«Stormen» is an art project initiated by artist Per Fronth, supported by Cultiva Digital, with UiA Motion Lab as a partner. The installation combines artistic vision with advanced digital technology: a real sailboat mounted on a digitally controlled Stewart platform that simulates realistic wave movements. As part of the Cultiva-funded project, Daniel Hagen developed and implemented a JONSWAP-based wave simulator using ROA data from the sailboat to create authentic North Sea wave patterns.
The first project focused on preparing the mobile EM 1500 Stewart platform for use with the wave simulator. This involved installing and programming an industrial PLC, and setting up UDP communication between the PLC and the platform’s control system, mirroring the setup used on the existing indoor system at UiA Motion Lab. The PLC was successfully tested against the Stewart platform’s control system.
The second project involved designing and developing an intuitive HMI (Human-Machine Interface) for interactive control of the wave simulator. The interface visualises wave parameters and platform movements in real time, making operation of the art installation straightforward.
The complete system, including PLC integration, wave simulator, and HMI, has been tested together with artist Per Fronth. The project demonstrates how motion laboratory technology can be applied in creative and public-facing contexts, creating a unique fusion of art and engineering.