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Linear actuators help in animatronics
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05/11/2007
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Special effects company Artem has created a 26 foot high animatronic American footballer – which was unveiled in Trafalgar Square recently.
Weighing more than a tonne, the model’s moving limbs posed a problem for the designers. Artem had originally considered using hydraulics, but realised this would require lots of ancillary equipment.
In the end, it used an SKF electric linear actuator – with help from SKF distributor Acorn Industrial Services. Acorn had to specify an actuator powerful enough to move the massive limbs and which could mimic human movement in terms of speed and smoothness.
Speed was also important, as the animatronic had to be ready for the game between Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants at Wembley on 28 October – and construction was completed in 10 weeks.
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Author
Lou Reade
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