UK-based automation and motion control manufacturer, Kinesys recently enjoyed a
busy and successful LDI exposition in Las Vegas. It was the first time that the brand
has hosted its own booth at the show, reflecting growth in business in North and
South America and Canada over the last few years.

LDI attracts a wide range of professionals from the world entertainment technology
who visit from all over the U.S., Canada and Latin America. This year, there was a
general perception that the show’s international demographic was on the increase,
with a healthy number of visitors from Asia, Australasia and the Pacific Rim as well as
all over Europe.

The three-day event kicked off to a great start with Kinesys’ new Apex motion control
system being presented with a 2017 PLSN Gold Star Product Award for “Best New
Motion Device’. Electrosonic is currently the sole distributor of Kinesys products in the
South African market, and the company has confirmed that they are supplying the
award-winning motion control system to interested customers in the country.

The Apex system incorporates the best of Kinesys’ extensive experience working with
variable speed chain hoists, and the result is the pinnacle of chain hoist technology.
Kinesys has long been offering a range of safe, reliable and rock-solid off-the-shelf
automation systems which are designed to maximise the creative options for show
designers and operators.

Apex leaps forward with full SIL3 safety rating across the whole system, more
powerful yet more refined performance, and a first for production chain hoists in silent
brakes.

David Bond, head of Kinesys’ USA operation commented, “It was a great move to
come to Las Vegas this year. It has been a fantastic LDI show, meeting and engaging
with many of our current contacts and making lots of new ones. There’s been a real
mix of people with genuine interest and solid leads, so we have already signed up for
next year.’

He confirmed that Apex was one of the products attracting major attention, with the
features most impressing people including the incredible smoothness of the motion
control, its virtually silent operation and its speed.

These parameters all open new possibilities for motion control being utilised in concert
halls and for orchestral performances as well as for premium corporate events and
conferences needing objects to be moved smoothly, subtly, and in virtual silence.

Many people were also looking at the Kinesys LibraCELL system and all the
advantages this brings as the market generally gets more in tune with the concept of
utilising loads cells in a myriad of circumstances. “It’s a case of people realising they
need to use them now rather than just being intrigued by them,’ says David.

With the rise in health & safety awareness, not to mention increased concern for
liability, having reliable, comprehensive and easy-to-use monitoring products like
LibraCELL is becoming commonplace rather than exclusive.

DST variable speed beam trolley and track system – a collaboration between Kinesys
and trussing specialist Litec – was also highlighted at the show, and this was of
particular interest to those already working actively with motion control hoists. After
going up and down, the next step is often to want to go from side to side!

The Kinesys team, including founder and chief executive officer Dave Weatherhead,
met a good selection of designers and consultants at the show, confirming their belief
that automation is becoming an important and sought-after visual element in creative
show designs – together with lighting, video, lasers, SFX, drapes and set/scenics.