SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Odetics, an Anaheim-based technology company, has expanded its line of computerized cart machines used by television stations to automate programming.

The Odetics machines work like a giant videocassette player, using a robotic arm to pluck tapes out of storage racks and then automatically play them at the designated time. The machines can operate unattended for hours and virtually eliminate the need for a human to feed commercials and programs into a machine.

“Our systems are designed to reduce programming errors, improve control-room efficiency, simplify traffic and master control communication and cut down on cart handling,” said David Lewis, vice president of Odetics’ broadcast division.

Odetics introduced four new cart machine models. The company previously made only one model. The new machines range in price from $225,000 to $375,000.

Odetics has sold about 30 cart machines to TV stations in the three years since it introduced its first product.