WITTENSTEIN, a leader in mechanical and mechatronic servo drive systems, will be exhibiting at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, which takes place from 25 – 28 September in Vienna, Austria. During the trade show, which opens on 26 September, the team will present new high-tech solutions that are designed to make the motions of moving figures even more realistic and easier to maintain.
A world without animatronics would be inconceivable for the modern leisure sector. The advancements in technology allow for previously unthinkable motions and figures. However, it is evident that earlier figures fall short of the most recent generation models in terms of realism. The fact that the figures in an attraction are robotic, pneumatic, or electrically operated machines rather than human people is always apparent to visitors. Deep immersion is not quite possible with this gap in the magic.
WITTENSTEIN’s new Galaxie transmission technology is set to change that. Since its first release in 2015, Galaxie drives have shown their worth in a variety of applications across a wide spectrum of industries. The new, more compact version was created especially for the entertainment industry’s animatronics applications. The gearboxes made by this German family company ensure accurate, backlash-free transmission of the torques required to produce the figures’ incredibly lifelike movements.
Compact design aids in creation of more realistic animatronics
These gearboxes fit inside animatronics seamlessly due to their compact design. They are perfect not just for brand-new models but also for retrofitting old figures to greatly increase their realism and movement quality.
Another distinctive aspect of the new Galaxie’s design is its hollow shaft [pictured, top], which is significantly bigger than that of strain wave gearboxes of the same size. This allows for the installation of additional wires, tubes, or other connections inside the animatronics, which is a crucial feature in applications where every millimetre of space matters in the struggle to hide complex technology from spectators.
WITTENSTEIN’s Galaxie gearboxes mark a significant advancement towards the creation of more lifelike animatronics at amusement parks. To discover the innovation, visit the team on the show floor at booth #A-2633.
With about 2,900 employees around the world and sales of €519 million in 2022/23, WITTENSTEIN has a reputation for innovation, accuracy, and excellence in the field of cybertronic motion, not just in Germany but across the globe.
The Group is made up of six Strategic Business Divisions. It designs, makes, and sells things like high-precision servo drives and linear systems, servo systems and motors, and cybertronic drive systems. These are used in a wide range of industries, such as machine and plant building, aerospace, and oil and gas research. Nanotechnology and software add to the whole package.
The WITTENSTEIN Group has 25 sites in more than 45 countries.
