Drives scare and entertain

March 2008 Motion Control & Drives

The new Flyboard 5000 flight simulator will roll out in entertainment and amusement parks from spring 2008. The innovation is that there are no seats. On the platform of the Flyboard, a motion system developed by Rexroth, everyone stands. "This way every movement is felt directly. You get as close as possible to the illusion that you are flying," explains Ronald Yntema from Rexroth in the Netherlands. "Our system is entirely powered by electricity, and we can achieve very exact and clean movements with the IndraDrive motors and transmissions. This makes the movements very realistic. The whole experience is incredibly fast and dynamic."

Immense challenge

"The drive and control technology was an immense challenge," explains Yntema. Up to 36 people have to be able to move freely on the platform. "Through exact movements and steering we can create an extreme buzz. Although the movements should convey the effect of risk and danger, we must simultaneously be able to guarantee absolutely safety for passengers." This is achieved with the three-dimensional motion system, which was originally used in simulators in the aviation industry.

The flight simulator developer, Explore 5D from Vienna, commissioned Rexroth's Dutch subsidiary to supply the entire electric drive and control technology. The company has gathered extensive experience in the entertainment sector and co-developed various travel simulators.

For more information contact Emil Berning, Tectra Automation, +27 (0)11 971 9400, [email protected], www.tectra.co.za

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