News

Innovation Success

Innovative design implementing a 10 metre diameter revolve hired from British Turntable Co has resulted in a succesful AutoRai 2001 in Amsterdam for Dutch exhibition designers, Hypsos International.

British Turntable revolves are particularly popular at motor shows and Amsterdam was no exception, where many units could be seen showcasing new cars. The Hypsos project was somewhat different, however.

The company had been briefed by VW to design a stand using virtual reality techniques that would allow visitors to experience the production of a VW Golf as if they were actually in the car. While VR headsets enabled visitors to 'look around' and study various stages of the production porcess and experience a paint bat, a problem arose: how to create a moving environment that would simulate the production line. A conveyor belt would be far too expensive and technically too difficult to incorporate into the exhibition environment.

"Our designer came up with the innovative idea of using a turntable to create the right movement," says Marco Vlasblom, Managing Director of Hypsos. "Made more intense by using other special effects such as trembling stools, heater, blower, sound and lighting, he created a dynamic presentation that impressed everyone who experienced it.

"As this was a new experience for everyone - it was even the first time we'd used British Turntable - we set up a trial at our plant in Soesterberg, and we're delighted to say that everything was ready in time. During final try-out on the stand, British Turntable engineers were on hand to ensure the revolve worked as it should. We and our clients, VW were delighted with the service they provided, and everything functioned correctly during the whole 12 days of the show. Perfect!"

A number of special facilities were introduced to teh revolve by British Turntable to meet the demanding requirements of sensitive VR sensors and software: an electronic interface to integrate the movement with the master show control; precise positioning controls to ensure the turntable parked accurately at the end of each 6 minute show to load and unload visitors; and special high capacity slip rings to ensure an uninterrupted electrical supply to computer and special effects equipment on the revolve. Finally, soft start and soft stop controls were fitted and the speed set at 0.5rpm for smooth, quiet operation.

David Houghton, Technical Director at British Turntable comments, "Over the years we've been hiring our equipment into the exhibitions, TV film and video industries we've been asked to add all sorts of special effects to our revolves to create dynamic, interactive movement. We welcome the challenge, and we're delighted that Hypsos and VW are so pleased with the results."

For more information on British Turntable's range of revolving stages which can also be custom-designed please contact us on our enquiry form.