Zytronic finds the way in Asia’s leading integrated resort
Zytronic was commissioned by global digital wayfinding specialist Abuzz to deliver its PCT™ Projected Capacitive Technology touch sensor assemblies for a prestigious project in one of the world’s most spectacular integrated resorts – Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Marina Bay Sands is Asia’s leading destination for business, leisure and entertainment. Located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, it features large and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, the rooftop Sands SkyPark, the best shopping mall in Asia, world-class celebrity chef restaurants and an outdoor event plaza. Its two theatres showcase a range of leading entertainment performances including world-renowned Broadway shows. Completing the line-up of attractions is ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands which plays host to permanent and marquee exhibitions.
Abuzz’s Wayfinder product has set a new standard for customer experience and is rapidly growing in popularity across Asia-Pacific with installations in top retail malls and resorts including the prestigious ION Orchard mall in Singapore. Abuzz was invited by The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands to develop and implement 29 new wayfinding points, based on the current state-of-the-art Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT™) and offering a much higher level of functionality.
The Abuzz directories feature 40” landscape format Zytronic touchscreens driven by the new ZXY110 touch controller. This controller provides enhanced performance in a number of areas. It offers better immunity against electrical noise in the environment, and dynamically retunes itself to avoid performance degradation from emissions from mobile phones and other nearby electronic devices. Although the directories are large units externally, there is in fact only very limited space inside and the ZXY110 board is pleasingly compact. The fact that the controller is offered with native Windows device drivers was an added advantage, simplifying integration.
An interesting feature of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands was the global nature of the supply chain – and here the flexible and extensive manufacturing capabilities of Zytronic come to the fore. The internal electronics, LCD screens and the artificial marble housings were sourced locally in Singapore, the metalwork for the directories was manufactured in New Zealand and the touch sensors came from Zytronic in England. To bring all these elements together in Sydney before shipping to Singapore would have added a great deal of cost. Abuzz decided to bring the components together on site in Singapore. To allow the units to be assembled quickly and easily, the touch assemblies needed an acrylic frame with bonded clips to hold the electronics, and fasten directly to the metal frame. Zytronic was able to produce this in Newcastle.
This project was all about creating the best possible experience for the customer. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is equipped to the very highest standards throughout, and the brief for the new wayfinding points was to fully match that. Visitors’ expectations are based on the tablets and smartphones they have in their hands. Delivering that accurate and completely reliable touch experience on a 40” toughened screen isn’t easy – but is a challenge that Zytronic fully meets with its latest PCT touch technology.”
Paul Pettersen, Operations Manager, Abuzz
