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Rushed and dangerous scenarios require equipment that's safe and reliable. Here's how the aerial ladders on firetrucks just got safer. Fire Trucks Get a Ladder Safety Upgrade Rushed and dangerous scenarios require equipment that's safe and reliable. Here's how the aerial ladders on firetrucks just got safer. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Nov 17, 2025 Amity Fire & Safety serves the Fire & Equipment industry by producing swivels, telescopic waterways, weldments, machined parts, and pins for extremely demanding applications. Their international customer base includes industry giants such as KME (Kovatch Mobile Equipment), Pierce Manufacturing, and Rosenbauer. Amity’s customers manufacture the fire trucks that are seen at local fire departments around the world. KME custom manufactures the broadest family of aerials in the fire service and incorporates IQAN E-Control™ (motion control system) in their trucks to ensure a high level of safety. Ladder base swivels allow for rotation of the aerial ladder while acting as a pass-through for water and continuous hydraulic and electrical circuits. The position of the aerial ladder on a fire truck needs to be monitored to reduce risk of injury and damage to equipment. Although Amity used limit switches to monitor whether the ladder was within certain degrees of rotation, the proximity switches still couldn’t monitor the accurate position of the ladder within that range. Safety swivel side and top view. Images courtesy of Advanced Micro Controls, KME, and Amity Fire & Safety. Without knowing the absolute position of the aerial ladder, damage or injury can occur in several ways. Trucks could tip over when the ladder’s range of movement is exceeded. This could happen during a short jacking operation where a narrow jack spread is used to avoid obstacles such as parked cars. Damage can also occur when bringing the ladder to cradle position. When the ladder is brought back into the resting (cradle) position, misalignments can damage the cradle ears. On mid-mount ladders, pump panel damage can occur when the aerial ladder is brought below grade (too far down). Outrigger jacks fully extended. Images courtesy of Advanced Micro Controls, KME, and Amity Fire & Safety. Accurate Positioning By using an absolute analog DuraCoder®, Amity is able to acquire the accurate feedback they need. The DuraCoder recognizes where the ladder is within the 0–360 degree revolution without guesswork. When the ladder is at a low angle, the operator is now capable of automatically stopping rotation at a pre-set point known to eliminate risk of damage to the body of the truck and injury to firefighters during a rescue operation. When KME upgraded to their Parker IQAN™ (motion control system), they realized that the grey scale encoder they had initially specified would no longer meet their voltage output requirements. Additionally, an excessive amount of mathematical programming was required with the grey scale encoder; and together, Amity and KME set out to find a more efficient solution. “If we want to be successful, we have to get to that next level.” DuraCode® absolute encoder. Images courtesy of Advanced Micro Controls, KME, and Amity Fire & Safety. Signal Changes After reviewing all of their options, KME contacted Amity with the solution: an AMCI DuraCoder with integrated cable. The DuraCoder’s analog output signal eliminated much of the mathematical programming that was necessary with the grey code encoder. With the integrated cable, KME no longer needed to produce their own cable, simplifying wiring and installation, and ensuring the IP67 sealed rating. The DuraCoder is installed in an area of the truck that is exposed to water mist during firefighting, high pressure wash downs, and airborne contaminants from smoke and ash. AMCI’s DuraCoders are designed to provide consistent reliable feedback while preventing water and contaminant ingress. With the DuraCoder, KME’s IQAN “E-Zone™ system stops rotation or elevation of the ladder when the operator attempts to position the ladder in a pre-defined zone (cab avoidance, body avoidance, and short jack operation). This eliminates the possibility of cab or body damage and makes operation of the device on the short jack side of the vehicle safer, according to the KME product brochure. Amity’s concerns when selecting an encoder included its ability to withstand heavy shock and vibration caused by the truck’s engine, onboard generators, and road vibration. The DuraCoder is resolver based, meaning that it was designed to provide absolute position feedback without plastic disks or magnetic components, enabling it to withstand high levels of shock and vibration. Amity Swivel with AMCI DuraCoder. Images courtesy of Advanced Micro Controls, KME, and Amity Fire & Safety. The optional 5/8-inch stainless steel shaft boasts exceptional shaft loading, and the high shock and vibration rating provides reliability where most sensors fail. The IP67 rated product line comes standard with either a ¼-, 3/8-, or 5/8-inch stainless steel shaft and an oversized double row sealed bearing. Additionally, DuraCoder brand encoders are available in six different versions, including SSI, Digital, Analog, Incremental, DeviceNet, and Ethernet/IP. Amity was able to change out the original optical encoder for the AMCI DuraCoder quickly and easily. The units’ industry-standard mounting pattern made it easy to replace the existing encoders. While the standard lead time for the AMCI DuraCoder is three weeks or less, Amity could not wait that long. Because AMCI designs and manufactures their products in-house, they were able to expedite the process, sending the full shipment out within a few days. After an easy installation, Amity’s swivels were ready to be sent off to KME. For more information: Advanced Micro Controls Absolute DuraCoder Amity Fire & Safety Kovatch Mobile Equipment Read more about cars and trucks >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The latest in a series of ocean-observing radar altimetry missions. Ocean and Atmospheric Data Improves Hurricane Forecasts The latest in a series of ocean-observing radar altimetry missions. EE Staff Mini Story Jan 19, 2026 NASA and its partners launch a US-European satellite to monitor Earth’s oceans. The project is meant to provide ocean and atmospheric data for a number of purposes. According to Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, “Understanding tidal patterns down to the inch is critical in protecting how we use our oceans every day on Earth.” Two satellites make up the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission, which is the latest in a series of ocean-observing radar altimetry missions that have monitored Earth’s changing seas since the early 1990s. Key information includes wind speeds, wave heights, atmospheric temperature, and humidity. Get more informative details from the full article here . *Artist’s concept courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Through a complex array of projection mapping, "America's Tallest Birthday Candle" illuminated the night sky with hourly historical events celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States. How Technology Transformed the Washington Monument into an Immersive Storytelling Platform Through a complex array of projection mapping, "America's Tallest Birthday Candle" illuminated the night sky with hourly historical events celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States. Edited by EE Staff Attractions Mar 23, 2026 Museums On New Year’s Eve, 2026, the Washington Monument didn’t just stand tall, it came alive. As the centerpiece of Freedom 250, the monument was transformed into a dynamic storytelling canvas, which organizers called the “world’s tallest birthday candle.” Over the course of the evening, audiences experienced 20–25-minute narrated projection sequences, cycling through key chapters of American history: discovery, revolution, expansion, and modern innovation. These vivid stories unfolded across the monument’s full height, creating a spectacle that blended artistry, technology, and national pride. No Easy Feat Turning a 555-foot marble obelisk into a seamless projection surface is not as easy as it might sound. The creative and technical teams tasked with the execution faced enormous challenges, including achieving flawless image quality across the monument’s surface, delivering exceptional brightness to stand out against the night sky, and ensuring precise edge blending for a multi-projector setup. In addition, the unpredictability of conditions outdoors and in the winter put additional pressure on the team. There would be a global audience, which meant that the technology had to perform perfectly—without compromise. Images courtesy of Barco. LMG, the event’s technology provider, partnered with Barco to make this vision a reality. The team deployed 10 Barco QDX-4K-45 projectors and 30 UDX-4K-40 projectors to create a powerhouse setup designed for scale, precision, and brilliance. These projectors were chosen for their unmatched brightness and image clarity, ensuring that every historical scene—from the age of discovery to modern innovation—was vividly rendered against the towering marble surface of the Washington Monument. Projector Technology The operation required a remarkable amount of flexibility for the complex outdoor installation. Barco technology was able to meet those requirements with such features as 360-degree orientation, which allowed for creative placement in challenging positions. The also incorporated advanced edge blending capabilities to ensure seamless integration across the 40 projectors. This produced one continuous and flawless image. A wide range of lenses and accessories enabled precise projection angles, overcoming the monument’s unique geometry and environmental constraints. The projection mapping ran smoothly throughout the night, delivering consistent performance and stunning visuals. The Barco QDX-4K-45 is the latest generation projection platform and offers reduced energy usage and lower weight. It features the company’s patented next generation Pulse electronics with higher bandwidth up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz, plus more processing power for smoother images and sharper pixels. The outcome was spectacular. As midnight approached, the Washington Monument glowed with vibrant imagery, telling America’s story in a way never seen before. The projection mapping ran flawlessly throughout the night, captivating crowds and setting social media ablaze. Thousands gathered in Washington, D.C., while millions tuned in online to witness this unforgettable moment. Images courtesy of Barco. Freedom 250’s kick-off event set a new benchmark for large-scale projection in the U.S., a proud moment of innovation and artistry proving that technology can transform iconic landmarks into immersive storytelling platforms. All of this due to the breathtaking Barco-powered projection mapping equipment. Even beyond hardware, Barco’s global support network and integration expertise gave the team confidence under immense pressure. For more information: Barco QDX-4K45 UDX-4K40 LMG Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The Large Hadron Collider is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. Experiments use various mixtures of gasses, which requires pumps that are clean, gas-tight, and reliable. Keeping CERN's Large Hadron Collider Clean The Large Hadron Collider is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. Experiments use various mixtures of gasses, which requires pumps that are clean, gas-tight, and reliable. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Aug 4, 2026 Aerospace Some of the most amazing discoveries concerning the composition of the universe have come from particle detectors at CERN. What is the universe made of? That’s the primary question that scientists are trying to answer. CERN is a world-leading research facility that helps scientists with this search by probing the fundamental structure of particles that make up everything around us. Buried deep underground, partly in Switzerland, partly in France, various circular and linear particle accelerators are used for experiments that have already brought several groundbreaking achievements, such as the discovery of the Higgs boson and the isolation of antimatter in the form of antihydrogen. Images courtesy of KNF. Cancelling Out Environmental Impacts To remove as many environmental impacts as possible, such as radiation, the largest particle accelerator at CERN (the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)) is located 100 meters (328 feet) underground. Its tunnel is 3.8 meters (12.5 feet) wide and nearly 27 kilometers (16.8 miles) long. In this space, particles are accelerated to just under the speed of light and collided with one another. A series of highly precise detectors record phenomena occurring during these collisions. When charged high-energy particles crash past noble-gas molecules, they leave a trail of ionization in their wake. These tiny signals can be amplified using electric fields and then measured electronically to reveal particle tracks with a high level of precision. From the results of these experiments, CERN scientists gain deeper insights into the structure of matter. The pumps that circulate specific gas mixtures through these particle detectors must be highly reliable and safeguard the gases from contamination. For this reason, CERN relies on KNF diaphragm pumps to meet these strict requirements. Images courtesy of KNF. CERN is fitted with close to 30 gas systems used to deliver just the right gas mixture to the corresponding detectors for the LHC experiments. The detector gas mixture is a sensitive medium. In it, a charge multiplication produces a signal that is then recorded and analyzed. This means that a correct and stable gas mixture composition is key to the reliable operation of each and every experiment. Gas mixtures for these particle detectors are composed of noble gases such as argon, xenon, helium, and other gases like tetrafluoromethane, tetrafluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride, isobutane, and carbonic dioxide. The four main particle detectors at CERN are known as A Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE), ATLAS, Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS), and Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb). The CMS detector, where KNF diaphragm pumps are used to purify and circulate the specific gas mixtures, is 21 meters (68.9 feet) long, 15 meters (49.2 feet) wide, 15 meters (49.2 feet) high, and weighs 14,000 metric tons. Constructed in 15 sections, it is located in a hall 100 meters (328 feet) underground near Cessy, France. The CMS experiments are primarily aimed at advancing research into the Higgs boson, which was detected at CERN in July 2012. Gas Recirculation and Recuperation Environmentally harmful chlorofluorocarbons, called freons, play an important role in detector gas mixtures. They help in achieving the detector performance required at the LHC experiments (high-rate capability, containment of charge multiplication, detector stability at long term, etc.). To deal with this issue, physicists at the LHC are conducting research into eco-gases for the next generation of detectors. CERN’s EP-DT Gas Team is developing gas recuperation systems for the large experiment in addition to the already used gas recirculation systems. They are also developing a compact and flexible gas recirculation system for laboratory applications to eliminate any gaseous emissions from the detector activities. Recirculating and recuperating the gas mixtures also reduces CERN’s operating costs. Images courtesy of KNF. Custom Diaphragm Pumps Two KNF pumps were chosen to purify and circulate the gas mixtures in the CMS particle detector. A third pump serves as a backup in case of failure during an experiment. Since detector gas mixtures must be free of contamination and have unimpaired circulation, KNF process pumps have proven to be the ideal solution due to their cleanliness, gas-tightness, and reliability. The pumps in current use at CERN are the result of close collaboration and high level of customization. Based on a KNF N 0150, the pumps are equipped with the pump head geometry of a KNF N 1200. Further customization included combining a working diaphragm with an additional safety diaphragm — which prevents gas from escaping in the unlikely event of a fracture. Despite the high level of customization, this process only took 18 months of development, including rigorous factory testing. According to Roberto Guido, Project Leader, EP-DT Gas Team, “Particle detectors are extremely sensitive to the presence of impurities in concentrations even below the ppm level. KNF pumps were tested, and they ensure this requirement is met.” For information: KNF Find Your Pump CERN LHC Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

A fast-growing electric vehicle infrastructure provider required compact, high-speed components for fluid handling within the power electronics enclosure of next-generation EV chargers. Full Solution Custom Assembly Simplifies EV Charging A fast-growing electric vehicle infrastructure provider required compact, high-speed components for fluid handling within the power electronics enclosure of next-generation EV chargers. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Apr 13, 2026 Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is a critical aspect for bringing EV adoption online. Key requirements include reducing range anxiety among users and supporting local and national environmental goals. When an EV infrastructure provider approached Dings Motion, they had already sourced a magnetic gearhead pump from a manufacturer overseas, intending to pair it with a NEMA 24 BLDC (brushless DC) motor. However, they encountered persistent communications issues, which included delays in technical support that hindered their ability to finalize the assembly and move forward with prototyping and testing prior to production. Image courtesy of Dings Motion The complexity of integrating the pump with the motor presented additional engineering and supply chain headaches. What they needed was a partner that could overcome these initial roadblocks as well as one that could provide a custom product of high quality. The Dings Motion engineering team quickly identified an opportunity to streamline the development process by leveraging its strong supplier relationships to obtain answers to the client’s technical questions within days—compared to the months they had previously waited. To further reduce complexity, a turnkey solution was developed, sourcing the pump on the client’s behalf, assembling it to a Dings BLDC motor in-house, and delivering a fully integrated drive subsystem. This eliminated the need for the client to manage cross-continental component sourcing as well as system integration. Image courtesy of Dings Motion The partnership between Dings Motion and their EV infrastructure client resulted in a customized motor and gear pump subassembly that matched the client’s performance specifications. Dings’ engineers were able to select from the company’s broad range of low-cost, customized BLDC motor solutions and match them with the right amplifier for the application. The advantages of brushless DC motors include speed regulation, higher power density, and overload capacity. The company produces NEMA sizes from 17 to 34 and with three different lengths per size. The final subsystem was fully compatible with Dings’ open-loop BLDC motor driver networked through RS485. Image courtesy of Dings Motion The plug-and-play solution significantly simplified the client’s prototyping and testing process. By delivering a fully assembled subsystem, the client’s R&D process was accelerated, which greatly eliminated the pain points of overseas coordination. While the project is ongoing, early feedback indicates that the client has shortened their development timeline and minimized integration risks by sourcing a full solution rather than individual components and having to assemble and test them in-house. For more information: Dings Motion BLDC Motors Read more EV case studies >>> Main image from Depositphoto.com. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Filmmakers and businesses get a creative refuge where they can plan, shoot, edit, score, and finalize projects. Virtual Production Stage for Film Filmmakers and businesses get a creative refuge where they can plan, shoot, edit, score, and finalize projects. Edited by Terry Persun Film and TV Jun 24, 2025 35North Studios is a state-of-the-art production studio that allows creators a peaceful space to focus on their craft and enjoy the process. The company’s full-service approach provides their clients with a well-equipped studio situated in Clear Lake, Iowa. At its 12-acre campus, 35North Studios operates out of a 225,000-square-foot-facility that includes soundstages and editing suites, in addition to a recording studio, equipment rental house and production office space. With an eye on the trends shaping entertainment and production, 35North Studios’ executive leadership began paying close attention during the pandemic lockdowns when virtual production projects started to accelerate. They conducted extensive research and evaluations into virtual production methodologies and the technologies that enable them. Soon after, they committed to building their own virtual production stage. Also from Entertainment Engineering: Photo courtesy of 35North Studios. “It’s just ingrained in us to always be looking forward and to stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry tools,” said Justin Fairfax, Director of 35North Studios. “We also saw the opportunity to be an early adopter in the Midwest.” Technically Advanced 35North Studios’ virtual production workflow features an OptiTrack camera tracking system—a 3D optical tracking technology with sub-millimeter accuracy for virtual production stages and other industry applications. OptiTrack is a 3D precision tracking systems that provides low latency output, easy to use workflows, and a host of developer tools. The system’s primary markets include drone and ground robot tracking, movement sciences, virtual production and character animation for film and games, and mixed reality tracking. The specific OptiTrack system used by 35North Studios is comprised of 12 SlimX13 cameras—a lightweight, high frame-rate capture product that includes a discreet profile and is designed with simplicity and usability in mind. The system also includes CinePuck, a camera tracking tool for virtual production studios that can be seamlessly integrated into any production workflow. The studio’s stage is also equipped with fine pitch LED video walls and ceiling from OptiTrack’s sister company, Planar, a leading provider of LED display solutions, and ARRI cinema cameras. Additionally, 35North Studios custom built all of its rendering nodes and computer hardware systems. Flexibility and Stability 35North Studios selected an OptiTrack system after evaluating the different types of motion capture technologies including how each one would support their vision for the new virtual production stage, both immediately, and long term. “We wanted our LED ceiling to be a reflective surface at all times, which automatically ruled out inside out camera tracking ,” Fairfax said. “If we had to place a bunch of trackers on the ceiling for positional tracking, then that would mean they would be visible in the reflections. We wanted to avoid that.” Because of their need for more creative latitude, their search eventually landed on optical camera tracking and the OptiTrack system. “For us, it’s all about flexibility and stability,” Fairfax said. “With an OptiTrack system, we are not tied solely to virtual production. For example, if we decide at a later stage to invest in an animated feature that needs motion capture, we can do that.” The flexibility of OptiTrack proved beneficial when 35North Studios wanted to expand its tracking volume. “We decided to also track our side walls to Unreal, which allows us to avoid having to remap everything every time we move one of those mobile walls,” Fairfax said. “That wouldn’t be possible using different tools.” The decision to integrate an OptiTrack system was also based on 35North Studios’ set up to use two ARRI cameras in their virtual volume and to be able to track both at once. OptiTrack provided the ability to track props, which the company can build into an active tracker and send to Unreal in real-time. “It’s such a multipurpose tool,” Fairfax said. According to Fairfax, OptiTrack provides several other advantages—the system is user-friendly, the equipment is dependable, and the software is easy to learn and understand. But what stands out the most is that the technology is virtually unnoticeable. “I haven’t had to worry about it being visible once on set,” Fairfax said. “It’s never a thought in my mind.” For information: OptiTrack Planar Epic Games ARRI Brompton Technology Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Fluid power components help the wicked witch levitate at the end of Act 1. Wicked Technology Defies Gravity on Broadway Fluid power components help the wicked witch levitate at the end of Act 1. Stage Events Jul 22, 2025 Cool Stuff Although Wicked recently came to the big screen, the Broadway edition of Wicked is still playing at the Gershwin Theatre—since 2003—and is currently the fourth-longest running Broadway show. The play focuses on the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. At the climax of Act 1, a hydraulics system installed and maintained by Atlantic Hydraulic Systems provides the power and control to raise the witch 20 feet above the stage as she sings “Defying Gravity.” The company built their hydraulic system for the play around two Parker pressure compensated 8 GPM hydraulic gear piston pumps with a maximum flow of 7.9 gallons per minute and at 2600 psi pressures. These pumps are specially designed to use mineral oil, fire-resistant fluids. For additional control, the platform that the witch is raised on also incorporates two 15 horsepower, totally enclosed fan-cooled TEFC electric motors. These motors typically operate from a 230/460V three-phase power source, and typically operate from around 1800 rpm to 3600 rpm. The Wicked Hydraulic Levitator, which raises the actress into the air, does not contain an on-board hydraulic power unit. Instead, a remote hydraulic power unit charges up accumulators on the levitator prior to being detached. Proportional valves and redundant circuitry are employed to assure the actress’ safety throughout the show. For more information: Atlantic Hydraulic Systems Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

3D Printing is a game-changer in the movie and digital EFX industry. Large build volume and reliability at an affordable price for stunning special effects design has become a no-brainer investment. Film Studios and 3D Printing 3D Printing is a game-changer in the movie and digital EFX industry. Large build volume and reliability at an affordable price for stunning special effects design has become a no-brainer investment. Terry Persun Film and TV Jun 17, 2025 Veteran Makeup FX Artists Steve Yang and Eddie Wang from Alliance Studio—an entertainment design and build studio—discuss how 3D printing with Raise3D has shaped the new era of special effects and sculpture creation. Steve Yang: I moved to L.A. to get into the makeup effects industry. This was a time when the movie The Thing had come out already, American Werewolf in London , The Howling . These were huge innovations in makeup effects. I was lucky enough to get in with Stan Winston Studios when I first got here and work for him for a few months. Then I went to Rick Baker’s as a sculptor for Harry and the Henderson’s. And I think, it wasn’t until shortly after that I met Eddie. He was 17. Here’s this amazing kid, really talented, and he wanted to meet me. We instantly hit it off and have been friends ever since. Eddie Wang: Steve had this completely unique way of doing things. At the time everything was humanoid, what we called a “safe design.” It was all monster paint jobs using purples and flesh tones. Everything was done in a very boring fashion. And then Steve showed up to the monster maker contest with this hermit crab inspired, sea creature amphibian paint job with this samurai kilt underneath everybody was like, “Oh my God, it’s beautiful, it’s designed well, it’s something we’ve never seen before.” Steve Yang: In those days, everything we did in the industry was started with clay. We’d do maquettes, but our final products were always done in clay. And when I slowly moved out of the makeup effects arena, I started getting more into creating statues for video games. The first one I did was for Blizzard back in 2004, and it wasn’t until 2010 when they came to me, and they had this giant robot guy named Jim Raynor, a guy in the robot suit and they show me the 3D model and say, “We want you to make this.” At that point, it was totally different from what I’ve done before. Before everything was done traditionally, and now I’ve got this giant robot. And so that’s the first time that I really got into digital. Digital printing is a huge part of what we do now. A while back digital printing was something relatively new, now it’s everywhere. Every studio has a 3D printer. It just makes so much more sense. They are so much easier to work with. Plus it’s a one-to-one operation. You design stuff on the computer digitally and you get exactly what you designed. The first printer we ever bought was a Makerbot, but it was too small, and we needed something bigger, we need solutions. So, we started researching into larger printers, and we looked at every company. I think we were on a tour of Blizzard Studios when Brian Faison said you should look into Raise3D. Sure enough we contacted John over at Raise3D and he had a printer here ASAP. He rolled it out of the truck, plugged it in, and showed us how to use it. That was pretty much the history. What we got with Raise3D was a bigger build space and higher resolution. We were able to actually make some of the parts we needed for the big life-size statues. We print them, take them to the back, clean them up, and do a regular finishing on them. You can’t tell the difference between that and the parts that we actually farm out to the big printing companies. You do one job, and it pays for the printer. Oh yeah, the price was a huge thing because the ones we were looking at were two and three times more than a Raise3D printer. We were expecting to purchase one system, but we were able to afford two of them. Since then, we have recommended Raise3D to so many people. As artists, and being creative every day, we think of unique ways of utilizing this technology and the machinery. We can do things that we have never done before. See conversation video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYd7eS4o2ws&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.raise3d.com%2Fcase%2Fthe-advanced-tech-behind-movies-heres-why-every-film-studio-now-owns-a-3d-printer%2F See Alliance Studios video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=ZDGIuNLDvXM&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Falliancestudios.gg%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Falliancestudios.gg&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjIsMjg2NjY For information: Raise3D: Https://www.Raise3d.com Raise3D Demo Videos: https://www.raise3d.com/demo-video/ Alliance Studios: https://alliancestudios.gg/ Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

To ensure the integrity of production data in real time, producers need a backup system that facilitates high-capacity and high-performance data transfers. How Do Filmmakers Back Up Their Data When Filming On Location? To ensure the integrity of production data in real time, producers need a backup system that facilitates high-capacity and high-performance data transfers. Film and TV Jul 28, 2025 The demand for secure storage is on the rise because filmmakers are often using live-action short films as a test bed for virtual production technology. For example, Ripple Effect is a short film and research project created through the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) at the University of Southern California (USC). The production team for Ripple Effect relied on a relatively low-bandwidth internet connection on set—which meant that streaming backups to the cloud was not feasible. In order to ensure the integrity of the production data in real time, the producers chose to back up all their cameras using Lyve™ Mobile arrays from Seagate®. This storage-as-a-service solution enabled the production team to physically transport backups to an off-set data center. The ability to move production footage into the cloud enabled remote access to the data. ETC was founded with the support of filmmaker George Lucas, and has become a proving ground for movie studios to test new production ideas and experiment with innovative workflow strategies. The center’s work on remote production best practices is detailed in a white paper that discusses how Ripple Effect pushes the limits of virtual production. Improving production workflow is a big deal for studios that are investing in productions that cost millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars. All photos courtesy of Seagate. In an effort to develop a safe production environment, the ETC embarked on an ambitious live-action short film that was envisioned as a test bed for virtual production technology. The producers hope to debut their movie, Ripple Effect , at a film festival later in the year. But then COVID-19 happened. One of the major challenges for the entertainment industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic had been figuring how to keep new productions in the pipeline while ensuring the safety of cast and crew. Although most movie theaters and live entertainment venues shuttered for more than a year, consumer demand for new in-home programming skyrocketed. One of the cornerstones of a virtual production environment is data. But managing large amounts of data while filming on a set—or on location—requires the orchestration of technology tools that can store and transport data flowing from cameras. Further, that data must be safe and secure, both at the edge and in the cloud, which is why the team turned to Lyve Mobile Arrays from Seagate. The filmmakers used Alexa LF large-format cameras during production. They produced about 2TB per hour of HDR and ARRIRAW footage. At its peak, the project was generating about 12TB of data per day. Three backups were created after every scene, with two files ultimately stored in the cloud and one remaining on portable drives. All photos courtesy of Seagate. Storing the data in the cloud wasn’t just for archiving. The ability to move all the production footage in the cloud enabled the Ripple Effect producers to provide their editing team with remote access to the data. One of the goals of the project was to reduce post-production costs by doing as much editing and related work as possible during production. The Ripple Effect project demonstrated that Seagate storage can meet high performance demands to support fast data transfers and streaming. It also supports enterprise-level media workflows that ensure the integrity of creative content. Moreover, support for open standards eliminates vendor lock-in obstacles. Today, the full data transfer service is integrated and available for a flat fee to any cloud. The service also offers a growing list of accessories which includes a Lyve Mobile Rackmount Receiver, with redundant power and network- or direct-attached server interfaces; a Lyve Mobile PCIe Adampter to connect your Lyve Mobile Array directly to an external PCIe port on your computer using an optional SFF-8644 converter; or a mounting chassis that allows you to quickly ingest and remove your Lyve™ Mobile Array. Watch Ripple Effect For more information, visit Seagate . Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Augmented virtual reality ride helps customers be ‘in the moment.’ Virtual Reality Ride Experience Augmented virtual reality ride helps customers be ‘in the moment.’ Terry Persun Theme Parks May 21, 2025 When looking for automation challenges to solve, you don’t always have to look for industrial applications. AllMotion distributor Heitek Automation, located in Arizona, certainly thought outside the box when they helped develop and build a unique Virtual Reality (VR) experience ride for Dave & Busters, the well-known restaurant and entertainment business. Also from EE: How Jurassic World Rebirth Captured the Nostalgia of Film The VR experience was made with design cues from the Jurassic World trilogy and consists of a roller coaster-style carriage that guests sit in while wearing virtual reality googles. The ride’s carriage is supported by various actuators that lift and shift the carriage in multiple axes to provide the user with the sense of immersion during the experience. In the ride experience, the AllMotion DCH403-10 was used to drive several variable speed 24VDC fans that were wired in parallel and directed toward guests. The drive received speed command signals from a central computer that synced the action seen through the googles with the motion and airflow, providing an immersive VR experience. The DCH403-10 combines an AC to DC switching power supply with a regenerative PWM drive, creating an all-in-one solution to applications requiring control of 12 to 48 VDC motors when only 115 or 230 VAC power is available. The true lower output voltage will run your motor cooler and prolong brush life. The DCH403-10 is capable of speed or torque control, as well as cycling and positioning control when used with limit switches or resistive feedback devices. However, the microprocessor allows the drive to be programmed for custom applications or routines to meet OEMs requirements and the built-in isolation keeps PLC interfacing safe and simple. The DCH403-10 is perfect for those needing a wide range of low voltage motor control with quick braking or on-the-fly reversing when only AC line power is available. Contact: Heitek Automation: https://www.heitek.com/ AllMotion: https://www.allmotion.com American Control Electronics: https://www.americancontrolelectronics.com/ Dave & Busters: https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/home Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

A student team gained valuable STEM experience by developing an underwater remote operated vehicle using commercially available industrial-grade components. Industrial Devices Used in STEM Project A student team gained valuable STEM experience by developing an underwater remote operated vehicle using commercially available industrial-grade components. Geoff Gardener, North Paulding High School Cool Stuff Jul 9, 2025 Exploration of both the deep sea and of outer space share a lot in common. Both are extremely unforgiving environments where it is very expensive to create manned vehicles to carry out missions. As automation has become more capable, robotics and unmanned remote operated vehicles (ROVs) are used to execute much of this work. Underwater ROVs operate in challenging environments, which means that industrial-grade automation products are a natural fit to support these designs. Also from EE: Escape Room Experience Uses Automation Tools Although, ROVs are controlled remotely by human operators, most have some degree of on-board automation, combining mechanical, automation, and other skillsets. To develop young talent to support this field, Monterey Peninsula College—via a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation—has established a program called the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center. MATE promotes marine engineering by inspiring and challenging students to learn and creatively apply STEM skills for solving real-world problems. Part of the program is the MATE ROV Competition, which offers five different contest classes, each based primarily on skill and not strictly by age group. At North Paulding High School in Dallas, GA, a number of students make up the “WhaleTech” team. Some of them have participated up to seven consecutive years, starting in middle school. Each year, the competition organizer publishes challenges and mock mission profiles simulating real-life conditions, with various restrictions. For example: dive to a pipeline simulation at a given depth, strategically remove a “bad” pipe segment, replace it with a new section, and bring the bad portion to the surface. The team builds a ROV to meet those challenges, and along the way they must act and present themselves as a professional company by developing technical documentation, conducting research, and selecting products. Throughout the process, the team must learn and follow safe practices, assemble and test the ROV and subcomponents, and even do a bit of marketing. The Details Many ROVs look a lot like aerial drones, with propellers arranged to provide thrust in various directions. Just as aerial drones use propellers to provide constant lift and control motion, an underwater ROV does the same, but it can also use an additional mechanism to adjust its buoyancy. Cameras and lights are common on ROVs, and many also have robotic arms and manipulators to perform tasks. Many of the monitoring and control needs mirror the types of functionalities needed by industrial automation control systems. AutomationDirect has a long history of supporting student STEM efforts, and this underwater ROV project exemplifies just how important it is for industry to support education. For the 2024 competition, the WhaleTech team needed to develop a well-controlled ROV with an extensible gripper. The buoyancy mechanism, gripper, cameras, propellers, and other components would need to be supported and arranged in a chassis, which meant that some design effort would have to be in parallel and iterative to achieve the functionality and create an integrated form factor. As part of the process, the team used cardboard mockups and 3D printing, and then they created many structural elements cut out from high density polyethylene (HDPE). The buoyancy engine is used to actively alter the buoyancy of the vehicle so the ROV can rise, descend, or stay at a fixed depth (Figure 1). A sealed cylinder compresses the fixed air volume, displacing it with water, which results in changing the overall density of the apparatus. Figure 1: The buoyancy engine consists of a specially modified pneumatic cylinder, driven by a stepper motor and an AutomationDirect SureStep stepper drive, to provide accurate control with minimal power consumption. (Photo courtesy of North Paulding High School.) After selecting an industrial-grade cylinder, the team needed a powerful yet controllable way to actuate the piston portion via a linear screw drive mechanism. After some trial and error, and investigation of technologies readily available from AutomationDirect, the team found that a stepper motor could do the job admirably. A stepper motor can continuously turn in either direction and be commanded in increments as small as 1.8 degrees per step, driven by an AutomationDirect SureStep stepper drive commanded by an Arduino nano. A stepper motor draws no power when idle, it works well within the available power budget, and there is no rebound when the target position is achieved. The buoyancy engine is also outfitted with a pressure sensor used to store depth data into the on-board computer, and a wireless transmitter to communicate this information to the surface computer for a graph display when the ROV surfaces. Similarly, the gripper assembly incorporates an AutomationDirect SureStep rotary stepper motor driving a screw shaft to provide the motion required to extend or retract a mechanism, which in turn opens or closes the gripper (Figure 2). Because this assembly must articulate, it is connected to the controller using a watertight flexible cable. Figure 2: The WhaleTech project team found the right cable assembly for the gripper by researching the AutomationDirect catalog where they found cut-to-length cable solutions that met their technical needs. (Photo courtesy of North Paulding High School.) In previous competitions, the team had experienced issues with umbilical cables—running from the ROV to the surface—that were not flexible enough to allow precise movements in the water, or were insufficiently shielded and therefore susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). To solve these issues, the team researched cables on the AutomationDirect website and found products with better flexibility and improved resistance to electrical noise. Further, the team occasionally used AutomationDirect’s phone support to iron out details. As a result of their design and execution efforts, the WhaleTech team won first place in the Ranger class of the 2024 MATE ROV Competition. While some members are graduating and moving on to new work and educational endeavors, a new crew will assemble next year and work to build upon their successes. For more information, visit AutomationDirect . Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

How this automated bowling system — created for testing bowling balls, lanes, and related equipment — was engineered. EARL the Bowling Robot Can Reproduce Virtually Any Throw How this automated bowling system — created for testing bowling balls, lanes, and related equipment — was engineered. Edited by EE Staff Sports Nov 17, 2025 Games When the U.S. Bowling Congress (USBC), the national governing body for bowling, approached ARM Automation with a request to develop an automated bowling system capable of reproducing virtually any type of throwing style to a high degree of accuracy, the company’s creative wheels started turning. In their quest to build the ultimate testing platform for balls, lanes, and related equipment, the USBC had approached several different machine builders and had evaluated using many off-the-shelf robotic systems to no avail. What had to be done is for the ARM Automation team to break down the many different challenges presented and come up with a solution that met all of the performance criteria—within a strict budget. The team had to consider multiple elements in a bowling test, including different ball masses, ball grip orientations, spin, velocity, release point, and throw vector parameters. Any single bowl requires specification and execution of up to over a dozen variables all interacting at once. The Enhanced Automated Robot Launcher (EARL) is essentially a purpose-built seven-degree-of-freedom robot and tightly calibrated control system that allows for precision motion (± 2mm) and split second (± 1ms) timing accuracy. That’s what was ultimately required of the system to provide throwing a bowling ball at speeds up to 25 miles per hour time after time for test after test. All images courtesy of ARM Automation. Some of the key attributes of EARL include high robot tip speeds, high precision motion, fast spin speeds of unbalanced balls, and a simple touch-panel setup with flexible programmability. EARL is built for portability and rigidity. It’s mounted on air bearings, which double as vacuum chucks to secure the frame while throwing the ball. One of the key challenges of the project was the development of a suitable combination ball gripper/spindle/release mechanism. Each ball must be captured in a user-defined grip orientation (gripper spin axis relative to the ball’s rotationally non-homogenous coordinate frame) and clamped with significant pressure despite small variances in allowable ball size. To achieve required ball spin speeds of up to 900 rpm, a spindle motor system was incorporated into the scissor like gripper apparatus. Finally, in order to achieve precise release points while traveling at maximum arm speed, the gripper mechanism needed to open in a manner that imparted no adverse motion to the ball’s instantaneous trajectory and needed to do so in a very tight window of time, ±1 millisecond. This free-release grip solution required that the clamp forces on the ball be almost instantaneously reversed. To achieve this function, the ARM team of designers created a reversible scissor mechanism which once set closed was held in place by a multi-stage hair trigger release. Once set, the clamping cylinder loading was reversed, which attempted to open the mechanism. This allowed a fast-acting solenoid—combined with an accurate look-ahead control scheme—to release the spindle jaws at precisely the right moment and see that they swung wide and clear of the departing ball. EARL’s capabilities were so repeatable that it limited its own ability to bowl a perfect game. During an initial competition against a top professional bowler, EARL’s programmed perfect throw rubbed a dry streak on the oiled lane, which resulted in a progressively decreasing score. Tom Frenzel, USBC Senior Director of Equipment Specifications said, “Something I say about E.A.R.L. when I showcase him is: Due to the range of release variables E.A.R.L. can be adjusted with, it gives us a bowler for our research that can emulate any bowling style from the standard league bowler hobbyist all the way up to the top-level professionals by just pushing a few buttons. That allows us to study how our equipment specifications affect all levels of the sport.” Bonus video of EARL playing against Chris Barnes, 2007–2008 PBA Bowler of the Year: For more information, visit ARM Automation . Read more articles about creative technology in sports >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next