STL Research’s Janus motion platform is available for hire

The top and bottom frames of the motion platform are connected by six hydraulic cylinders, each with an associated position sensor. The sensors monitor the extension of the cylinder rods and feedback the data to the position controller, ensuring that the movement demanded by the control system is accurately achieved.

Recently, a Tier-1 supplier to navies worldwide utilised our Janus 63 motion platform to simulate autonomous vessel motions, in order to test deck mounted connections, prior to further, much more expensive, sea trials. According to our client, the three day testing program, which was comprehensively documented by STL personnel, fully corroborated their expected outcomes.

Due to the fast turnaround required for their testing, our client decided to hire our Janus 63 series motion platform, as this was readily available.

The Janus series, which is also available to purchase, is currently available in two variants, designed for different payload weights and size requirements. The design is; however, readily scalable.

Movement of the Janus motion platform may be controlled in several ways, as explained by our Technical Director, Peter Back. “For most applications, a standard PC or laptop is used to control movement of the motion platform. STL Research have developed easy to use, proprietary software to allow the user to choose from four different operating modes, including playback of real vessel motion. Occasionally an application may require ad-hoc motion and for this we can supply an optional hand operated controller. For a better understanding, it’s worth watching some of the motion platform videos, which are accessible via our website.”

Our Business Development Manager, Phil Vosper, explains “STL Research are specialists in motion compensation, control and automation, for offshore and subsea industries, so assisting a Tier-1 supplier to quickly and cost-effectively simulate their working environment, was a challenge we were more than happy to accept. The addition of the Janus motion platforms is a natural extension to our widely recognised product portfolio, which currently includes our Neptune Personnel Access System, and Proteus Launch and Recovery Systems.”

For more information on hiring or purchasing a Janus motion platform, and on our Neptune PAS or Proteus LARs, or to arrange a meeting, please feel free to contact Phil directly on +44(0)7836 681749 or via e-mail at phil@stlres.co.