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| Lineair actuators move the world's largest animatronic human | |||||||||
A formidable animatronic - the biggest structure of its kind ever built - has been created with the help of lineair actuators. | |||||||||
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Weighing over a tonne, the animatronic’s moving limbs posed a real problem for the designers. Originally, hydraulics were considered, but the additional ancillary equipment needed to operate the system would have created additional concerns - another system needed to be found. Artem looked at using electric actuators, which offered a much simpler solution. Acorn Industrial Services, supplier of bearings, power transmission products and engineering consumables from Rotherham was approached and Simon Gillingham of their linear division was asked if he could help Artem by providing a solution. Simon had to specify an actuator which would be powerful enough to move the giant’s massive limbs and which could effectively mimic human movement in terms of speed and smoothness. A joint meeting was held with Artem’s design team, SKF Linear Motion and Acorn Industrial Services where all concerns were identified and a solution proposed. A linear actuator from the range offered by SKF provided the performance and dimensions required for the animated man. To move its giant head, arms, legs and feet of this huge replica in a life-like motion, over fifteen actuators were needed. A key factor in the supply of the actuators was the lead time. The animatronic had to be ready prior to the game between Miami Dolphins & the New York Giants at the Wembley stadium on 28th October 2007, so delivery was critical. The actuators were needed within two weeks of ordering. | |||||||||
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Copyright © 2007 Thomas Publishing Company