Qmotion is a platform that provides reliable automation and control to a wide range of stage engineering hardware. It is typically used to move elements in creative performances and has been used on shows, spectaculars and reveals for more than two decades.
It scales neatly and can be used to lift a single piece of scenery or to control and automate a stadium-sized ceremony.
In its simplest form Qmotion comprises three distinct components.
The console allows an operator to program and fire the cues that make up a performance. Usually this console will be placed some distance from the action, often in a control room or front of house.
Drives are used for converting low-power data signals sent from a console into the high-power supply that is required for various types of automation equipment to operate. Typically, these drives will be located close to the component they are powering.
We have over 120 items of stage engineering equipment available for use on your projects. From winches, hoists, revolves, lifts, carriages and drives we can accommodate most scenic and performer choreography using kit we already have available. Where stock equipment isn’t able to meet the needs of your project directly, we are able to engineer custom items to specification.
Qmotion can also be incorporated into bespoke permanent installations, using control PLC units as simple interfaces. For more information about these types of requirements please contact us.
Where up to 10 axes of control are required, it’s possible to connect several devices to a single control console. This configuration might be typical of a large corporate technology launch or an elaborate rock and roll touring show.
In larger environments still, for example stadium-based ceremonies, it is possible to split groups of hardware into different universes. Here we use a different type of console running software capable of controlling up to 500 axes of movement. This requires the introduction of servers into the mix that effectively store, distribute and execute cues across a complex network of devices over a much larger footprint. Fibre optic cable is used as the physical data link between the servers to ensure reliable and rapid synchronisation of cues. This configuration is also able to provide network redundancy using spanning tree algorithms to ensure show continuity even in the context of data link failure. Multiple consoles can also be connected to the network to accommodate different operating positions.
Programming of the movement is done by skilled and accredited operators. This can be done manually or by importing motion paths from third party applications such as 3D Studio Max or Blender. Cues are then created that trigger these movements in safe and coordinated sequences for rehearsal and live performance.
Product details on the individual elements of the Qmotion product set can be found on our hire website. This location contains datasheets for each of the products available for use in your projects. For more technical information concerning the architecture and low-level technical specifications of Qmotion please contact us here.
We have been using Qmotion on our projects for more than twenty years. Whilst the technology and code-base has developed through the years, the fundamental principles remain the same. This makes Qmotion one of the most reliable platforms for automation in the creative industries sector. To see some examples of projects on which Qmotion has been a key part of the deliverables, take a look at the case studies below.
Singapore Bicentennial Experience
Special Olympics Abu Dhabi 2019
PyeongChang Winter Olympic Ceremonies
For more examples, take a look at the full range of projects available on our projects page.
Each automation project has different requirements. So it’s almost impossible to anticipate what costs might be involved without fully understanding the requirements. However, our clients are often surprised at how affordable a foray into Qmotion might be. A simple project with a limited number of axes can be well within budget for many creative agencies and can be comparable with making a great-looking video for example. The best way to understand what your projects might cost is to drop us a line here and we’re happy to talk through your requirements.
