Motion control has been a core part of what we do at EMP for many years. Our experience spans a wide range of scales and applications — from controlling large architectural structures and marine installations to animating vehicles, stage elements, and complex mechanical creatures.

Over the years, we’ve delivered motion systems for:

• Large building and structural elements

• Boats and heavy industrial loads

• Multi-axis stage platforms for film and live environments

• Ride and attraction-based motion systems

• Animatronic and creature movement, from props to full-scale figures

Whether it’s simulating an earthquake on a stage, creating the movement of a spaceship interior, or giving life-like motion to an animal or fictional creature, motion is a familiar and well-established discipline within our team.

Attraction-Focused Motion Systems

Many of our projects are attraction-based motion systems, where reliability, longevity, and safety are critical. Unlike film-set installations that may be used briefly, these systems are often expected to run daily for many years. Some installations we support have been operating on site for over a decade.

Because of this, we design and build our motion systems using industrial-grade control technologies, ensuring long-term serviceability, repeatability, and support.

Collaborative Design Process

Every project begins with close collaboration. Clients typically approach us with a concept — an idea of what they want to move and how it should look.

Our process includes:

• Understanding the creative and technical intent

• Defining the required motion and degrees of freedom

• Selecting appropriate motion technologies

• Determining whether we supply control systems only, or full mechanical integration

Depending on the project, we may deliver:

• Control systems up to motors and actuators, with the client handling mechanical structures

• Fully integrated electro-mechanical systems, including mechanical design

Motion Types and Control Philosophy

Our systems range from:

• Simple point-to-point motion, triggered by building or show control systems

• To complex multi-axis motion, where movement must feel organic, responsive, and alive

For animatronic and creature-based systems, motion cannot be purely linear. These applications require puppeteered movements, layered motion profiles, and real-time control inputs to achieve believable results.

To support this, our control platforms allow:

• Basic scripted motion sequences

• Real-time puppeteering inputs

• Blended and layered motion control for natural movement

Engineering and System Design

Once the motion requirements are defined, we translate them into a fully engineered system by analysing:

• Number of motors or actuators required

• Load mass and centre of gravity

• Required speeds, acceleration, and duty cycles

• Movement frequency and operational lifespan

This information is used to produce a detailed bill of materials and system architecture.

Control cabinets are fully designed in 3D to ensure:

• Correct component layout

• Adequate thermal management

• Serviceability and future expansion

Safety is a critical part of every design. Depending on the application, systems may include:

• Emergency stop circuits

• Safety-rated sensors

• Light curtains or laser scanners

Build, Programming, and Installation

All control cabinets are built and wired in-house. Once assembled, systems are:

• Programmed

• Bench-tested

• Verified against operational requirements

Because mechanical installation often takes place at the client’s site, our team regularly work on location to integrate the control systems into the final mechanical rigs. While core software is developed in-house, on-site commissioning allows us to fine-tune motion profiles and respond to evolving creative requirements.

Our software platforms are designed for rapid modification, allowing changes to be implemented efficiently as projects evolve.

Long-Term Support

Many of our motion installations are long-term attractions rather than short-term productions. We work closely with clients to:

• Maintain and update existing systems

• Introduce new features over time

• Provide ongoing technical support

By combining industrial control technology with creative motion design, we deliver motion systems that are robust, flexible, and built to last.