In 2023, over 12,000 athletes from 45 countries gathered in Hangzhou, China, to compete in the 19th Asian Games. The opening ceremony, a groundbreaking and visually stunning event, featured 'green' and 'smart' themes. Utilising advanced digital technology, the ceremony provided a captivating visual experience for athletes, attendees, and television viewers alike.
During the second chapter of the ceremony, titled "Tidal Bore of the Qiantang River", two performers danced in mid-air, suspended entirely by 3D-guided wires controlled by the Control Techniques Unidrive M700 drive, manufactured by Nidec Drives. This performance depicted the renowned tidal bore of the Qiantang River, celebrated for its impressive height and speed over the centuries, inspiring tales and celebrations of the Silver Dragon. Described as "jaw-dropping" and "breathtaking", the performance was praised for its "perfect combination of digital innovation and human gracefulness", leaving spectators in awe.
To execute the duet’s dramatic acrobatic performance, the specialist high-altitude aerial stunt design company, Beijing WIRE Culture Transmission Co Ltd (BWCT), sought an innovative solution beyond their usual hardware requirements. Having previously worked on the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, as well as the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, BWCT was no stranger to a challenge.
For the pair to dance in perfect synchronisation in a 3D aerial space, each performer would need to be hoisted by four wires from different directions. A world first in a large sports venue, BWCT decided to use 3D twin-wire guided technology, controlled by a programmed wire power device, enabling the dancers to achieve 360-degree rotations. Additionally, BWCT recognised that in such intricate performances, there was no room for the wire controller to malfunction or for errors to occur mid-performance. The precision of the solution and the safety of the dancers were paramount.
BWCT contacted Chengdu Sichuang Electric Engineering Co Ltd (CSEE) to find a solution. CSEE, an approved Nidec Drives partner for over 25 years with a history in the stage management industry, promptly responded to the urgent schedule. In partnership with Nidec Drives, CSEE provided rapid technical support, quick delivery schedules, and a wide inventory of Control Techniques drives. Ultimately, they selected the high-performance Unidrive M700 for the task.
How did it work? Two cable systems, programmed to synchronise with the music, positioned themselves to assist the performers in their acts. The Unidrive M700 features a current loop sampling period of up to 62.5 µs, allowing for the precise control needed for the performers' fastest flying speed of approximately 4 m/s. The drive enabled quick changes in wire speed and high-precision control, ensuring a seamless and spectacular performance.
The trajectory control of the wire relies on accurate communication between the controller and the drive. Unidrive M700’s support for EtherCAT communication, which is unparalleled in the market, was a fundamental factor in BWCT's decision to select it.
Throughout the aerial dance, the system could automatically detect the flight trajectory and 3D movements of all eight wire devices. The drive could efficiently raise an alarm and stop operation in case of any abnormalities, and with the Safe Torque Off (STO) feature, safely disable the drives’ output, ensuring the safety of the performers. On top of this, Unidrive M700's energy-saving features and cost-effectiveness make it an efficient and economical option for a high-power servo drive.
Control Techniques products have been the at the cutting edge of entertainment automation for over 30 years; being used all over the world in the most prestigious theatres, sporting venues, theme parks, and movie productions. Through continuous innovation, our evolving technology enables intricate motion and synchronisation of all elements of theatrical and amusement park installations. Simultaneously, Control Techniques products can be relied upon to ensure the safety of performers, audiences, and thrill seekers, in any venue.