowledgeable local technical team that responded quickly, “It felt good going across the country and to other countries knowing they were a phone call away.” That rapid response emphasized Absen’s commitment to long-term product reliability through ongoing support, which is a core element of the company’s engineering philosophy. Images courtesy of Absen. Timmy Abercrombie, production manager for Megan Moroney, emphasized the X5 system’s adaptability for both indoor and outdoor use. The heavier tile construction allowed the crew to secure the walls in windy conditions and maintain fast build times. Abercrombie cited a quick technical resolution earlier in the year when an issue arose. “Absen took over one of the tiles and the computer,” he said. “Within 10 minutes, they had it fixed. Everything was up and running, and we were ready for the show that night.” He noted that the collaborative relationship between OSA International and Absen helped keep the tour on schedule, describing the partnership as aligned around shared tour-wide goals. Niel Niu, mechanical design engineer for Absen Inc., said, “We are not only an LED manufacturing company; we are a full solution support partner.” Niu highlighted that the X5’s durability and service-friendly design reflect the same engineering principles Absen applies across its product portfolio, contributing to the product line’s lasting performance in the field. Images courtesy of Absen. For OSA International, the combination of rugged hardware and responsive assistance helped maintain consistent visuals throughout a demanding tour. With the X5 system in place, the team delivered stable performance across diverse venues, weather conditions, and tight travel windows. Absen’s X5 is a 5.2mm LED display designed for outdoor rental applications, including concerts, live shows and festivals. The X5 supports front and rear module access, allowing module replacement in about five seconds to streamline maintenance during fast turnarounds. With brightness levels exceeding 5000 nits and a high refresh rate, the system is built for clear visibility across varied lighting conditions, but more importantly, its lasting durability spotlights Absen’s commitment to engineering products that continue performing long after they leave production. For information: Absen Inc. Absen X Series OSA International, Inc Read more about concert tech >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Simulating brain-controlled flying at the Institute for Flight System Dynamics Brain-Controlled Flight Simulating brain-controlled flying at the Institute for Flight System Dynamics EE Staff Cool Stuff Jun 4, 2025 Pilots of the future could be able to control their aircraft by merely thinking commands. Scientists of the Technische Universität München and the TU Berlin have now demonstrated the feasibility of flying via brain control – with astonishing accuracy. The pilot wears a white cap with myriad attached cables. His gaze is concentrated on the runway ahead of him. All of a sudden the control stick starts to move. The airplane banks and then approaches straight on toward the runway. The position of the plane is corrected time and again until the landing gear gently touches down. During the entire maneuver the pilot touches neither pedals nor controls. "A long-term vision of the project is to make flying accessible to more people," explains aerospace engineer Tim Fricke, who heads the project at TUM. "With brain control, flying could become easier. This would reduce the workload of pilots and thereby increase safety. In addition, pilots would have more freedom of movement to manage other manual tasks in the cockpit." The scientists have logged their first breakthrough: They succeeded in demonstrating that brain-controlled flight is indeed possible, with amazing precision. Seven subjects took part in the flight simulator tests. They had varying levels of flight experience, including one person without any practical cockpit experience whatsoever. The accuracy with which the test subjects stayed on course by merely thinking commands would have sufficed, in part, to fulfill the requirements of a flying license test. "One of the subjects was able to follow eight out of ten target headings with a deviation of only 10 degrees," reports Fricke. Several of the subjects also managed the landing approach under poor visibility. One test pilot even landed within only few meters of the centerline. The TU München scientists are now focusing in particular on the question of how the requirements for the control system and flight dynamics need to be altered to accommodate the new control method. Normally, pilots feel resistance in steering and must exert significant force when the loads induced on the aircraft become too large. This feedback is missing when using brain control. The researchers are thus looking for alternative methods of feedback to signal when the envelope is pushed too hard, for example. In order for humans and machines to communicate, brain waves of the pilots are measured using electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes connected to a cap. An algorithm developed by scientists from Physiological Parameters for Adaptation of the Technische Universität Berlin allows the program to decipher electrical potentials and convert them into useful control commands. Only the very clearly defined electrical brain impulses required for control are recognized by the brain-computer interface. For more information: Technische Universität Münche Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Students at California State University, Chico, gained hands-on experience and technical expertise that will empower them to excel in real-world engineering and innovation roles. Students Design Versatile and Scalable Vehicle Students at California State University, Chico, gained hands-on experience and technical expertise that will empower them to excel in real-world engineering and innovation roles. Shannon William Vlaming Cool Stuff May 4, 2026 Design The vehicle platform was all about simplicity and precision. Designed for easy scalability, it used a skid-steer configuration, controlling the left and right wheels independently for unmatched off-road maneuverability. A compact single-board computer handled the drives with analog velocity commands, while a separate computer processed high-level commands, seamlessly controlling the vehicle's actuators over a wireless network. Engineering an initial design was about laying a solid foundation for success by combining creativity, precision, and problem-solving in order to deliver a streamlined, responsive system ready to tackle any terrain with ease. The student engineering team consisted of Laine Wood, Lars Bartels, William Kettle, and Adam Garza. Joshua Mirand was the Capstone Design Program Coordinator who oversaw the project. Images courtesy of California State University, Chico. Handling Multiple Drives As in any engineering endeavor, challenges and obstacles arose throughout each process. The main challenge was expanding control of the drives from discrete signals on the vehicle controller to network-based control over the drives. The existing setup relied on individual signals for each drive, which limited the flexibility and scalability of the system. To achieve a more efficient and dynamic control mechanism, the team aimed to transition to a network-controlled system that handled multiple drives simultaneously with more precision. Every challenge encountered along the way became an opportunity to refine the team’s ideas, strengthen the overall design, and build resilience. By embracing obstacles as part of the journey, engineers set the stage for innovative solutions and lasting impact. ADVANCED Motion Controls played a critical role in the vehicle's design. To ensure the platform could scale easily, Digiflex® Performance DPCANTE-060B080 and DPRALTE-060B080 servo drives were chosen for their versatility. These drives come in a wide range of amperage ratings and form factors, which allowed the team to use the same motion and control system whether they scaled the platform up or down. Images courtesy of California State University, Chico. Working with the Digiflex amplifiers informed AMC was a great experience. The software and documentation were straightforward, which made the integration process smooth. The team was able to get each of the drives controlling the motors within a few hours of unboxing them, which led to an efficient and seamless integration. According to Joshua Miranda, Senior Capstone Design Program CoordinatorCollege of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management, “The performance of these drives met our expectations, expanding our control capabilities and opened up a wide range of possibilities for future developments. We are excited about the potential these new platforms bring and look forward to further advancements.” Images courtesy of California State University, Chico. Moving forward, the California State University Chico Engineering team made significant progress by getting two more vehicles up and running. The first platform is now ready for testing and is better suited for indoor navigation, incorporating 4 Digiflex® Performance DPRALTE-020B080 servo drives that are also used in the Motion and Machine Automation Course at Chico State. The second platform is a smaller vehicle utilizing RC components. The team is currently looking at implementing AMC drives for traction control. For more information: Advanced Motion Controls California State University Chico Read more about vehicle projects >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

How engineers made the loading conveyor for Ain Dubai — the world's biggest observation wheel — faster, safer, and more efficient. Climb Aboard the World's Tallest Ferris Wheel How engineers made the loading conveyor for Ain Dubai — the world's biggest observation wheel — faster, safer, and more efficient. Edited by EE Staff Attractions Feb 24, 2026 Theme Parks With a diameter of 250 meters, the “Ain Dubai” is the largest and highest Observation wheel in the world. The world’s first concave loading conveyor belt from Sunkid allows around 1,750 visitors an hour to take in the views above Dubai. The Austrian manufacturer Bruckschlögl GmbH is a global market leader in the supply of small ski-lifts and chose inverter drives from Yaskawa for this challenging task. Named after the Arabic word for “eye,” “Ain Dubai” — or "Eye of Dubai" — is a magnificent attraction in the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over 11,000 tons of steel were used in its construction. Each of its spokes are longer than a football field. And each of the 48 luxuriously fitted cabins is larger than two double-decker buses. Another feature of this record-breaking observation wheel — which itself towers over observation wheels in Las Vegas, London, and Singapore — is its special loading conveyor belt, which can move up to 30 percent faster and can thus increase capacity by 30 percent. Furthermore, the loading conveyor belt is also designed as part of the emergency evacuation route. First U-shaped Loading Conveyor Belt Bruckschlögl GmbH, which is headquartered in Bad Goisern in Upper Austria, developed and produced both the belt and the access gate. The company is the main innovation and design location of the Sunkid family of companies. Conveyors from Sunkid (Sunkid Moving Carpet), which were originally developed as ski conveyors are also now used in the amusement park industry and a variety of other applications worldwide. All photos courtesy of Yaskawa. The loading conveyor belt created for “Ain Dubai” is one of the highlights of the company’s solutions to date: it is the first to have a concave U-shape that follows the specific design of the platform. Meanwhile, the design of the antistatic link chains ensures the highest safety standards, silent operation and slip resistance. The chain tensioning eliminates vibrations. Last but not least, a special cleaning feature effectively counters the local climatic conditions in Dubai, including heat, dust, wind, and salty sea air. The overall system conforms to the conveyor belt standard EN 15700. Drive Engineering Challenges Since the Observation wheel turns continuously, the loading conveyor belt optimally adapts the difference in speed between the rotating gondolas and the static platform to achieve the necessary level of safety and the maximum achievable capacity. To do so, the standalone control unit for the loading conveyor belt communicates with the control unit for the Observation wheel and access gate. The normal speed is 0.2 meters per second. Three inverter drives from the Yaskawa GA700 series provide the drive control. Through an internal Modbus bus system, the inverter drives were able to be tightly synchronized with each other. This ensured perfect synchronization between the movements of the while and the belt. The GA700 series offers a high level of connectivity by providing interfaces for all common fieldbuses which enables integration is a wide variety of system environments. This connectivity includes Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, EtherCAT, Powerlink, CANopen, DeviceNet, CC-Link, and the Yaskawa bus MECHATROLINK. All photos courtesy of Yaskawa. The inverters also feature an integrated RS-485 interface, allowing them to be networked with one another. Up to five inverters can be controlled with a single option card, meaning that fewer cards are required and thus lowering installation costs. These robust and reliable devices meet the high requirements for availability even under particularly challenging climatic conditions. They are able to tolerate operating temperatures up to at least 50° C (122 o F) with no derating. In addition, Yaskawa provides an on-site service, and stocks spare parts in Dubai—as it does in many other markets worldwide. Industrial Drive Versatility The GA700 is the versatile Yaskawa drive for industrial applications in a wide variety of industries. The GA700 inverter series is available in a power range of up to 355 kW and features an outstanding level of user-friendliness along with worldwide standards and maximum reliability. High flexibility, small dimensions and built-in functions make it easy to integrate into practically any application. Intelligent tools such as the startup wizard, data logging, the DriveWizard mobile app, and many more help with setup, startup, and troubleshooting. All photos courtesy of Yaskawa. Functional safety features such as SIL3-compliant STO inputs (Safe Torque Off) and an integrated EMC filter complete the basic equipment of the GA700 inverters. The STO function enables emergency stops to be applied easily and safely. All model variants are designed in protection type IP20 and are correspondingly robust. They are designed for ten years of maintenance-free, continuous operation. For more information: Yaskawa GA70C-GA7000 Series Bruckschlögl GmbH Read more about theme parks and rides >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Coco Robotics partners with Prime Video and Omnicom to promote Eddie Murphy film Delivery Robots Used to Market New Film in LA Coco Robotics partners with Prime Video and Omnicom to promote Eddie Murphy film Film and TV Sep 1, 2025 Coco Robotics, an urban robot delivery company, partnered with Prime Video and Omnicom to promote The Pickup , a heist comedy film starring Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer. Coco Robotics was founded in 2020 and brings zero-emission deliveries in the U.S. and Europe through robot delivery. In a new campaign, the robots will be doing double duty, serving as marketing devices for the new film. Marketing with robot delivery The campaign launched July 21 and repurposed Coco's Los Angeles fleet of “robocouriers,” which are urban delivery robots, into marketing bots on the streets of LA, or as they call them, “immersive mobile brand activations” that blend entertainment and technology. As part of the campaign, Coco wrapped its LA-based mobile robots in Prime Video and film branding, designed “to evoke the film's iconic armored money trucks,” according to a press release. The campaign is intended to play on the film's central theme while it turns the robots into an extension of the film's story. The robots play voice lines from the film when deliveries are picked up, “turning each vehicle into an in-world character that expands the cinematic universe from screen to sidewalk.” So, Coco's robots deliver food, but also generate “broad exposure” that the company says rival traditional marketing methods, such as billboards. “Unlike static ads, Coco's robots draw eyes wherever they go - making them an attention-grabbing ad surface in any city that naturally sparks filming and sharing,” said the company in a press release. See Coco robot in action The visibility is powered by a combination of proprietary impression-tracking technology and OOH measurement tools. "This campaign shows how our robots can amplify brand storytelling in real time," said Josh Dubin, Head of Ads at Coco Robotics. "It transforms routine deliveries into personal, one-to-one brand experiences that connect with consumers in a natural, memorable way." This type of out-of-home advertising is something that some believe will be more common in the future. "We're always looking for ways to push boundaries and create media moments that people haven't seen before," said Elizabeth Boone, Senior Associate in Emerging Platforms and Partnerships at Omnicom Media Group. "This campaign is a glimpse into the future of media. It's a perfect example of a unique integration of robotics, storytelling, and neighborhood-scale visibility that can come together to bring a movie to life in the real world." The campaign also includes a custom commercial using Coco's delivery robots in a heist scene from The Pickup . Source: Coco Robotics Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

There could be water on the Moon’s south pole, but landing on, researching, and navigating the treacherous landscape is a difficult task. This powerful simulation software allows engineers to explore potential challenges and variables throughout the mission. Shedding Light on the Moon’s South Pole There could be water on the Moon’s south pole, but landing on, researching, and navigating the treacherous landscape is a difficult task. This powerful simulation software allows engineers to explore potential challenges and variables throughout the mission. Caty Fairclough, Media Relations, Synopsys Cool Stuff Aug 11, 2026 Aerospace Beyond the daunting job of sending machines to the Moon, the terrain at the lunar south pole is particularly treacherous. Deep craters cover a great deal of the south pole, most of which are in constant darkness and incredibly cold. This makes landing, researching, and navigating an arduous task. Innovative technologies are needed to explore these regions of the Moon. Intuitive Machines is one of the companies stepping up to the challenge. As part of its mission to provide services that open access to the Moon, Intuitive Machines developed technology, including its Nova-C class lunar lander, which enabled the company to facilitate the first commercial landing on the Moon and the first U.S. Moon landing in over 50 years. The company also developed the µNova Hopper (a propulsive drone the size of a minifridge), which can be deployed off of the team’s lander. Images courtesy of Intuitive Machines. Jason Soloff, the company’s Lunar Data Network chief engineer, explains that the µNova Hopper was created to withstand the harsh conditions of the lunar south pole, to traverse its deep craters, and autonomously perform its mission while unable to communicate—then return to a ridge where it can share its knowledge. Landing on the Moon’s south pole is only one of the many goals at Intuitive Machines. The company also aims to make the space economy more sustainable by using a methalox engine for its Nova-C lander. Methalox is a clean fuel made of liquid methane and oxygen. Reynolds emphasizes that if humanity is able to find water on the Moon’s south pole and use it to make fuel, “that’s the most pivotal and exciting science.” The company also provides a validated cislunar communications solution, the Lunar Data Network (LDN), which supports near-space missions through its lunar operations center, globally commissioned dish network, and upcoming lunar data relay satellites. For these projects and technologies to succeed, the Intuitive Machines team needs to rigorously test all its designs and adapt them to the harsh environment of space. To do so, the team relies on Ansys simulation solutions, now part of the Synopsys portfolio. Simulation Software As a small startup with limited resources and staff, Intuitive Machines has found simulation to be instrumental to its success. “Simulation for us is a force multiplier,” says Soloff. With simulation, Soloff and his team can unlock their creativity to more quickly and easily test ways to solve problems. What-if scenarios, such as using different landing gear designs or gimbals, can be virtually tested, allowing engineers to easily learn how changing these variables affects important facets of their design, such as overall stresses, loads, and thermal performance. Reynolds says the team uses Ansys simulation software to perform necessary analyses and tests throughout the entire mission. For example, in the initial design stage Soloff emphasizes how reducing mass is important for space technology. Other requirements include ensuring that machines can survive the forces of launch, as well as the extreme heat and cold experienced during the mission. Simulation allows the team to optimize for all these requirements. “Our analysis helps us design, thermally and power-wise, systems that can withstand extreme changes in temperature,” says Reynolds. To perform these calculations, Intuitive Machines relied on Ansys Systems Tool it (STK) digital mission engineering software. The company used the software to model solar rays and determine when they would hit the lander and hopper and when no light would reach the machines. This is important knowledge that would be difficult to recreate by physically testing on Earth. Using simulation, the Intuitive Machines team could perform thermal analyses and see how heat moves through complex materials—a time consuming task to do by hand. Part of the reason why Ansys simulation software is so useful to the team is because of its multiphysics capabilities. Intuitive Machines is working on “incredibly complex multiphysics problems that aren’t just an antenna pattern or a structural analysis of vibration or shock,” says Soloff. “It’s about integrating all these disciplines together through an integrated set of model and simulation tools that let us do what we need to do.” Images courtesy of Intuitive Machines. Ensuring that its communications systems are functional and optimized is another key use of simulation for the team. Here, Intuitive Machines relied on Ansys simulation for everything from ensuring that antennas are oriented correctly to comparing the throughput and bandwidth generated by different ground stations and radios. For these analyses, the team once again turned to STK software to analyze how strong its communications are, how much data it can move, the predicted signal noise, the signal strength, and more. To perform complex electromagnetic analyses the company uses Ansys HFSS high-frequency electromagnetic simulation software and radio-frequency (RF) simulation to analyze and optimize antennas, radiation patterns, and electromagnetic radiation for communications. These are not the only ways that Intuitive Machines uses simulation to improve its technologies either. Pictures are essential data points for the company, especially photos of the Moon’s south pole. As such, Reynolds says the team focused on using simulation software to ensure that it could successfully collect and transfer that photographic data during the mission. Using its simulations, the team was able to coordinate with communications providers to identify which services would be most ideal for the mission. “It’s a huge team effort to get something on the Moon,” Reynolds says. “So, being able to use simulation to prepare for a worldwide mission really helps. On outer space missions like those Intuitive Machines is performing, conditions such as light, temperatures, speed, radiation patterns, terrain, trajectories, and signal strength can change rapidly. STK software enables engineers to model these changes and account for the whole mission.” Simulation analyses showing Earth inertial axes (top) and Moon inertial axes (bottom). Throughout all the different areas where it uses simulation software, the Intuitive Machines team finds that an increase in efficiency is a common denominator. Soloff says analyses that could take weeks to perform without simulation take only a matter of days when using Ansys software. Intuitive Machines can use validated Ansys models to find answers and make informed decisions quickly. This is even true for notoriously challenging calculations, such as accurately solving the three-body problem of how the Earth, Sun, and Moon all affect the mission. With simulation, “we can go in, model everything, and have the confidence that we don’t need to spend another year refining our technologies,” says Reynolds. This saves precious time for startups like Intuitive Machines, making it more competitive and mission-ready in a shorter span of time. For information: Ansys, part of Synopsys Ansys STK Software Ansys HFSS Software Intuitive Machines Read the original article from Ansys >>> Read more case studies on space >>> 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

McCune Audio, full-service technical event specialists, rely on classic 4088s and discreet 4060s to mic guests and props for the renowned conference. TED2014 Uses DPA Microphones McCune Audio, full-service technical event specialists, rely on classic 4088s and discreet 4060s to mic guests and props for the renowned conference. McCune Audio Stage Events Jun 4, 2025 Heard by thousands of people through live audiences, simulcasts, webcasts, and recordings, and millions more through online video engines, the annual TED Conference requires gear that matches its prestige. With discussions that address a wide range of topics within the research and practice of science and culture, microphones are vital to all TED audiences. To provide the ultimate in sound quality for presenters and performers at TED2014, technical team from McCune Audio/Video, the symposium’s sound services company, relies on DPA Microphones’ classic 4088 Directional Headset Microphones and d:screet 4060 Omnidirectional Microphone. TED2014 marks the second time that DPA Microphones is part of the audio setup for the conference. The McCune Audio team used the same selection of mics at last year’s event because of the high-quality audio of both mics and comfortable fit and feel of the 4088, each requests from production crew workers and presenters, respectively. “For years, the post-production crew was trying to get us to reduce the amount of room acoustics we were hearing in the recordings,” says Nick Malgieri, McCune’s Head of Audio for the TED Conference. “Because of the live PA system in the room, there was a slap-back echo always happening in the voice. We really used some pretty extreme processing paths with our previous mics just to try to help us get ahead of the issues. Once we switched to DPA 4088s, the added isolation let us really scale back on the processing. The sound was so much better that the post-production crew asked us to deploy ambient mics to capture the energy of the venue. That led us to the d:screet 4060s, which we use to pick up a lot of the stage noise from the props and scenery on set, such as chalkboards during presentations, a fire organ for a pyrophone performance or a target being hit by an archer.” The versatility of the DPA mics also plays an important role in the audio support at the TED Conference, which hosts 12 90-minute shows over the course of five days. Throughout each of these individual productions, Malgieri and his crew need to mic as many as 10 separate presenters speaking for up to 18-minute segments each. In these instances, the audio team uses the 4088s. The shows also incorporate other types of presentations, such as musical, theatrical or dance performances, or magical acts, which require the 4060s. “The technology setup for this show is very important because of the high turnover and the way the show is actually produced,” explains Malgieri. “We are doing three shows a day, with only an hour or so to reset between them, so we need high-end gear that can keep up with the constant demand and rigorous use.” As one of DPA’s most popular products, the 4088 is ideal for a variety of performing and vocal presentations. It is designed for acoustically demanding live performance environments, where background noise and feedback is a concern, and boasts the same open and natural sound qualities of the company’s other legendary microphones. Originally designed for use with wireless systems in theater, television and close-miked instrument applications, the d:screet 4060 capsule is highly unobtrusive. Because of its small size, this tiny condenser mic exhibits an exceedingly accurate omnidirectional pattern, and therefore does not need to be aimed directly at the sound source to achieve quality pickup. For more information, visit DPA Microphones . Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

See how the Legoland Shanghai Resort integrated technology and creativity to produce fun and interesting water systems for a fully immersive experience. The Water Systems Behind the Most Technologically Advanced Legoland See how the Legoland Shanghai Resort integrated technology and creativity to produce fun and interesting water systems for a fully immersive experience. Terry Persun Theme Parks Oct 21, 2025 The core mission of nearly every theme park is to offer a dynamic blend of rides and attractions that capture the imagination while delivering an experience that feels both immersive and authentic. Legoland has achieved this vision across its ten operating parks and resorts worldwide, with four additional destinations currently in development. At the heart of these experiences lies technology that is robust, precise, and deliberately unobtrusive. Reliability and safety are paramount, enabling guests to embrace the thrill, wonder, and excitement of each attraction while feeling fully secure. The Legoland Shanghai Resort represents a milestone in this tradition, positioning itself as one of the most technologically advanced Legoland properties to date—particularly in its aquatic environments. Developed by Merlin Entertainments, creatively master-planned by FORREC, and engineered by Cloward H2O, the resort brings together world-class expertise to craft memorable experiences tailored to Legoland’s family audience. Images courtesy of FORREC. One example of this collaboration is the Water-Town Boat Tour, a signature family-friendly attraction. The ride immerses visitors in a lovingly detailed recreation of a traditional Chinese water town, where Lego storytelling blends seamlessly with cultural motifs. The journey culminates in a striking miniature Lego skyline of modern Shanghai. Each partner played a distinct role in realizing the attraction: FORREC shaped the thematic narrative and guest journey, Merlin designed operations to accommodate large visitor volumes, and Cloward H2O provided the aquatic engineering—integrating propulsion systems and water technologies that make the experience both seamless and safe. The technical backbone of the Water-Town Boat Tour reflects this integration. Hydraulic pumps maintain consistent water levels and stabilize docking platforms while ensuring full accessibility compliance. Flow within the canal is carefully regulated to eliminate turbulence, and water circulation systems operate continuously to preserve clarity and quality. To achieve this, the ride incorporates eccentric reducing strainers, sand filters, regenerative media filters, up to eight chlorination systems, and UV sterilizers—all working in concert to maintain safety and visual appeal. Beyond individual attractions, Legoland Shanghai Resort is designed as a fully immersive experience. Its diverse lands include Lego City, the Legoland Hotel, and Lego Friends. Within the Lego Friends area, highlights such as the Friends’ Water Party combine interactive play with aquatic fun, featuring water races, beach parties, and build-a-boat challenges. Each of these experiences is underpinned by the same principles: precise engineering, guest safety, and seamless operational efficiency. For example, flow rates across all water features are meticulously calibrated to balance fun and safety. Splash zones are engineered for predictable spray patterns, ensuring guests enjoy refreshing play without becoming uncomfortably drenched. The resort’s waterways are carefully engineered to prevent stagnation, ensuring water remains clear, clean, and safe for guests. Integrated hydraulic systems further enhance efficiency by reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable performance. In practice, the resort employs everything from two 4-horsepower pumps to larger 30- and 40-horsepower systems where needed. Circulation zones across the park are strategically designed to prevent stagnation, keeping water consistently clear and safe. Integrated hydraulic systems connect lagoons with surrounding waterways, reducing pumping energy requirements and contributing to sustainability. Images courtesy of FORREC. These and more achievements were only possible through the close collaboration of FORREC, Merlin Entertainments, and Cloward H2O, whose combined expertise shaped both the creative vision and the technical precision behind the resort’s aquatic design. FORREC defined the spatial and thematic design, Merlin oversaw gameplay mechanics and operational logistics, and Cloward H2O engineered the hydraulic and electrical systems that controlled propulsion and splash timing. The result is a resort that stands out for both its creativity and its technical sophistication. The ability to coordinate such a wide range of components into a streamlined, reliable operation is what ensures Legoland Shanghai Resort can deliver joyful, safe, and lasting memories for its guests. For more information connect with the firms below: Cloward H2O Merlin Entertainments FORREC Read more about theme parks >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

This VR experience features realistic and intuitive navigation, helpful advice from Mission Control, and compelling and visceral science-related content. Explore the International Space Station with Immersive VR Experience This VR experience features realistic and intuitive navigation, helpful advice from Mission Control, and compelling and visceral science-related content. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Oct 28, 2025 Every person on the planet, young and old alike, has wondered about our place in the universe. The idea of space creates a deep yearning for answers and experiences in all of us, and it serves as a common, unifying thread for humanity. NASA wanted to bring the magic of space travel to everyone and teamed up with Magnopus to bring Mission: I SS into reality and to help promote these common feelings through thrilling immersive technology. Mission: ISS lets users explore the International Space Station in detail to understand what it’s like to be an astronaut in a way that’s never before been possible. Based on NASA models and honed with input from astronauts who have lived in space, Mission: ISS recreates the International Space Station in painstaking detail. Users can experience how to move and work in zero-gravity, use space tools, dock a space capsule, and take a spacewalk. Images courtesy of Magnopus, NASA, and Meta. Real astronauts provide a sense of presence through instructional video clips. With strong STEM-related themes, anyone can take part in experiments and actual missions on the station. Since the experience is fully immersive, users feel a sense of weightlessness that can only be felt in VR, similar to what astronauts feel—a fact that Mission: ISS’s astronaut advisors have confirmed. In fact, more than one astronaut said it was like making a return trip! VR experiences are ideal for taking users to places that are too dangerous or too expensive to go. With that in mind, Mission: ISS was designed to remove those barriers—literally anyone with a VR headset can get a taste of space exploration. Images courtesy of Magnopus, NASA, and Meta. Mission: ISS is a non-profit initiative. It is freely available on Meta’s Quest store and has been demonstrated at science exhibits, international conferences, fairs, and exhibitions across North America and Europe to wide acclaim. The experience has won multiple awards including those from the Television Academy, VR Awards, XR Awards, and was even nominated for an Emmy. For more information: Magnopus NASA Meta Read more about applications in space >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Designing the right servo drive for camera motion in deep sea explorations meant the drive had to experience extreme pressures up to 8,800 psi. How a Deep Sea Camera Servo Drive Endures Extreme Pressures Designing the right servo drive for camera motion in deep sea explorations meant the drive had to experience extreme pressures up to 8,800 psi. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Dec 2, 2025 At 6,000 meters below the surface of the sea, pressures can reach 8,800psi. The Titanic is only 3,800 meters below the surface. Equipment, such as the camera motion device, used at that depth often has to be encased inside a thick sealed container. When the customer approached ADVANCED Motion Controls (AMC) about using their servo drives without a sealed container, the customer suggested an alternative approach—submerging the electronics in a non-conducting oil bath. After speaking with AMC’s applications engineers the customer was encouraged to “give it a try” even though AMC had never tested their devices at the required depths. The customer purchased a standard DigiFlex servo drive and performed high-pressure testing of the device while submerged in the oil bath. The drive held up considerably well except that the standard electrolytic capacitors (shaped like small cans) were being crushed by the pressure. The customer’s solution during the testing process was to drill a small hole in the capacitor housing and allow the oil to equalize the pressure. This worked perfectly for the prototype but as a manual modification would be costly and inefficient in a production setting. Images courtesy of ADVANCED Motion Controls. After some design considerations, the AMC applications engineering team provided a custom solution using high-pressure tolerant, solid-state capacitors, which could easily handle the pressure naturally and without needing additional modification. For feedback, the customer proposed incorporating a magnetic encoder chip, which required a magnet on the rotating shaft and a sensor chip positioned precisely above it. The AMC team chose to design a custom daughterboard that the drive could plug into. The daughterboard held the sensor chip in perfect alignment with the motor shaft magnet—solving the mechanical difficulty of alignment and saving the customer from having to build their own brackets—reducing the mounting footprint. The customer required that the main communications between the drive and the host was set up using standard RS-232. Images courtesy of ADVANCED Motion Controls. Through a committed approach to make the design work, and by overcoming multiple challenges, AMC was able to work with their customer to produce the perfect solution to a difficult project. The underwater camera became a successful and integral product for undersea explorations. Cross industry applications for AMC technologies are explained in this video: For more information: ADVANCED Motion Controls DigiFlex Drive Servo Drive Selector Other underwater applications >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The "Leap of Faith" water slide sends riders down an almost vertical 60-foot drop and into a transparent underwater tube that runs through a lagoon containing sharks and fish. A Water Slide with Sharks? Here's How It Was Engineered The "Leap of Faith" water slide sends riders down an almost vertical 60-foot drop and into a transparent underwater tube that runs through a lagoon containing sharks and fish. Edited by EE Staff Theme Parks Aug 31, 2026 When Atlantis Paradise Island opened the first phase of its development, it was already being conceived as something substantially different from a conventional Caribbean resort. The vision of developer Sol Kerzner was not simply to build another luxury hotel surrounded by swimming pools. Atlantis was intended to immerse visitors in a fictional lost civilization, combining architecture, water, marine life, mythology, and entertainment into a single environment. The property's eventual aquatic environment would encompass swimming pools, waterfalls, fountains, lagoons, marine habitats, and waterpark attractions on an enormous scale. In subsequent phases they eventually created the Mayan Temple and its five water slides alongside enormous marine exhibits. Among those slides was an attraction that would become almost synonymous with Atlantis itself. Leap of Faith takes riders to the top of a giant stepped pyramid, drops them 60 feet in an almost-vertical water slide, then sends them through a transparent tube running directly through a lagoon containing sharks. Making that idea work was anything but simple. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. The Phase II development was a deliberate effort to make guests feel as though they were exploring a lost civilization. This included the Mayan Temple, the centerpiece housing the Leap of Faith water slide. The design team faced a familiar problem in waterpark construction: water slides generally require large amounts of structural steel, stairs, platforms, and support infrastructure. Those elements can become visually dominant. Rather than disguise those elements, Atlantis turned the structure into part of its architecture. Many water slide structures assume a pyramidal form as a support system. Incorporating this geometry, the team was able to transform the structure into a Myan pyramid, which added to the Atlantis feel. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Placing the water slide through the shark tank was the conceptual leap that changed the project. The Leap of Faith and Serpent Slide were attractions that had never been attempted before. According to Allen Clawson of Cloward H2O, the idea originated as a “napkin sketch” during a meeting and ultimately became one of the world’s most recognizable projects. A rider would actually travel through the middle of the shark’s habitat. The rider travels inside a transparent slide/tunnel, while the sharks swim in the surrounding lagoon. The Ride Maximum speed of the rider is approximately 30 miles per hour with roughly 50 feet of the attraction traveling through the shark habitat, inside a transparent tube positioned approximately six feet above the bottom of the lagoon. The vertical descent is one of the attraction's defining characteristics. It is a 60-foot near-vertical, 85 degree, drop. That geometry creates a powerful acceleration under gravity. The rider remains in contact with the slide, with water flowing along the riding surface to reduce friction and provide the hydraulic conditions necessary for controlled movement. The team needed to convert the gravitational drop into a fast but controlled water slide trajectory, then safely redirect that trajectory into an underwater transparent structure. To do this, the direction of travel had to change progressively, which took carefully controlled geometry that also managed the resulting forces. The shark lagoon itself holds about half a million gallons of water. It’s about 21 feet deep, has a 90 foot long and 45-foot-wide L-shaped configuration. Functioning as a marine habitat, it contains a number of marine animals as well as multiple species of sharks, including Pacific blacktip, Caribbean reef, silky, blacknose, and nurse. Considerations for creating the ride included more than simply the physical structure and supports. The team had to think about the movement of the riders, water circulation, visibility, access for aquarium staff, cleaning and filtration, and long-term reliability of the submerged structure. These considerations were necessary for the slide as well as the aquarium. The most visually spectacular component of Leap of Faith is the transparent submerged tunnel where about 50 feet of the Leap of Faith’s route passed through the lagoon. The tube is approximately six feet above the tank bottom so that sharks can swim below the rider. The challenge was that the transparent material was buoyant. A submerged hollow structure containing air naturally experiences an upward buoyant force. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Water pushes upward on a submerged object with a force approximately equal to the weight of the water displaced by that object. A large hollow tunnel displaces a large volume of water and wants to float. It also needed to stay where it was without shifting. The solution was to fabricate three columns extending upward from the floor of the tank to support and stabilize the tube. The support columns help restrain its buoyancy and maintain its position underwater. The engineering team had to consider both the slide and aquarium as two different hydraulic systems. In addition, Leap of Faith wasn’t the only Mayan Temple attraction to enter the shark habitat. The Serpent Slide, mentioned above, was designed as a slower, inner-tube experience where the rider begins inside a winding dark tunnel within the pyramid and eventually enters a transparent acrylic section about 90 feet long that passes through the center of the shark tank. While Leap of Faith provided an experience that included speed, fear, and sudden exposure, the Serpent Slide was more about immersion, observation, and marine life in general. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Architecturally, the pyramid concealed and organized the structural components while simultaneously becoming one of the resort's most recognizable landmarks. The Mayan Temple allowed the team to build a single slide-and-stair structure accommodating five slides, rather than five separate structures. This was therefore an engineering and economic decision as well as a thematic one. One monumental architectural structure could contain the circulation systems, stairs and slides while simultaneously hiding the infrastructure that normally makes a waterpark look like a waterpark. The result was much closer to a theme-park attraction than a conventional recreational slide tower. Cloward H2O's role is particularly significant here. The company was responsible for the piping and hydraulics associated with the Atlantis aquatic systems. The broader Atlantis marine facilities used extensive filtration and water-treatment infrastructure. The original installation used 32 large sand filters serving the marine exhibits, with a combined filtration capacity of approximately three million gallons per hour. The resort also maintained a dedicated water laboratory and performed regular chemical and biological testing. The aquarium had to stay healthy while the ride operated. Cloward H2O’s approaches aquatic projects without a rigid “cookbook.” Different aquatic environments have different engineering requirements, and the firm instead tries to understand what the client is actually trying to accomplish. That philosophy is visible in Leap of Faith. For information: Cloward H2O Atlantis Read more about water parks >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next