WaterWorksX 3D Animation
CASE STUDY: Visualizing the Future of Smart Water Infrastructure
IMMIX Productions Brings WaterWorksX to Life Through Cinematic 3D Animation
CLIENT:
DRE Systems with technology collaborations from Rockwell Automation, & Sensia Global.
Overview
The demand for resilient, data-driven infrastructure has never been more urgent. As municipalities and utility providers face aging systems, increasing regulatory scrutiny, and the need for sustainable solutions, technology is stepping in to drive transformation. When DRE Systems prepared to launch WaterWorksX, a next-generation automation platform for the water and wastewater industry, they turned to IMMIX Productions to translate its complexity into a visual narrative that inspires, informs, and connects.
WaterWorksX is a robust automation ecosystem integrating cutting-edge control, telemetry, and edge-to-cloud connectivity. IMMIX’s challenge: make the invisible visible. Bring WaterWorksX’s architecture, purpose, and power to life through cinematic storytelling rooted in technical accuracy.
About WaterWorksX
WaterWorksX is a fully integrated, scalable automation platform developed by DRE Systems. Built on the combined strength of Rockwell Automation’s industrial tools and Sensia’s edge-to-enterprise ecosystem, it is designed to optimize every layer of water network management—from local treatment to regional telemetry.
Key features include:
- Modular Scalability: Easily integrates with both legacy infrastructure and modern systems, scaling to suit small towns or large urban utilities.
- Real-Time Insights: Combines data acquisition, analytics, and machine learning to enable predictive maintenance and more intelligent decision-making.
- Edge Computing: The HCC2 hyper-converged controller delivers secure, real-time processing and control at the edge.
- Unified Platform: The Avalon Edge Gateway enables seamless data aggregation and communication with cloud or on-prem systems.
- Energy & Asset Management: Integrates FactoryTalk Optix, PlantPAx, DataMosaix, Fiix, and Energy Manager to unify operations under a single pane of glass.
Project Objective
IMMIX was to create a 2.5-minute high-impact animated video that visualizes the end-to-end capabilities of WaterWorksX, translating technical functions into relatable use cases for key stakeholders, including municipal leaders, engineers, and industry partners.
Animation Summary
The final animation was a dynamic blend of 3D visualization and motion graphics, bringing clarity to complexity. IMMIX’s approach focused on creating an immersive environment where the technical sophistication of WaterWorksX could be intuitively understood.
Highlights include:
- Real-World Setting: A photorealistic landscape inspired by the natural terrain of New Zealand, designed to house a town-by-the-river with visible water infrastructure—from reservoirs to treatment facilities.
- System Highlights:
- HCC2: Visualized managing distributed infrastructure with high-speed data control and remote diagnostics.
- Avalon Gateway: Illustrated bridging legacy systems with modern digital workflows.
- User Dashboards: Showcased intuitive interfaces monitoring flow rates, energy usage, maintenance alerts, and system health in real time.
- AI & Predictive Automation: Depicted the flow of smart data through SCADA-like systems, predicting issues before they occur.
- Cinematic Style: Slow tracking shots, fly-throughs, and callouts were used to draw attention to key features and benefits.
Production Strategy
IMMIX followed a structured development methodology to ensure technical accuracy, timely delivery, and creative integrity.
Discovery & Planning:
- Collaborative briefings with DRE Systems to define communication goals, technical elements, and end-user personas.
- Requirements analysis and project charter documentation.
Design & Modeling:
- Custom-built 3D models of hardware (HCC2, sensors, valves, control panels) and environments (plants, rural infrastructure).
- Brand-compliant UI/UX mockups.
Animation & Audio:
- Cinematic camera paths and motion graphics layered with interface callouts and data flows.
- Professional voiceover and musical score designed to support tone and pacing.
Final Output:
- Full HD 1920×1080 render optimized for web, investor decks, and trade shows.
- Modular files archived for future interactivity (AR/VR-ready via Unreal Engine).
Production Timeline
Project duration: 5 to 7 weeks, including overlapping modeling, animation, and audio phases.
Key Milestones:
- Project charter and technical scope
- 3D model approval
- Design/style guide approval
- Final rendering and delivery
Client Impact
The final animation played a central role in the launch of WaterWorksX, providing DRE Systems with a sophisticated and accessible communication tool that could reach decision-makers, integrators, and potential clients alike.
Applications included:
- Launch campaigns and product unveilings
- Website and digital platforms
- Live presentations and engineering briefings
- LinkedIn marketing and professional outreach
Feedback from DRE Systems underscored the value of the animation in articulating WaterWorksX’s mission and functionality, positioning the platform as a best-in-class solution for modern infrastructure.
Dan McNicholas, Managing Director at DRE Systems, remarked:
“This is not just a product. It is a system forged with clarity, discipline, and purpose—designed to empower municipalities with intelligent control, edge-to-enterprise integration, and operational resilience.”
Why IMMIX Productions?
IMMIX Productions, Inc. brings over two decades of experience helping industrial, energy, and infrastructure clients tell stories that matter. Our award-winning team is fluent in translating advanced engineering systems into compelling narratives, combining:
- Technical mastery in 3D visualization
- Strategic communication and storytelling
- Cinematic production for industrial innovation
About IMMIX Productions
Based in Houston, Texas, IMMIX Productions, Inc. delivers high-impact visual media for corporate marketing, training, and digital strategy. We specialize in 3D Animation, Motion Graphics, and Interactive Development.
Awards:
- Lantern 2008 – Award of Excellence
- ADDY’s 2009 – District Silver Award
- ADDY’s 2009 – Houston Best of Show Award
- ADDY’s 2009 – Houston Interactive Media Gold Award
- ADDY’s 2010 – Houston Interactive Media Silver Award
- Lantern 2021 – Award of Excellence
- Crystal 2024 – Crystal Award
- Lantern 2024 – Award of Excellence
- Lantern 2024 – Award of Excellence
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Visit our project portfolio at IMMIX Productions
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Production:
3D Modeling, 3D Animation, 2D & 3D Motion Graphics, Storyboards, Design