Sep 8, 2026
Host Eric Lanke interviews Jim Diehl and Chris Parisse of Bosch Rexroth about a decentralized hydraulic drive solution showcased in an animatronic dinosaur exhibit at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Replacing an older gear-pump/servo-valve/PLC dinosaur, the new eight-foot “T‑Rexroth” uses four color-coded, interactive axes with visible components and lighting to teach hydraulics while operating quietly, compactly, and with easy maintenance. The system uses a CytroPac hydraulic power unit with variable-speed drive and individual motor-pump groups near each actuator to reduce noise, simplify architecture, and limit failure points. Advanced sensors, closed-loop motion control, and remote monitoring track pressures, temperature, strokes, and fluid cleanliness for reliability and troubleshooting.
They note broader applications in pressing and testing for quieter, energy-efficient, space-saving machines with improved repeatability in a digital age.
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Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com.
Connect with our guests, Jim Diehl (Jim.Diehl@boschrexroth-us.com) and Chris Parisse (Chris.Parisse@us.bosch.com).
See the Da Vinci Center Dinosaur in action here!
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