Siemens technology helped to ensure that the beer flowed in Munich at the 176th Oktoberfest. Millions of visitors once again enjoyed the numerous fairground rides turned and controlled by Siemens Technology. Whether freefalling back to earth after being catapulted 70 m into the air, hurtling five times head-over-heels on the giant roller coaster, shooting through raging waterfalls in a dugout canoe or just quietly admiring the fantastic view of the Oktoberfest grounds from 50 m up.
The giant Ferris wheel, the white water ride, the five-loop roller coaster, the power tower and the wave glider – these are just five of the largest Oktoberfest rides that are fully equipped with Siemens high-tech drives, controls, hydraulics, energy supplies and running-light systems. Requirements are tough at the world’s largest public festival: systems have to be reliable. On sunny weekends, the rides are in continuous operation since every idle minute means losses for the operators. “On such days, operation simply has to be trouble-free,” says Ewald Schneider, manager of Power Tower 2. “I am completely satisfied with Siemens’ products and service. That is why I also used them in my new freefall tower.” And whether on the freefall tower – with Formula-One-like acceleration driven by 1300-HP Siemens motors – or in complex carousel rotations or on gentle gliding rides, safety is always a top priority: all systems have been TÜV-tested.
For 30 years, Siemens has been supplying products for fairground rides around the world. Environmental aspects have become increasingly important in recent years. Today, the latest Osram LEDs on fairground rides are reducing the energy requirements of the lighting systems installed by up to 90% – the more lights, the greater the savings.
For example, the Distel Company has reduced the total energy consumption of its bumper cars 20% at one stroke by retrofitting the system’s lighting display – comprising 60 000 luminous points – with LEDs. On the wave glider, a further development of the wave swinger, the Siemens system automatically measures, for example, the total weight of the passengers entering the ride to ensure that the hydraulics are supplied with just the right amount of energy. And the latest generation of Siemens drives saves so much energy that procurement costs are already amortised within about a year. Consequently, many of the products and solutions implemented are part of Siemens’ Environmental Portfolio, which generated sales of nearly ₭19 billion – or about one quarter of the company’s entire revenue.
Not only do Siemens products guarantee fun and safety; they also safeguard the environment. Siemens’ green solutions helped breweries to deliver copious amounts of top-quality beer for the festival while reducing the amount of water and energy consumed for production. Prost!
Read more...Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...Bringing physical AI to the factory floor by deploying humanoids in industrial operations Siemens South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens and Humanoid have marked a landmark milestone in the journey to bring physical AI from vision to industrial reality. Humanoid’s humanoid robothas been successfully tested in operations at Siemens’ electronics factory in Germany, performing autonomous logistics tasks.
Read more...Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...Siemens ecosystem strengthens data and AI integration Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced significant expansions to its Industrial Edge ecosystem, accelerating data and AI integration and releasing enhanced cybersecurity functionalities. These enable a seamless integration of IT and OT environments, optimise processes and reduce operational disruptions.
Read more...Siemens manages shipbuilding process for HD Hyundai Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has been selected by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering as a preferred partner to establish an integrated platform to manage the entire shipbuilding process as a single data flow to help ensure consistency across all its global shipyard facilities.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could ...
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.