We've installed our 16th pirate boat retrofit drive control system using Schneider Electric automation and SICK Sensor Intelligence.

This time the client is LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.

"What a great product this modification has been for us, and it hasn’t really changed so much since the first one at Canobie Lake Park back in 2013."

"It was a real pleasure working with the guys at Lego on this one," comments Sean Brian, Managing Director, Amusement Technical.

There are four main elements to the Amusement Technical system, including the motor drive unit, control cabinet, operator panel and top encoder and home sensor assembly.

• The motor drive unit comprises an SEW Eurodrive 75kW AC geared motor mounted on a pivoting chassis.

• There is a drive wheel with a pneumatic tyre on the output shaft of the gearbox which can be brought in and out of contact with the keel of the boat by inflating and deflating pneumatic bellows under the chassis.

• The control cabinet is a powder-coated steel or optional stainless steel enclosure which houses all of the control equipment for the ride.

• The operator panel is mounted in a powder coated, mild steel enclosure with stainless steel front panel. An LCD display provides real time information about the operating conditions of the ride as well as maintenance features, which enable detailed system statuses to be displayed. The top encoder assembly is mounted on a stainless steel chassis and houses the components to allow the ride controller to know the axle position.