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Real-World Applications:
Automating escape room experiences

Escape rooms are immersive adventure games where players solve puzzles to break out from a themed environment within a set time. While seemingly unrelated to industrial automation, a systems integrator (SI) leveraged expertise gained from working in industrial applications to enhance escape room experiences through advanced automation. Andrew Schulman details how he applied industrial-grade automation from AutomationDirect to this unique entertainment application.

This campground-themed escape room hides a sophisticated automation system. It monitors specialty inputs throughout the game's spaces and triggers distinct sounds, actions, and reactions to create an experience that is immersive, interactive, and a real challenge. [Credit: All photos courtesy of Schulman Engineering/AutomationDirect]

 

 

 

 

An entertainment game changer
Andrew Schulman, the founder of Schulman Engineering, transformed his mechanical background into a successful SI career, executing industrial-focused projects across multiple sectors. His client in the escape room industry was a bit of a departure from the typical project, and needed improvements to an existing PLC-based system that controlled audio and effects for enhanced gameplay and elevated player engagement. Schulman's objective was to develop a flexible programming structure that could accommodate future expansions, while addressing immediate operational needs.

Immersive environments of this type often utilize digital control and programming to manage various technical elements, including sensors, sound effects, lighting, and countdown timers. To meet these and other needs, the AutomationDirect Productivity1000 stackable micro PLC was chosen for its extensive input/output (I/O) capabilities and compact design, managing over 200 unique I/O points through digital and analog interfaces. This architecture allowed for smooth gameplay, along with real-time interactions based on player actions.

Minimizing code risk
The original code utilized AutomationDirect's Productivity Suite software, which simplified programming but relied heavily on latching bits to ensure that logic proceeded in the correct order. This is a valid programming approach, but without careful attention to detail, the logic can be left in improper states.

The automation system from AutomationDirect utilizes digital control and programming to manage various technical elements of the escape room experience including sensors, sound effects, lighting, and countdown timers.

 

 

 

 

To enhance manageability, Schulman implemented drum sequencer instructions, simplifying the program and facilitating easier maintenance. The interactive and unpredictable nature of gameplay required robust programming practices to ensure system reliability. An AutomationDirect C-more headless HMI lets game operators monitor progress -- and override actions where necessary -- using a computer or mobile device.

Sound programming practices
An essential aspect of the escape room experience is sound design to enhance gameplay, and even deliver clues. The escape room design company had developed a custom printed circuit board (PCB) sound board to do this, featuring multiple audio ports. The PCB was controlled via RS-232 serial communication from the PLC, and it allowed for concurrent playback of multiple sound effects in different locations. This approach minimized wiring complexity and optimized the use of I/O resources, and it provided sound playback in different rooms throughout the game.

The escape room design company developed a custom printed circuit board (PCB) sound board to enhance gameplay, and even to deliver clues. PLC logic determines what sounds to play, when, and if playback is a one-time event or looped.

 

 

 

 

As gameplay progresses, PLC logic determines which sounds to play, and whether playback is a single-time event or looped.

Backstage support
To ensure reliable technical support across multiple game room franchises, a secure AutomationDirect StrideLinx VPN router was integrated into the system. This provides Schulman and the game owners with remote access for monitoring and troubleshooting, and it streamlined the programming and commissioning phases, both of which were accomplished without any required on-site visits.

With a solid commitment to providing intuitive, quality products and exceptional technical support, AutomationDirect was an ideal partner for this unconventional application. Similarly, Schulman's client was impressed by the resulting system performance, and the training and support provided so they could develop their in-house ability to maintain the system.

Overall, the collaboration between Schulman Engineering and the entertainment company exemplifies how industrial automation can enhance interactivity, leading to a successful application that is both technically sound and creatively engaging. AutomationDirect offers the products and support you need to bring any kind of application -- industrial, commercial, entertainment, or other -- to life.

Check out AutomationDirect's extensive offering of automation products at automationdirect.com.

Source: AutomationDirect

Published September 2025

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