Specialist rigging company, Film Riggers, was recently called upon to ensure the safety of Alain Robert, aka the French Spiderman, while he scaled a skyscraper in central Johannesburg to create an advertisement for an international tyre manufacturer.
Film Riggers, a long-time user of automation and mechatronics technology from SEW-Eurodrive, was approached by a production company to execute logistics and safety during filming for the advertisement. The idea was to have Robert climb the building while it was raining, as a metaphor for the extra grip provided by the tyres on display.
Partner Graham Terrell, who established Film Riggers with Alard Hüfner in 2012, explains that Robert had two ropes attached to a harness, controlled by SEW-Eurodrive drives using a custom program based on torque control to belay the climber.
The winches devised by Film Riggers use the Movidrive inverter, including the IPOSplus integrated positioning and sequence control system. The drive inverters have a wide power range, large overload capacity, and a modular design. In addition, they facilitate unrestricted application of AC drives, featuring the most modern digital inverter technology, according to Maxolution Engineer. Dylan Enslin.
For this particular project, Film Riggers used CM112 synchronous servomotors. Two 11 kW drives were used to secure the climber, and a 30 kW drive for the accompanying camera system.
Terrell was given access to the OEM’s electronics workshop to configure a miniature setup of the system, based on a 0,55 kW Movidrive drive inverter. This allowed for more controlled and refined testing, allowing Terrell to ultimately scale up the solution to the specific requirements of the project.
Commenting on the challenges, Hüfner says that Film Riggers had the dual responsibility of winching the camera platform up and down, in addition to securing Robert and ensuring his safety during filming.
“The idea was for the camera to be seen to be almost in pursuit of him, then tilting as it went past and tracking him,” elaborates Terrell. “Due to changes made at the last minute, we had to adjust the programming in order to cater for the new reference points needed for the rigging.”
“While this is a unique application of the Movidrive inverter technology, it is an excellent example of the flexibility and innovation of SEW-Eurodrive in responding to specific customer requirements and offering tailor-made solutions capable of adapting to the latest developments,” concludes Enslin.
WEBER-HYDRAULIK modernises warehouse in record time
Motion Control & Drives
WEBER-HYDRAULIK is a leading international specialist in customised hydraulic solutions. After its old buffer warehouse had become outdated and was partially worn out mechanically, the decision was made to completely renovate it.
Read more...Yaskawa Southern Africa launches laser welding cell Yaskawa Southern Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Yaskawa Southern Africa has partnered with Industrial Manufacturing Systems South Africa to introduce the Megmeet laser welding cell, a breakthrough solution combining precision robotics with cutting-edge laser technology.
Read more...Next-gen planetary gearboxes SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
Leading the way in planetary gear unit innovation, SEW-EURODRIVE is extending its reach across a growing range of industries, delivering the advantages of this powerful technology through locally engineered solutions that ensure faster lead times.
Read more...Record-breaking dragline relocation
Motion Control & Drives
Draglines are key pieces of equipment in open-pit mining. BHP Mitsubishi Alliance entrusted Mammoet with the relocation of a 3100 ton Marion 8050 dragline from one end of the Peak Downs coal mine in Queensland, Australia to another, a full 27 km away.
Read more...igus expands 3D printing capabilities igus
Motion Control & Drives
Motion plastics specialist, igus South Africa has introduced a new 3D printing service capable of producing custom parts in two engineering-grade polymers with exceptional strength and without the need for lubrication.
Read more...Bühler‘s new die refurbishment machine
Motion Control & Drives
Bühler has reinforced its commitment to customers in southern Africa with the installation of a new die refurbishment machine at its Johannesburg workshop.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE drives innovation at automotive plant SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
[Sponsored] A major automotive manufacturer in Gauteng has boosted its operational efficiency, safety and energy savings with the installation of SEW-EURODRIVE’s advanced MOVIGEAR mechatronic drive system in its newly expanded buffering zone.
Read more...Reimagining rotation for a circular and sustainable future SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Through the design and manufacture of components with sustainability at their core, SKF is reimagining the future of rotation, rolling away from traditional, consumable-based thinking toward a smarter, more sustainable circular approach.”
Read more...Optimising operational efficiencies through advanced filtration systems Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
Filtration is the only effective defense against wear and tear when contaminants are present. It is therefore critical that effective filter components are correctly used to ensure dependable performance, high efficiency and extended service life of machinery and vehicles.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version