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An insightful dialogue about what goes into designing something new and how it relates to other projects. WATCH: One-on-One with Chris Porter of igus An insightful dialogue about what goes into designing something new and how it relates to other projects. Videos Aug 11, 2025 Theme Parks In a casual conversation with the Industry Manager for Stage & Amusement in Central Florida for igus, Inc., Entertainment Engineering explores how closely designers get to their projects, how they start the process of designing something new, and how they are always working on several projects in several different industries at the same time. In this video, we show how creativity and inspiration can come from anywhere and how easily it can reshape a solution to fit a specific application. Whether working with off-the-shelf components or thinking up a completely off-the-charts custom approach, it’s all about brining your experience as well as an open mind to the table. Note to our audience: Technology Transfer DIY Stories Entertainment Engineering Magazine is looking for stories about your home projects where you take the technological experience you have at work and apply it to your home projects. I know engineers in aerospace who have rebuilt their lawn mowers, engineers in medical devices who built their own toy rocket. The spark of inspiration can come from anywhere. And once that spark is enflamed the design can morph and adapt along the way. We’re interested in your non-work-related projects. What are you designing at home, for yourself or a neighbor or relative? Is it a Halloween project? A Christmas project? Or just a backyard thing you’re working on? Here’s what we’d like to see: 1) What got you thinking about the project in the first place? 2) What is your background and why you thought you could tackle the project? 3) What technologies did you use (electrical, electronics, mechanical, fluid power, materials, etc.)? 4) How does the end product work and how did it do what you needed it to? 5) Answer those four questions in less than 800 words (and focus on the tech), then send us your story, some photos, and even a video if you have one. We can’t publish every story, but we can choose a few a month to publish. If you want to read an example, check this out: You can reach us at: Contact@EntertainmentEngineeringMagazine.com Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' ride at Universal Studios Hollywood features groundbreaking, computer-managed 360-degree rotation technology designed to create the seamless sensation and physics of drifting cars. New Fast & Furious Roller Coaster Puts Thrill Seekers in the Driver's Seat The 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' ride at Universal Studios Hollywood features groundbreaking, computer-managed 360-degree rotation technology designed to create the seamless sensation and physics of drifting cars. Terry Persun Theme Parks Jun 1, 2026 As Universal Studios Hollywood puts on the final touches for their first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster opening in the summer of 2026, they are unveiling three of the ride vehicles joining the previously announced Dodge Charger that will comprise the “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” ride. Images courtesy of Universal Studios. The ride is based on the “Fast & Furious” franchise that features suspenseful and meticulously choreographed, edge-of-your-seat driving sequences. Wishing to bring that same sensation into the physical world, guests will have a chance to step into one of the four ride vehicles, modeled after the cars driven by some of their favorite Fast & Furious characters in the film series. The coaster is meant to allow riders to experience the energy and thrill of the films’ street racing for themselves. The ride includes four launches and three inversions while careening along 4,100 feet of elaborate aerial track—the equivalent of nearly 12 football fields—that winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level Starway escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots. The ride incorporates a linear synchronous motor magnetic launch system to catapult riders up to 72mph. The coaster features groundbreaking, computer-managed 360-degree rotation technology designed to create a seamless sensation and physics of drifting cars as guests spin in motion The track is specifically designed using sound-reduction technology to keep the high-speed outdoor ride quieter for the surrounding areas and for a more breathtaking experience. Images courtesy of Universal Studios. The load platform includes the ride vehicles set against an original large-scale mural created by world-renowned artist Tristan Easton. The freehand, spray-painted mural will be splashed across an interior brick wall and will depict the finale street racing scene in the original film with a montage of the aerial-bound Dodge Charger and Toyota Supra vehicles racing against a speeding train. Included within this mural is a homage to Vin Diesel’s character Dominic Toretto. Images courtesy of Universal Studios. The design inspiration for the four ride vehicles come straight from the films. The iconic Dodge Charger was inspired by Dominic Toretto’s signature car featured throughout the franchise. With its sleek black frame, this souped-up, 900-horsepower, 1970 Dodge Charger is considered the ultimate American muscle car. Added to the roundup is the Mazda RX-7 was inspired by the 1997 model driven by Han Seouloh and features 19-inch wheel, racing seats, upgraded suspension, and custom interior. The Nissan Skyline GT-R was inspired by Brian O’Conner’s 2002 blue Nissan, which was enhanced with extensive performance and styling modifications, renowned for its unique appearance. Finally, the Toyota Supra inspired by Brian O’Connor’s orange 1994 car that featured the legendary 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six engine. O’Connor owed Toretto a “10-second car,” and this one more than delivered on that promise. It is recognized as one of the most memorable cars in the film franchise. For information: Universal Studios Hollywood Tristan Eaton Read more about theme park technology >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

A multi-discipline civil engineering firm mixed outside and inside lighting to open the space of this high-speed railway office redesign in Houston, Texas. How Engineering, Creativity, and Artistic Design Lit Up This Office Space A multi-discipline civil engineering firm mixed outside and inside lighting to open the space of this high-speed railway office redesign in Houston, Texas. Edited by Terry Persun Cool Stuff May 26, 2026 The two foundational principles of lighting include the qualitative (or aesthetic) aspect and the quantitative (or engineering) aspect of light. Architectural lighting is concerned with the qualitative lighting experience. The qualitative pertains to ensuring that a space has a pleasing ambience. It is the artistic interspersing of shadows and light, darkness and illumination, highlighting certain figures and form. This is where creativity truly matters. Images courtesy of Alcon Lighting. Othon Engineering is a multi-discipline civil engineering firm focusing on private and state-sponsored projects, such as a segment of California’s high-speed railway with offices located in Houston, Texas. At the very beginning of the project, “Othon’s goal was to [afford] every desk’s seat a direct view outside—a challenge proven difficult with private offices lining the perimeter of the window walls,” designer Amy Vonderau explained. Vonderau goes on to explain that Othon Engineering’s original space was a typical closed private office with full-height panel cubicles, which basically created a maze of long corridors. There was a snag in hiring new talent because of the compartmentalized work environment. By opting to design their new space with an open concept, this gave way to community areas for project teams to easily interact. Images courtesy of Alcon Lighting. As the plan took shape—the goal of direct exterior view posed a problem with ensuring that lighting levels were balanced. “The building wasn't originally designed for an open concept ceiling, so when the lay-in ceiling was removed we had to make the most sense we could of the existing elements,” Vonderau said. Vonderau decided to create the storefront eyebrow that extended from the top of the glass in the private offices into the open ceiling area, creating a shelf. Within the shelf they used the 1-inch linear light that followed the perimeter of the private offices which in return balanced the exterior natural light into the open space. This also served as a wayfinding element that leads one from the reception to the open work area, then down the corridor to the community conference room—while ensuring this light wasn’t a glare bomb but rather an ambient continuous glow. The eyebrow flowed through the space creating the perfect path to be illuminated to help balance the natural light from the exterior into the core. Images courtesy of Alcon Lighting. Ultimately, private offices were kept along the perimeter window walls but rebuilt with glass to allow the center work area a direct view of the outside from every desk. When Vonderau specified a long linear 1-inch LED tape light that needed custom lengths and continuous corners, Jason Long, from Long Term Builders, submitted Alcon Lighting’s product, which she approved. “The linear LED light strip was the main design element within this renovation,” Vonderau said. The client for this project was Othon Engineering, while the architect was Lettie Harrell of LH2 Architecture. Amy Vonderau was the designer and Jason Long of Long Term Builders was the lighting specifier. For information: Alcon Lighting Linear Light Ring Pendant Read more lighting case studies >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

How technology and performance combine to create expressive storytelling and audience immersion. Groundbreaking Dance Performance Uses Motion Capture, Aerial Drones, and Visual Effects How technology and performance combine to create expressive storytelling and audience immersion. Jeff Gunderson Stage Events Nov 11, 2025 The Netherlands-based contemporary dance company, Another Kind of Blue (AKOB), has received widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking performances that explore the relationships between humans and technology. Founded by visionary choreographer David Middendorp, the company not only uses technology as a subject of exploration but also as a dynamic tool for expressive storytelling. "I've always been fascinated by the intersection of culture and technology," said Middendorp. "People often perceive them as separate, but I firmly believe they are closely related. Technological innovations are often born from someone's dreams. For instance, airplanes would never have been invented without the dream of flying. And I believe technology plays a significant role in shaping human nature. It contributes to our sense of identity." Photo by Kim Vos Fotografie, courtesy of Some Kind of Blue and OptiTrack. Middendorp talent caught the attention of "America's Got Talent," where his choreographed performances reached the finals. Encouraged by the experience, Middendorp decided to establish AKOB. Several productions soon followed. AKOB's artistic live dance performances feature imaginative uses of motion capture (mocap) technology, aerial drones, digital elements, and real-time visual effects and animations, captivating audiences with experiences that are both mesmerizing and thought provoking. Photo by Kim Vos Fotografie, courtesy of Some Kind of Blue and OptiTrack. Discovering Motion Capture Middendorp's exploration of aerial drones stemmed from his desire to examine the concept of free will. The early stages of the concept involved someone remotely controlling a single drone from the wings. Then, the idea evolved into a swarm of drones that would form into certain shapes. However, 10 to 20 people operating drones in synchronized patterns proved impossible. “We started to search for solutions," Middendorp said. "One idea was to build our own localization system. Then, as we were looking at other possibilities, we discovered OptiTrack.” Middendorp purchased his first eight OptiTrack cameras early in his explorations and has slowly been accumulating more. Today, AKOB has 22 OptiTrack mocap cameras—16 Primeˣ 13 cameras and 7 Primeˣ 22 cameras. The configuration provides real-time, low latency tracking that optimizes accuracy across capture areas. Photo courtesy of OptiTrack. As Middendorp became more proficient with the mocap system, his team began using it to track dancers on stage wearing OptiTrack mocap suits. Using positional data, the dancers' movements were translated into commands for controlling the drones in real-time. The subsequent performance, “Airman,” featured 12 drones, some flying pre-determined paths, and others programmed to respond to the dancers’ movements. According to Middendorp, “With OptiTrack, we can track drones, dancers, and other elements. Another advantage is that the infrared cameras work in low-light conditions, which is crucial since we often darken the stage to create a specific ambiance.” Imaginative Uses Another idea conceived by Middendorp was to create a duet that explored interactions between dancers and elements of physics. He envisioned a powerful way to visualize physics through sound waves, and particularly an effect known as Chladni patterns. Named after 18th-century German physicist and musician Ernst Chladni, these intricate patterns emerge when a flat surface with a sprinkling of sand (or similar substance) vibrates at specific sound wave frequencies, causing the sand to move and gather at certain locations on the surface. Rather than making the entire stage shake, he chose to replicate the sand motion through simulation, leading to the development of a dynamic virtual sand representation complete with the ability to form Chladni patterns on a stage. However, for live performances, he needed to depict a convincing engagement between dancers and the simulated sand. OptiTrack was able to help him with a solution. In the performance, “Wave”" virtual sand is projected onto the stage, and dancers, donning OptiTrack mocap suits, are tracked with precision using the OptiTrack system. Similar to the way drones can be controlled, OptiTrack allows the dancers' movements to manipulate the virtual sand in real-time. The result is an immersive presentation where the interplay between the dancers and the simulated sand appears remarkably true-to-life. Forging Into New Dimensions The most recent production from AKOB originated from what Middendorp calls, “a fantasy.” He said, “What if you could visit people that aren't here anymore? Maybe they passed away or maybe they just left. But what if there was a virtual space where you could still interact with them? I wanted to use this concept to create a choreography.” His piece, “Missing” (part of the new full-length performance “Digital Twin”), transports audiences into a near future scenario where a dancer engages in a duet with the digital version of someone who is no longer physically here but continues to exist in an alternate reality. The performance offers a profound insight into the possibility of leaving a digital version of ourselves for our loved ones. To create this experience, Middendorp uses a “virtual mirror” on stage comprised of a very large display that rotates during the performance, seamlessly reflecting both virtual and real objects. Using OptiTrack, the hands of dancers on stage are closely tracked, translating gestures into movements performed by digital counterparts in the mirror. Middendorp said, “OptiTrack serves a critical role in the performance for making the display function like a true mirror.” AKOB continues to delve into new realms of creative possibilities, pushing boundaries of contemporary dance, while OptiTrack provides multiple tracking solutions in one system. “I am always learning new things about the system and what it can do. If I have a spare moment, I sometimes just play with it, which is very useful for developing new ideas,” Middendorp said. For more information: OptiTrack OptiTrack Cameras OptiTrack Mocap Software Another Kind of Blue Read more about stage performances >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Archive of Entertainment Engineering Magazine's past newsletters. Video Archive Click on a link below to view past videos One-on-One: Henry O'Bryan of Biomerics on Hobby Engineering and Creativity One-on-One: Chris Porter of igus on Amusement Park Technology Announcing Our Relaunch: Interview with EE Co-Founder Terry Persun Video intro credits: Theme Parks El Charcoal Video of roller coaster Roller Coaster Stock Videos by Vecteezy Sports & Games Yevhen Roshchyn Video of car Vehicle Stock Videos by Vecteezy Stage Events Media Whale Stock Video of stage event Adventure Stock Videos by Vecteezy

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Bionic Pets works closely with Raise3D to improve the transformation process from digital design to compliant end-products—building a stable and efficient medical-grade prosthetic for animals of all types. How Custom 3D Printed Prosthetics for Animals Are Made Bionic Pets works closely with Raise3D to improve the transformation process from digital design to compliant end-products—building a stable and efficient medical-grade prosthetic for animals of all types. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Jul 28, 2026 Medical To help injured animals regain mobility and improve their quality of life, Bionic Pets LLC provides custom-made veterinary prosthetics and orthotics. The company works closely with pet owners and veterinarians to deliver tailored solutions ranging from full to partial prosthetic limbs to protective helmets, addressing a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions. As a trusted partner in veterinary care, the company focuses on helping animals regain their independence, restore confidence in their movement, and support long-term well-being. Bionic Pets operates a fully in-house, on-demand manufacturing workflow tailored to each animal’s specific goals and needs. Production is driven by immediate patient needs, requiring customized prosthetic designs tailored to each individual’s size, weight, and activity level. Specializing in professional grade veterinary orthotics and prosthetics, Bionic Pets operates completely within the veterinary medical device segment to serve animal owners and veterinarians globally. Prosthetics are fully customized and tailored to each animal’s unique anatomy, weight, and activity level. Devices are designed to meet the functional and mobility needs of the individual animal, ensuring comfort and durability for day-to-day life. Bionic Pets required a custom system that enabled highly customized prosthetic feet, specifically adjusting to thickness and stiffness based on each animal’s lifestyle. The company needed to produce soft, flexible component that could be produced on demand for fast turnaround times. In addition, they needed to reduce overall production time. Having relied on Raise3D E2 IDEX 3D printers for dependable dual-extrusion of parts, the demand for faster turnaround times for customized TPU 3D printing led the team to upgrade to the Raise3D E3 IDEX 3D printer. The new printer was designed for faster printing of flexible materials. Paired with the company’s Flexible Filament Auxiliary Feeder the system is capable of producing TPU prints of up to 200 mm/s and better print consistency. This allows Bionic Pets to print multiple iterations and colors within a single job—typically producing two parts per print cycle. Depending on the size and stiffness requirements of each prosthetic foot, print times were reduced to as quick as 1 hour, enabling flexible and responsive production scheduling. Using Kexcelled’s TPU 95A filament, Bionic Pets was able to produce durable prosthetic components that adapt to different surfaces while providing shock absorption, comfort, and enhanced mobility for animals. Combined with Raise3D Filament Dry Boxes and Flexible Filament Auxiliary Feeder, this optimized workflow has led to improved print quality, higher material yield, and more efficient production of customized veterinary prosthetics. Following the upgrade to the Raise3D E3 paired with the Flexible Filament Auxiliary Feeder and Filament Dry Boxes, Bionic Pets achieved measurable improvements in production efficiency, product quality, and manufacturing flexibility. Some of the key results included streamlined design iterations, on-demand manufacturing with shorter turnaround times to better meet individual patient needs. The company also got improved print performance, quality, and consistency with fewer gaps, holes, and stringing issues. They were also able to increase material efficiency and filament spool utilization. Through the adoption of the Raise3D IDEX 3D printing solution, Bionic Pets successfully optimized its production workflow of custom veterinary prosthetics and orthotics. The transition to the E3 enabled more efficient manufacturing, improved part quality, and greater design flexibility, allowing the company to provide highly customized prosthetics and orthotics solutions that help more animals regain their mobility and independence. *Images courtesy of Raise3D. For information: Raise3D Bionic Pets Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

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

The Technology Behind Protecting Casino Assets, Both Money and Equipment EE Staff Mini Story Oct 27, 2025 Casinos need to be conscious of every detail of their business to remain profitable. The casino floor includes a wide variety of high-value equipment—slot machines, poker tables, roulette wheels, baccarat tables, pit podiums, drop slides, and more—that must be closely monitored and maintained. One answer to this challenge included the GAO RFID asset tracking system that’s able to provide comprehensive information such as service history, maintenance schedules, and current status. Ensuring that equipment is working optimally not only helps keep the gaming environment fair but also safeguards the casino’s bottom line. Learn about the company’s full capabilities here . For more information: GAO RFID *Las Vegas strip photo courtesy of Depositphotos.com Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

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

The roof technology used at the campus at Florida Polytechnic University is a masterful use of design, installation, and implementation. University Roof Uses Operable Louver Arms to Shade Students at Any Time of Day The roof technology used at the campus at Florida Polytechnic University is a masterful use of design, installation, and implementation. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Jun 16, 2026 Architecture Florida Polytechnic University is home to the first building with operable louver arms. Appropriately located on the roof of the Science Technology Building, the hydraulics used to move the roof was designed, built, and maintained by Atlantic Hydraulic Systems in conjunction with internationally renowned architect, Santiago Calatrava, who designed the campus. The building has won 20 international awards and was voted one of the sixteen most breathtaking buildings in the world. Fun and challenging engineering applications has always been a staple at Atlantic Hydraulic Systems, and they were honored to be selected to design, manufacture, install, and commission the hydraulics and controls systems used for the unique and distinctive roof raising project. The white domed building is a movable, workable piece of art considered to be one of the top ten new building designs of the 21 st century. Images courtesy of Atlantic Hydraulic Systems. This 16,000-square-foot innovation is the cornerstone of the new campus in Lakeland, FL—less than 20 minutes from Orlando. The building incorporates hydraulic power along with a programmable logic controller (PLC), distributed I/O system, and a control loop software system for positioning. Ninety-four hydraulic cylinders in lengths from 24-inches to 62-inches are used to position sixty-foot tall louvers that track with the sun. The hydraulic cylinders, ranging in bore from 3.25-inches to 8-inches and having a 59.6-inch stroke, are used to pull the end of the louver over a fulcrum point to lift the opposite end of the louver. The idea was to provide optimal building shade throughout the day in the Florida sun. Images courtesy of Atlantic Hydraulic Systems. The cool part of this application is the ability to control each of the 94 louvers individually using a hydraulic cylinder and manifold. Separate control of each cylinder allows the system to create any roof shape desired—which means that the overall shape of the roof can change throughout the day. Final position accuracy is specified at ±0.25 degrees. The system also incorporates an advanced weather detection system utilizing anemometer and lighting detection feedback, which can shut the roof down in a matter of seconds if necessary. Images courtesy of Atlantic Hydraulic Systems. The movable louvers are controlled by an Allen Bradley (by Rockwell Automation) ControlLogix PLC for control, feedback, and operator interface. The controller talks to each of the 94 hydraulic cylinders that move the louvers up and down, programming the individually articulated pieces to follow the sun’s position to maximize shade. Location feedback is done using inclinometers for direct data rather than having to incorporate linear to angular motion lookup tables. Each hydraulic system included two roof mounted units with two 60 hp, Parker PD75 industrial pumps, two 10 hp, Parker PD16 pumps for sun tracking, and a 300-gallon oil reservoir with bladder air containment system. Images courtesy of Atlantic Hydraulic Systems. This unprecedented design and implementation has multiple safety capabilities incorporated, such as wind protection, protection from lightning strikes, complete louver closure locks for bad weather, and loss of power protection. For information: Atlantic Hydraulic Systems Santiago Calatrava Parker PD Series Rockwell Automation Read more architectural case studies >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Van Nuys, California, June 25, 2014—When Sebastian Lindstrom, co-founder of What Took You So Long, and his team journeyed to Liberia for their latest documentary, they employed an iPhone 5s equipped with the iPro Lens System® by Schneider Optics iPhone Lenses Used in Film Shoot Van Nuys, California, June 25, 2014—When Sebastian Lindstrom, co-founder of What Took You So Long, and his team journeyed to Liberia for their latest documentary, they employed an iPhone 5s equipped with the iPro Lens System® by Schneider Optics Terry Persun Film and TV Jun 3, 2025 “We are a small documentary production company that specializes in supporting non-profits and development entities around the world,” explains Lindstrom. “Our method of filmmaking depends on high-quality, lightweight equipment.” For the documentary about women with obstetric fistula, which was co-funded by the United Nations Populations Fund, the team took two Canon 5Ds to the West African country. And for the most audience-engaging results, they also took a 7D and an iPhone to capture slow motion and extreme close-up footage. “We shot with the iPhone 5s ─ mostly in 720p at 120-fps ─ and iPro Super Wide and Macro lenses,” he says. “The Macro captures the same details as a $1000 lens would. It’s amazing how close you can get with it ─ so close, we were able to position it just inches from a person’s iris,” which is shown in the opening sequence of the video. On the opposite end of the spectrum, “The iPro Super Wide frames a much bigger picture of the world than the native camera inside the iPhone,” Lindstrom adds. “While at a stadium in Monrovia for a big soccer game between Liberian and Ghanaian teams, the president of Liberia came out on the field to wish everybody ‘good luck.’ The iPro Super Wide lens enabled us to spontaneously capture innovative wide-angle shots for slow-motion content that will take audiences’ imaginations to the next level when watching our videos. In retrospect, we should have left the 7D at home, because the daylight footage we caught with the iPhone and iPro lenses was superior ─ and it was much easier to pack.” While the DSLR revolution gave the world access to smaller, less expensive cameras, Lindstrom notes that “Filming with a phone takes it to another level, as you can quickly position angles that your DSLR would require a jib for, and it’s something most people travel with anyway. And you could never get smooth traveling shots by holding your DSLR outside of a car window with your hand like we did with the iPhone. We believe that the iPro Lens System used in conjunction with the iPhone 5s for slow motion filming has the potential to become an important, value-added component for any type of documentary work. We plan to use them in all our upcoming shoots around the world as an integral part of our DSLR filming.” For the past five years, What Took You So Long has worked within more than 70 developing countries. “Some of the areas we travel to may not take kindly to visiting filmmakers,” he says. “So it’s very beneficial to be able to shoot with the iPhone ─ now with professional-grade lenses that are easy to conceal.” For more information: What Took You So Long Home Schneider Optics Lenses Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next