Cable management system tackles mammoth task
An
Igus UK product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jan 26, 2007
When Igus first developed its three dimensional cable management system, no one imagined it would be used in the trunk of an animatronic mammoth.
When Igus first developed its three dimensional cable management system, no one imagined it would be used in the trunk of an animatronic mammoth.
Igus developed Triflex R as a long-life, flexible energy supply system for multi-axis robots.
However, a leading animatronics company discovered the product had potential in an altogether different area.
Crawley Creatures spotted a way to use the modular product in the trunk of a full-size woolly mammoth model, due to its strength and organic structure.
The animatronic creature's skin and fur were built directly onto mounting brackets implemented at short intervals along the Energy Chain.
Hoses were run down the chain to spray water and steel cables were run through it to move the trunk around.
The finished design was used in South Africa for filming a television series called "Prehistoric Park", which has recently been broadcast on ITV.
The programme followed wildlife adventurer Nigel Marven back to the Ice Age to discover what mammoths and other prehistoric creatures ate, how they lived and, ultimately, why they became extinct.
Crawley Creatures also used a smaller size of the Triflex R Energy Chain as the basis for the shoulder joints in two monkey models, which were subsequently filmed as part of a Sky documentary.
Triflex R offers freedom of movement in all three dimensions, with an identical bending radius in every direction.
The cable carrier has a smooth shaped design to enable it to glide over the outer contour of a robot without becoming caught or jammed.
The system can be shortened or lengthened easily at any point.
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Contact Igus UK
Tel +44 1604 677240
Other Igus UK stories
-
Energy chain prevents loops and strained cables
Igus is showcasing several new developments in power and data supply for robotic equipment at Automatica in Munich. -
Energy chain module suits cramped conditions
Triflex RS can be mounted directly to all standard fastening holes in most robots, and suits tight environments. -
Energy chain helps robots in various industries
Energy chain selected by pharmaceutical firm due to its round-shape, enabling it to glide around the outside contour of the robot, without catching on any edges. -
Energy chain is lighter and costs less
Igus has unveiled a new low-cost lightweight version of its multi-axis energy chain for robotic applications. -
Multi-axis flexible energy chain for robots
A long-life, modular flexible energy chain system for robots with articulated arms can make a considerable contribution towards ensuring trouble-free production operations.
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