Posts

Types of Robots Using Interface Sensors

/0 Comments/in , /by

Robots are increasingly being used in a wide range of applications, from manufacturing and healthcare to entertainment and defense. As robots become more sophisticated, the need for accurate and reliable force measurement becomes even more critical.

Interface load cells and torque transducers are commonly used in the design and testing of new robots. Our sensor technologies are used to measure and monitor forces and loads experienced by various robot components. Load cells are used to measure the forces exerted by robotic arms and grippers, while torque transducers are used to measure the torque generated by motors. Multi-axis load cells are growing in use with robotic engineers throughout the R&D phases for more measurement data to make smarter decisions in design and use of the robot.

The use of Interface load cells and torque transducers in robotics offers several benefits. First, they can help to improve safety by detecting excessive forces or overloads. Second, they can help to optimize performance by providing feedback about the forces being applied by the robot. Third, they can enable more sophisticated control of robotic systems by providing real-time data about the forces and torques being generated. Our miniature load cells are commonly used by robotic OEMs to provide control and feedback during use.

Types of Robotics Using Sensor Technologies

Autonomous robots are engineered to operate independently without human intervention. They are often used in applications such as space exploration, agriculture, and transportation. Cobots work in collaboration with humans, enhancing skills, providing safety, or replacing tedious tasks to increase productivity. Read more in our Advancements in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors case study. The following highlights robot types that utilize Interface measurement solutions.

Industrial Robots: These robots are used in manufacturing and assembly processes to automate tasks that are repetitive, dangerous or require precision. They are used in a variety of industries such as automotive and aerospace. Robotic arms are frequently used in industrial automation. Check out our Industrial Robotic Arm App Note.

Medical Robots: These robots are used in healthcare applications, such as surgical procedures, diagnosis, and rehabilitation. They are often designed to be highly precise and can perform tasks that are difficult for human surgeons to perform. Learn more: Robotic Surgery Force Feedback

Military and Defense Robots: These highly skilled robots are used in military applications, such as bomb disposal, reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions. They are often designed to operate in dangerous environments where it is not safe for humans.

Educational Robots: These robots are used to teach students about robotics, programming, and technology. They are often designed to be easy to use and intuitive, allowing students to experiment and learn through hands-on experience.

Entertainment Robots: These robots including animatronic robots are designed for amusement purposes, such as robotic toys or theme park attractions. They interactive and engaging, incorporating features like voice and facial recognition. Read about this type of use case here: Animatronics

Consumer Product and Service Robots: These robots are designed to interact with humans and perform tasks such as assisting in healthcare, cleaning, or entertainment.

Why Interface Supplies Robotic Manufacturers with Load Cells

Measurement solutions, including load cells, play a vital role in the design, testing, and operation of robots by providing valuable information about forces, loads, and weights. They contribute to enhancing safety, optimizing performance, and enabling more sophisticated control of robotic systems.

Load cells are used to measure the forces exerted by robotic arms and grippers. By integrating load cells at key points in the robot’s structure, engineers can monitor the forces and torques experienced during operation. This helps in optimizing the robot’s performance, ensuring it operates within safe limits, and improving its control algorithms.

To determine the weight of the robot itself or the payload it carries, sensors are vital. The measurement data is crucial for stability analysis, power calculations, and designing the mechanical structure of the robot to ensure it can handle the intended loads. This is extremely important when utilizing robots in industrial applications for lifting and weighing.

Utilizing robots in production lines requires integrated sensors into robots to protect everyone and the equipment. Integrating load cells into robotic safety systems helps to detect excessive forces or overloads. If a load cell detects a force beyond the specified limit, it can trigger emergency shutdown procedures to prevent damage to the robot or injury to nearby humans.

Calibrating robotic systems in the design phase by using transducers ensures accurate measurement of forces and torques is very important. They are used during testing to validate the performance of the robot under different operating conditions and loads. This data helps engineers fine-tune the control algorithms, improve the robot’s efficiency, and identify potential weaknesses or areas for improvement.

A quality force measurement solution is ideal for real-time feedback about the forces being applied by the robot. This feedback can be used in closed-loop control systems to regulate and adjust the robot’s movements, gripping force, or interaction with the environment. Load cell data can also be integrated into the robot’s control system to ensure accurate and precise force control.

Robotics_InfographicPoster

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Sensors Used for Development and Testing of Surgical Robotics

6-Axis Force Plate Robotic Arm

Automation and Robotics Demands Absolute Precision

Robotic Arm Animated Application Note

Industrial Robotic Arm App Note

 

Entertainment Venue Force Measurement and Monitoring Solutions

/0 Comments/in /by

There is a great deal of critical sensor technology used to design, build, and monitor venue infrastructure and the public before and during events. Venues management, architects, product makers and engineers take inordinate steps to protect people from bodily harm, risks, and hazard-related threats. This also includes the detailed real-time monitoring for venue infrastructure, staging, equipment such as speakers and monitors, and special apparatus used for entertainment, whether it be musical, theatrical or sports related.

Interface provides torque and force measurement solutions to the global entertainment and amusement industry used in entertainment venues around the world. To ensure attendee safety of any event, force measurement sensors are ideal for monitoring of large pieces of equipment and infrastructure. This is especially critical for outdoor venues where the elements, such as wind and rain, can pose serious safety hazards.

From the monitoring of backstage rigging devices to heavy lifting equipment for sets and lighting, Interface offers a broad range of measurement and weighing solutions. Our products are used for staging, displays, filming and drone equipment, as well as theme park machines and robotics, as detailed in our Entertainment Solutions Overview.

In addition to real time monitoring, the tried and true use for force measurement sensors is in testing during the development and design stages. The entertainment industry is experimenting with a wide variety of new and engaging experiences for the audience, a lot of which involves massive infrastructure or robotics and animatronics. During live entertainment, you never want to put something as technical and complex as a mobile stage or robotic personality out in front of people without thorough testing. Interface sensors have been used to test these types of applications. Accuracy of our products ensures the manufacturers receives the data they need to confirm and produce designs used for and by various forms of entertainment.

We have recently put together a wide variety of applications notes outlining these exact types of entertainment industry applications used in venues to demonstrate how Interface products help to meet compliance requirements, improve safety, and mitigate risks for patrons, crews, entertainers, athletes, and staff while providing an entertaining experience.

Outdoor Festival Venue Wind Monitoring

An outdoor festival was occurring in a large outdoor venue for multiple days. Outdoor stages pose a risk towards high wind speeds, which need to be monitored in case a storm passes through. This is to ensure safety for all personnel on site of the festival to avoid any accidents. Interface suggested installing the WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module on the outdoor stage. Wind speed results were wirelessly transmitted to the customer’s PC through WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Station with USB Interface in Industrial Enclosure. It can also be transmitted to the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters Data can be displayed, logged, and graphed with supplied Log100 software. Interface’s WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module combined with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System was perfect to monitor the wind speed during the outdoor festival. Read more here.

Venue LED Screens

A customer constructing a huge venue wanted to weigh their very large LED screens. They also wanted to measure the force of the structure that is supporting the screens, to ensure stability and structural integrity. Interface suggested their LW General Purpose Load Washer Load Cells be assembled within rods that are part of the support structure. The LED screen hung off the structure, which connects to the rods. The compression forces applied to the rod were measured by the LW’s installed in between. The load washers were paired with WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, where the force results are wirelessly transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters and the WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Stations with included Log100 software. Interface’s wireless load washer system successfully weighed the forces of the large LED screen for the customer’s new venue.

Venue Animatronics

Animatronics are used throughout entertainment industry. From amusement and theme parks to movie sets, animatronics need to be accurately calibrated when they move, therefore the torque of the limbs must be tested. Interface’s MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer were connected to the servo motors in the limbs of the animatronics that make it move. The customer monitoring the animatronics viewed torque results on their PC when the transducers are connected to the BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition with Industrial Enclosure. Using this solution, the customer was able to record the force results of his metal bending machine with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System.

This is just a sample of the entertainment industry applications Interface force sensors can serve. We’re also heavily involved in provide standard and customized solutions used in testing and monitoring drones, touch screen calibration, equipment and infrastructure testing, and more.

Taking a Ride with Interface

/0 Comments/in /by

One of the greatest pastimes in the world are amusement parks. They bring fun and thrills for all generations with attractions for purposes of entertainment that include rides, shows, and games.

There is also a lot that goes into building an amusement park to keep the thrills high and the safety even higher. In addition, many types of theme park and carnival amusements keep innovating like most things in our society. The first historical reference amusement ride came around in the 1880s in the form of a carousel found at Dreamland Margate in England. The ride that was in the form of a ship and would pitch daring thrill seekers up and down like they were at sea.

Today, the level of entertainment is far more demanding of adventure and reality. Amusement entertainment continues to evolve through all types of animatronics, interactive screens, alternative realities, and physical adventure. This also requires a great deal of imagination and innovation backed by science and engineering to keep the audience captivated throughout the experience. This is also where Interface plays a significant part in amusement adventure testing and safety monitoring.

Critical in designing and building amusement park rides and other entertainment features is the application of force sensing before, during and after production. When you think about the different variables that go into building a roller coaster, you often think about velocity, drag, and gravitational energy. Factors that also play a massive role are weight, torque, and force. There are no exceptions to accuracy when measuring and evaluating these factors. It requires precision measurements from quality sensor technologies.

Interface load cells, torque transducers, and instrumentation are used in all types of entertainment and amusement applications. The reasons are apparent, it is because quality, safety, and durability matters. It also defines the believability and exhilaration of the experience. Our products are used in the engineering and design of amusement rides, as well as testing a myriad of components for these types of systems and apparatus. In addition to testing force to ensure an amusement park ride meets standards before it is available to the public, our load cells are utilized as embedded sensors to ensure the rides are working properly in use. The real-time feedback in testing and during use provides makers and engineers vital data to demonstrate adherence to many safety regulations and requirements needed for these types of systems in the entertainment industry.

Interface has provided sensors technologies to makers of all types of amusement park rides and forms of carnival-like entertainment. Our load cell and instrumentation devices are used to provide measurements of force for ground-level rides, twirling rides, roller coasters, railroad and transportation experiences, water rides, Ferris and rotational wheels, and about anything that spins or lifts you off the ground.

In addition to amusement park rides, Interface has helped to supply accurate and reliability force solutions for the following applications that found throughout the amusement park experience.

Amusement Animatronics and Robotics

To ensure maximum effect, quality of product development, and safety regulations, entertainment product makers use force testing and monitoring in wide variety of entertainment-related applications. Not only is this at the early stage of testing, but through the equipment’s life cycle. Continuous measurement using load cells and other sensor devices is key to the successful launch and use across all type of entertainment sectors. Another growing use case for force and torque measurement is automation of equipment and robotics, including simulation environments and animatronics.

Touch Screen Testing for Venus Displays

Monitors and displays are commonly used in all types of entertainment and amusement venues. From ticketing to directional aids, these touch screens are used by consumers with varying forces. The testing of the material durability to withstand the touch, as well as environmental conditions, packing and shipping, set-up and long-term wear is critical for those that design, manufacture, and supply this type of equipment. Entertainment has been using big screens for decades, the smaller and more mobile touch pads require rigorous test and measurement before putting them into use, not only for quality of product but also for consumer use and safety. Interface supplies load cells and instrumentation for testing forces of the glass, display housing, stands, rigging and inserts for all types of touch screens and LED screens.

Entertainment Component Manufacturing 

Interface has been designing and building a variety of sensors for more than five decades that have been used in a variety of entertainment applications. More than ever, today we understand it is imperative that sensor solutions meet the needs of smart use cases, pushing innovation and solve modern design and testing challenges. This particularly applies to the constantly evolving global entertainment and amusement industry. Interface offers a broad range of force measurement products for testing, monitoring, and embedding sensors into products and components supplied to the industry. This includes our load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, miniature load cells, digital instrumentation, wireless and Bluetooth telemetry systems, and custom force measurement devices for OEM applications.

These are just a few examples of how Interface helps create the experience you will find at amusement parks, but there is so much more we are able to assist with to ensure product quality and safety.

To learn more about other entertainment industry applications, read more here.

Entertainment-Brochure

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Entertainment and Amusement Industry Solutions

Entertainment LED Screens

Gaming Hardware Benefits from Force Measurement Solutions

 

Interface Entertainment and Amusement Industry Solutions

/0 Comments/in /by

The special effects of a movie or the thrills you experience on a roller coaster take a lot of engineering work behind the scenes. Force measurement plays a major role in the design, development, testing, manufacturing, and maintenance of equipment used in creating entertainment and amusement features.

Interface load cells, torque transducers and instrumentation are used when quality, safety, and durability matters. You see our products used in a variety of entertainment and amusement industry solutions. This includes testing gaming simulation devices, monitoring outdoor stage equipment, designing interactive displays, operating lifting equipment, testing film drones and cameras, as well as for designing amusement rides and theme park robotics.

The part engineering plays and use of sensor technologies has grown significantly over the years in the entertainment and amusement industry. The expertise and products propel the machinery that delights audiences, while keeping purveyors, operators, and consumers safe.

Interface offers force measurement products for testing, monitoring, and embedding sensors into products by makers for various equipment used in theatre, film, video gaming, television, theme parks and entertainment venues, as well as creating spectacular multimedia attractions.

With the entertainment industry’s growth into many different submarkets, Interface’s deep range of load cells and other sensor products are used for quality testing and accurate data collection. Beyond our standard products, Interface’s experts often collaborate with specialty engineers to design customizable measurement solutions for unique applications in the entertainment industry. Interface offers highly accurate sensor systems to ensure safety and eliminate risks when building and maintaining equipment used by industry professionals.

In our industry solutions, we’ve outlined how Interface is taking part in the entertainment markets. Learn about the products and application examples that demonstrate how engineers in the entertainment industry take advantage of our robust force measurement catalog.

Entertainment Applications Using Interface Measurement Solutions

  • Display Equipment
  • Cranes and Lifts for Rigging
  • Animatronics
  • Amusement Park Rides
  • Stage Equipment and Design
  • Touch Screens and Monitors
  • Theme Park Robotics
  • Drones for Videography
  • Camera and Multimedia Equipment
  • Outdoor Festival Wind Monitoring
  • Stunt Devices
  • Operating Equipment and Machines
  • Set and Venue Designs
  • Equipment Safety Monitoring

Drone Videography

A videographer team wanted to ensure the propeller motors compensate for weight shifting or uneven weight distribution of the video camera being attached when they film landscapes and other aerial shots. Four Interface WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cells were installed to the necessary propeller motors to compensate for an uneven weight load. The WMC’s measure the weight of the film camera attached and detect weight shifting or uneven weight distribution of the video camera. The four WMC load cells accurately measured the payload weight and maintained stability of the propeller motors to when the drone was in air with the attached film camera. This information was communicated to the drone’s on-board processor for monitoring and recording this information during flight. More information is available here.

Entertainment LED Screens

A customer constructing a huge venue wanted to weigh their extremely large LED display screens. They also wanted to measure the force of the structure that is supporting the screens, to ensure stability and structural integrity. Interface suggested their LW General Purpose Load Washer Load Cells being assembled within rods that are part of the support structure. The LED screen hangs off the structure, which connects to the rods. The compression forces applied to the rod will be measured by the LW’s installed in between. The load washers are paired with WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, where the force results are wirelessly transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters and the WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Stations with included Log100 software. Interface’s wireless load washer system successfully weighed the forces of the large LED screen for the customer’s new venue. Learn more.

Gaming Simulation Brake Pedal

A gaming company wanted to switch from the standard racing pedals to a load cell based pedal system for their racing simulation game. Compared to the standard racing simulation pedals, load cell pedals are more advanced and offer more accurate results. They also wanted a wireless system that will measure the strength of the pressure received by the pedals that will detect the perfect amount of braking power. Interface’s BPL Pedal Load Cell was installed onto the gaming brake pedal to measure the force applied when someone puts their foot on it. Forces were measured and recorded using the WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, where data is transmitted to the WTS-BS-6 Dongle Base Station when connected to the customer’s PC or laptop. Interface’s BPL Pedal Load Cell measured and recorded the pedal forces applied to their racing gaming brake pedals. In comparison to traditional simulation pedals that measure the distance of the pedals when pressed, Interface’s load cell pedal system provided a more realistic experience for gamers. Read more.

Interface enables incredible innovation across industries and the entertainment world is no different. We’re proud to help customers create incredible experiences and find new ways to captivate audiences. To learn more about our work in the entertainment industry here.

Entertainment-Brochure

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Gaming Hardware Benefits from Force Measurement Solutions

Why Product Design Engineers Choose Interface

Protecting Ultra HD Monitors

Robotic Arm Animated Application Note

 

Solutions

Types of Robots Using Interface Sensors

/0 Comments/in , /by

Robots are increasingly being used in a wide range of applications, from manufacturing and healthcare to entertainment and defense. As robots become more sophisticated, the need for accurate and reliable force measurement becomes even more critical.

Interface load cells and torque transducers are commonly used in the design and testing of new robots. Our sensor technologies are used to measure and monitor forces and loads experienced by various robot components. Load cells are used to measure the forces exerted by robotic arms and grippers, while torque transducers are used to measure the torque generated by motors. Multi-axis load cells are growing in use with robotic engineers throughout the R&D phases for more measurement data to make smarter decisions in design and use of the robot.

The use of Interface load cells and torque transducers in robotics offers several benefits. First, they can help to improve safety by detecting excessive forces or overloads. Second, they can help to optimize performance by providing feedback about the forces being applied by the robot. Third, they can enable more sophisticated control of robotic systems by providing real-time data about the forces and torques being generated. Our miniature load cells are commonly used by robotic OEMs to provide control and feedback during use.

Types of Robotics Using Sensor Technologies

Autonomous robots are engineered to operate independently without human intervention. They are often used in applications such as space exploration, agriculture, and transportation. Cobots work in collaboration with humans, enhancing skills, providing safety, or replacing tedious tasks to increase productivity. Read more in our Advancements in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors case study. The following highlights robot types that utilize Interface measurement solutions.

Industrial Robots: These robots are used in manufacturing and assembly processes to automate tasks that are repetitive, dangerous or require precision. They are used in a variety of industries such as automotive and aerospace. Robotic arms are frequently used in industrial automation. Check out our Industrial Robotic Arm App Note.

Medical Robots: These robots are used in healthcare applications, such as surgical procedures, diagnosis, and rehabilitation. They are often designed to be highly precise and can perform tasks that are difficult for human surgeons to perform. Learn more: Robotic Surgery Force Feedback

Military and Defense Robots: These highly skilled robots are used in military applications, such as bomb disposal, reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions. They are often designed to operate in dangerous environments where it is not safe for humans.

Educational Robots: These robots are used to teach students about robotics, programming, and technology. They are often designed to be easy to use and intuitive, allowing students to experiment and learn through hands-on experience.

Entertainment Robots: These robots including animatronic robots are designed for amusement purposes, such as robotic toys or theme park attractions. They interactive and engaging, incorporating features like voice and facial recognition. Read about this type of use case here: Animatronics

Consumer Product and Service Robots: These robots are designed to interact with humans and perform tasks such as assisting in healthcare, cleaning, or entertainment.

Why Interface Supplies Robotic Manufacturers with Load Cells

Measurement solutions, including load cells, play a vital role in the design, testing, and operation of robots by providing valuable information about forces, loads, and weights. They contribute to enhancing safety, optimizing performance, and enabling more sophisticated control of robotic systems.

Load cells are used to measure the forces exerted by robotic arms and grippers. By integrating load cells at key points in the robot’s structure, engineers can monitor the forces and torques experienced during operation. This helps in optimizing the robot’s performance, ensuring it operates within safe limits, and improving its control algorithms.

To determine the weight of the robot itself or the payload it carries, sensors are vital. The measurement data is crucial for stability analysis, power calculations, and designing the mechanical structure of the robot to ensure it can handle the intended loads. This is extremely important when utilizing robots in industrial applications for lifting and weighing.

Utilizing robots in production lines requires integrated sensors into robots to protect everyone and the equipment. Integrating load cells into robotic safety systems helps to detect excessive forces or overloads. If a load cell detects a force beyond the specified limit, it can trigger emergency shutdown procedures to prevent damage to the robot or injury to nearby humans.

Calibrating robotic systems in the design phase by using transducers ensures accurate measurement of forces and torques is very important. They are used during testing to validate the performance of the robot under different operating conditions and loads. This data helps engineers fine-tune the control algorithms, improve the robot’s efficiency, and identify potential weaknesses or areas for improvement.

A quality force measurement solution is ideal for real-time feedback about the forces being applied by the robot. This feedback can be used in closed-loop control systems to regulate and adjust the robot’s movements, gripping force, or interaction with the environment. Load cell data can also be integrated into the robot’s control system to ensure accurate and precise force control.

Robotics_InfographicPoster

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Sensors Used for Development and Testing of Surgical Robotics

6-Axis Force Plate Robotic Arm

Automation and Robotics Demands Absolute Precision

Robotic Arm Animated Application Note

Industrial Robotic Arm App Note

 

Entertainment Venue Force Measurement and Monitoring Solutions

/0 Comments/in /by

There is a great deal of critical sensor technology used to design, build, and monitor venue infrastructure and the public before and during events. Venues management, architects, product makers and engineers take inordinate steps to protect people from bodily harm, risks, and hazard-related threats. This also includes the detailed real-time monitoring for venue infrastructure, staging, equipment such as speakers and monitors, and special apparatus used for entertainment, whether it be musical, theatrical or sports related.

Interface provides torque and force measurement solutions to the global entertainment and amusement industry used in entertainment venues around the world. To ensure attendee safety of any event, force measurement sensors are ideal for monitoring of large pieces of equipment and infrastructure. This is especially critical for outdoor venues where the elements, such as wind and rain, can pose serious safety hazards.

From the monitoring of backstage rigging devices to heavy lifting equipment for sets and lighting, Interface offers a broad range of measurement and weighing solutions. Our products are used for staging, displays, filming and drone equipment, as well as theme park machines and robotics, as detailed in our Entertainment Solutions Overview.

In addition to real time monitoring, the tried and true use for force measurement sensors is in testing during the development and design stages. The entertainment industry is experimenting with a wide variety of new and engaging experiences for the audience, a lot of which involves massive infrastructure or robotics and animatronics. During live entertainment, you never want to put something as technical and complex as a mobile stage or robotic personality out in front of people without thorough testing. Interface sensors have been used to test these types of applications. Accuracy of our products ensures the manufacturers receives the data they need to confirm and produce designs used for and by various forms of entertainment.

We have recently put together a wide variety of applications notes outlining these exact types of entertainment industry applications used in venues to demonstrate how Interface products help to meet compliance requirements, improve safety, and mitigate risks for patrons, crews, entertainers, athletes, and staff while providing an entertaining experience.

Outdoor Festival Venue Wind Monitoring

An outdoor festival was occurring in a large outdoor venue for multiple days. Outdoor stages pose a risk towards high wind speeds, which need to be monitored in case a storm passes through. This is to ensure safety for all personnel on site of the festival to avoid any accidents. Interface suggested installing the WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module on the outdoor stage. Wind speed results were wirelessly transmitted to the customer’s PC through WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Station with USB Interface in Industrial Enclosure. It can also be transmitted to the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters Data can be displayed, logged, and graphed with supplied Log100 software. Interface’s WTS-WSS Wireless Wind Speed Transmitter Module combined with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System was perfect to monitor the wind speed during the outdoor festival. Read more here.

Venue LED Screens

A customer constructing a huge venue wanted to weigh their very large LED screens. They also wanted to measure the force of the structure that is supporting the screens, to ensure stability and structural integrity. Interface suggested their LW General Purpose Load Washer Load Cells be assembled within rods that are part of the support structure. The LED screen hung off the structure, which connects to the rods. The compression forces applied to the rod were measured by the LW’s installed in between. The load washers were paired with WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, where the force results are wirelessly transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters and the WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Stations with included Log100 software. Interface’s wireless load washer system successfully weighed the forces of the large LED screen for the customer’s new venue.

Venue Animatronics

Animatronics are used throughout entertainment industry. From amusement and theme parks to movie sets, animatronics need to be accurately calibrated when they move, therefore the torque of the limbs must be tested. Interface’s MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer were connected to the servo motors in the limbs of the animatronics that make it move. The customer monitoring the animatronics viewed torque results on their PC when the transducers are connected to the BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition with Industrial Enclosure. Using this solution, the customer was able to record the force results of his metal bending machine with Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System.

This is just a sample of the entertainment industry applications Interface force sensors can serve. We’re also heavily involved in provide standard and customized solutions used in testing and monitoring drones, touch screen calibration, equipment and infrastructure testing, and more.

Taking a Ride with Interface

/0 Comments/in /by

One of the greatest pastimes in the world are amusement parks. They bring fun and thrills for all generations with attractions for purposes of entertainment that include rides, shows, and games.

There is also a lot that goes into building an amusement park to keep the thrills high and the safety even higher. In addition, many types of theme park and carnival amusements keep innovating like most things in our society. The first historical reference amusement ride came around in the 1880s in the form of a carousel found at Dreamland Margate in England. The ride that was in the form of a ship and would pitch daring thrill seekers up and down like they were at sea.

Today, the level of entertainment is far more demanding of adventure and reality. Amusement entertainment continues to evolve through all types of animatronics, interactive screens, alternative realities, and physical adventure. This also requires a great deal of imagination and innovation backed by science and engineering to keep the audience captivated throughout the experience. This is also where Interface plays a significant part in amusement adventure testing and safety monitoring.

Critical in designing and building amusement park rides and other entertainment features is the application of force sensing before, during and after production. When you think about the different variables that go into building a roller coaster, you often think about velocity, drag, and gravitational energy. Factors that also play a massive role are weight, torque, and force. There are no exceptions to accuracy when measuring and evaluating these factors. It requires precision measurements from quality sensor technologies.

Interface load cells, torque transducers, and instrumentation are used in all types of entertainment and amusement applications. The reasons are apparent, it is because quality, safety, and durability matters. It also defines the believability and exhilaration of the experience. Our products are used in the engineering and design of amusement rides, as well as testing a myriad of components for these types of systems and apparatus. In addition to testing force to ensure an amusement park ride meets standards before it is available to the public, our load cells are utilized as embedded sensors to ensure the rides are working properly in use. The real-time feedback in testing and during use provides makers and engineers vital data to demonstrate adherence to many safety regulations and requirements needed for these types of systems in the entertainment industry.

Interface has provided sensors technologies to makers of all types of amusement park rides and forms of carnival-like entertainment. Our load cell and instrumentation devices are used to provide measurements of force for ground-level rides, twirling rides, roller coasters, railroad and transportation experiences, water rides, Ferris and rotational wheels, and about anything that spins or lifts you off the ground.

In addition to amusement park rides, Interface has helped to supply accurate and reliability force solutions for the following applications that found throughout the amusement park experience.

Amusement Animatronics and Robotics

To ensure maximum effect, quality of product development, and safety regulations, entertainment product makers use force testing and monitoring in wide variety of entertainment-related applications. Not only is this at the early stage of testing, but through the equipment’s life cycle. Continuous measurement using load cells and other sensor devices is key to the successful launch and use across all type of entertainment sectors. Another growing use case for force and torque measurement is automation of equipment and robotics, including simulation environments and animatronics.

Touch Screen Testing for Venus Displays

Monitors and displays are commonly used in all types of entertainment and amusement venues. From ticketing to directional aids, these touch screens are used by consumers with varying forces. The testing of the material durability to withstand the touch, as well as environmental conditions, packing and shipping, set-up and long-term wear is critical for those that design, manufacture, and supply this type of equipment. Entertainment has been using big screens for decades, the smaller and more mobile touch pads require rigorous test and measurement before putting them into use, not only for quality of product but also for consumer use and safety. Interface supplies load cells and instrumentation for testing forces of the glass, display housing, stands, rigging and inserts for all types of touch screens and LED screens.

Entertainment Component Manufacturing 

Interface has been designing and building a variety of sensors for more than five decades that have been used in a variety of entertainment applications. More than ever, today we understand it is imperative that sensor solutions meet the needs of smart use cases, pushing innovation and solve modern design and testing challenges. This particularly applies to the constantly evolving global entertainment and amusement industry. Interface offers a broad range of force measurement products for testing, monitoring, and embedding sensors into products and components supplied to the industry. This includes our load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, miniature load cells, digital instrumentation, wireless and Bluetooth telemetry systems, and custom force measurement devices for OEM applications.

These are just a few examples of how Interface helps create the experience you will find at amusement parks, but there is so much more we are able to assist with to ensure product quality and safety.

To learn more about other entertainment industry applications, read more here.

Entertainment-Brochure

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Entertainment and Amusement Industry Solutions

Entertainment LED Screens

Gaming Hardware Benefits from Force Measurement Solutions

 

Interface Entertainment and Amusement Industry Solutions

/0 Comments/in /by

The special effects of a movie or the thrills you experience on a roller coaster take a lot of engineering work behind the scenes. Force measurement plays a major role in the design, development, testing, manufacturing, and maintenance of equipment used in creating entertainment and amusement features.

Interface load cells, torque transducers and instrumentation are used when quality, safety, and durability matters. You see our products used in a variety of entertainment and amusement industry solutions. This includes testing gaming simulation devices, monitoring outdoor stage equipment, designing interactive displays, operating lifting equipment, testing film drones and cameras, as well as for designing amusement rides and theme park robotics.

The part engineering plays and use of sensor technologies has grown significantly over the years in the entertainment and amusement industry. The expertise and products propel the machinery that delights audiences, while keeping purveyors, operators, and consumers safe.

Interface offers force measurement products for testing, monitoring, and embedding sensors into products by makers for various equipment used in theatre, film, video gaming, television, theme parks and entertainment venues, as well as creating spectacular multimedia attractions.

With the entertainment industry’s growth into many different submarkets, Interface’s deep range of load cells and other sensor products are used for quality testing and accurate data collection. Beyond our standard products, Interface’s experts often collaborate with specialty engineers to design customizable measurement solutions for unique applications in the entertainment industry. Interface offers highly accurate sensor systems to ensure safety and eliminate risks when building and maintaining equipment used by industry professionals.

In our industry solutions, we’ve outlined how Interface is taking part in the entertainment markets. Learn about the products and application examples that demonstrate how engineers in the entertainment industry take advantage of our robust force measurement catalog.

Entertainment Applications Using Interface Measurement Solutions

  • Display Equipment
  • Cranes and Lifts for Rigging
  • Animatronics
  • Amusement Park Rides
  • Stage Equipment and Design
  • Touch Screens and Monitors
  • Theme Park Robotics
  • Drones for Videography
  • Camera and Multimedia Equipment
  • Outdoor Festival Wind Monitoring
  • Stunt Devices
  • Operating Equipment and Machines
  • Set and Venue Designs
  • Equipment Safety Monitoring

Drone Videography

A videographer team wanted to ensure the propeller motors compensate for weight shifting or uneven weight distribution of the video camera being attached when they film landscapes and other aerial shots. Four Interface WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cells were installed to the necessary propeller motors to compensate for an uneven weight load. The WMC’s measure the weight of the film camera attached and detect weight shifting or uneven weight distribution of the video camera. The four WMC load cells accurately measured the payload weight and maintained stability of the propeller motors to when the drone was in air with the attached film camera. This information was communicated to the drone’s on-board processor for monitoring and recording this information during flight. More information is available here.

Entertainment LED Screens

A customer constructing a huge venue wanted to weigh their extremely large LED display screens. They also wanted to measure the force of the structure that is supporting the screens, to ensure stability and structural integrity. Interface suggested their LW General Purpose Load Washer Load Cells being assembled within rods that are part of the support structure. The LED screen hangs off the structure, which connects to the rods. The compression forces applied to the rod will be measured by the LW’s installed in between. The load washers are paired with WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, where the force results are wirelessly transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters and the WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Stations with included Log100 software. Interface’s wireless load washer system successfully weighed the forces of the large LED screen for the customer’s new venue. Learn more.

Gaming Simulation Brake Pedal

A gaming company wanted to switch from the standard racing pedals to a load cell based pedal system for their racing simulation game. Compared to the standard racing simulation pedals, load cell pedals are more advanced and offer more accurate results. They also wanted a wireless system that will measure the strength of the pressure received by the pedals that will detect the perfect amount of braking power. Interface’s BPL Pedal Load Cell was installed onto the gaming brake pedal to measure the force applied when someone puts their foot on it. Forces were measured and recorded using the WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, where data is transmitted to the WTS-BS-6 Dongle Base Station when connected to the customer’s PC or laptop. Interface’s BPL Pedal Load Cell measured and recorded the pedal forces applied to their racing gaming brake pedals. In comparison to traditional simulation pedals that measure the distance of the pedals when pressed, Interface’s load cell pedal system provided a more realistic experience for gamers. Read more.

Interface enables incredible innovation across industries and the entertainment world is no different. We’re proud to help customers create incredible experiences and find new ways to captivate audiences. To learn more about our work in the entertainment industry here.

Entertainment-Brochure

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Gaming Hardware Benefits from Force Measurement Solutions

Why Product Design Engineers Choose Interface

Protecting Ultra HD Monitors

Robotic Arm Animated Application Note