PC-based controllers score with Keegan

Beckhoff PC-based control products, which are supplied and supported in the UK exclusively by Hayes Control Systems, are providing all of the major automation functions at the world's first interactive indoor football attraction, Kevin Keegan's Soccer Circus at Xscape in Braehead, near Glasgow. The attraction allows participants, irrespective of their level of football skills, to take part in a series of interactive challenges using real footballs, and then to join in a team game which simulates an immersive stadium atmosphere. All aspects of the installation are automated, and comprehensive facilities are provided to give users detailed feedback on their performance.

Key control elements include Beckhoff embedded CX1000 controllers, which provide the convenience and real-time operating characteristics of PLCs while using powerful and cost-effective ruggedised PC hardware.

The controllers are complemented by a distributed I/O system with Profibus connectivity, and Beckhoff CP user interface units which provide participants with instructions, as well as giving them access to personal scores and team league tables.

The installation takes full advantage of the Ethernet capabilities of the CX1000 controllers to allow data transfer to a central computer which maintains an archive of scores and results.

This means that participants can compare their performance with that of previous visitors to the attraction, and thereby assess their own level of skill.

'Our ultimate aim is to offer every visitor the chance to experience the big match atmosphere while at the same time retaining our core emphasis of 100% football, 100% fun', said Clive Mockford Managing Director of Soccer Circus.

'The power and flexibility of Beckhoff automation products have been crucial in helping us to achieve this'.

The concept for Soccer Circus was developed by the former football manager and international footballer Kevin Keegan, Scottish entrepreneur Peter Barr and engineer Clive Mockford.

The Soccer Circus team invested in excess of 9 years and GBP 6 million into the research and development of this new attraction.

The game experience and technology were designed, developed and prototyped during an extensive programme of research and development.

The systems were implemented by the Soccer Circus team of engineers based in the North East of England, who selected Beckhoff automation products from Hayes Control Systems on the basis of their versatility, performance and value for money.