Product category: Embedded Software and Operating Systems
News Release from: Wind River Systems | Subject: VxWorks
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 23 October 2003
Robotics enter the entertainment industry
The Robocoaster - the first passenger-carrying robot in the world - meets safety-critical requirements thanks to VxWorks software integrated within the control system
The Robocoaster - the first passenger-carrying robot in the world - moves people in three dimensions at high speed. Behind this lies a thrilling new development - a robot that unites man and machine and, at the same time, meets all the safety-critical requirements, as certified by TUV, Germany's technical inspectorate.
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 23 October 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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The basic prerequisite for this is that the operating system VxWorks integrated into the software system VxWin guarantees safe and reliable operation even during extreme movements.
The Robocoaster offers the advantages of almost unrestricted freedom of motion and new dimensions for amusement rides.
With this system, Kuka is blazing a trail in the entertainment industry, an area into which robotics has not yet ventured.
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The first Robocoasters have already entered operation at Legoland and at various theme parks in America.
In automation, robots and humans are generally kept apart by protective apparatus.
This is not the case with the Robocoaster.
It operates with a PC-based control system and thereby enables many degrees of freedom.
Kuka's VxWin software is at the heart of the robot and the VxWorks component integrated within it carries out real-time control.
This system marks Kuka as a pioneer in stored-program PC control.
The inventor of the Robocoaster, Gino DeGol, has opened up a new niche in the market for robotics.
Rides are not the only application and using robots for moving scenery or in event agencies is perfectly feasible too.
As Ralf Fachet, Market Development Manager EMEA of Wind River says: "It is now clear that COTS products are even suitable for robotic control, which there were formerly doubts about".
Martin Kuhnhen, Global General Industry Co-ordinator of Kuka Roboter, agrees: "Our VxWin has even proved to be useful in peripheral areas where safety technology is an issue.
This is not least down to the VxWorks component, which is part of VxWin and contributes to real-time control".
The Robocoaster reaches speeds of up to 4.6m/s, with a programmable ride sequence and duration.
Flexible combinations and layouts are possible to meet almost any customer requirements and capacity demands.
Robotic controls are combined to produce dramatic effects with sequenced motion, such as a "Mexican wave".
Therefore, programs with between 50 and over 2000 rides per hour are feasible.
Back in 1996, Kuka presented the first PC-based robot control system, which had a head start over its competitors.
Despite major reservations, interest gradually prevailed.
The Robocoaster has won through, to the joy of the public at Legoland and several theme parks in America.
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