This month in In Motion, we highlight a recent application story with Flight Level Engineering, sharing their active throttle achieving tactile realism to fly-by-wire systems, powered by ORCA Motors. We discuss the importance of integrated data acquisition and logging to achieve Industry 4.0, with smart linear motors which offer predictive maintenance and onboard sensing. We share a new Iris Tutorial showing users how to operate their ORCA motor in Kinematic Mode to attain smooth, headless point-to-point control. Finally, Iris Dynamics announces two trade shows to exhibit at in the fall.
ORCA™ Linear Actuator Enabled Active Throttle Control Brings Tactile Realism to Fly-By-Wire System || Application Story with Flight Level Engineering
.png?width=1100&height=619&name=Blog%20Feature%20Images%20(2).png)
Flight Level Engineering’s Variable Stability System (VSS) needed a way to bring realistic throttle feel into their fly-by-wire simulator. Traditional friction mechanisms could not deliver software-controlled feedback or fit within tight cockpit constraints. By integrating the ORCA-6-24V smart linear actuator directly onto the throttle shaft, the team eliminated complex linkages and gained programmable, real-time resistance with up to 426 N of peak force. Running internal control loops at 3 kHz, the ORCA delivered lifelike tactile feedback, faster integration, and a more versatile test platform.
Integrated Data Acquisition & Logging in Smart Linear Motors for Industry 4.0 || Predictive Maintenance with Onboard Sensors
-1.png?width=1100&height=619&name=Blog%20Feature%20Images%20(4)-1.png)
Data logging is central to modern engineering, providing insights needed to optimize performance, prevent failures, and refine designs. This paper examines integrated data logging in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and research applications, exploring how built-in logging capabilities enable predictive maintenance, process optimization, and faster iteration by turning operational data into actionable insights. Using Iris Dynamics’ ORCA™ Smart Linear Motors as an example, we demonstrate how combining actuation, sensing, and logging in a single platform reduces complexity, cuts costs, and increases system reliability.
Operating Your Motor in Kinematic Mode || Smooth, Headless Point-to-Point Control Made Easy
-1.png?width=1100&height=619&name=Iris%20Tutorials%20YouTube%20Thumbnail%20(10)-1.png)
Kinematic Mode is widely used in pneumatic replacement, testing and measurement, R&D, robotics, and machine building. It is the simplest way to achieve smooth point-to-point position control, allowing you to move the motor seamlessly between position targets. Complex motion profiles can be saved directly to the motor’s memory, enabling headless operation of your smart linear motor. These profiles may also be chained together, with or without configurable delays.
Fall Trade Shows & Events
Product Development Expo (PDX)
Join us for high-impact training with our Introduction to Smart Linear Motors sessions.
When: October 21 - 22, 2025
Where: Phoenix, AZ
Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI)
Discover ORCA motors in person and meet with our expert engineers.
When: October 21 - 22, 2025
Where: Vancouver, BC
