WICREATIONS and igus develop innovative stage solution for Eurovision in Vienna

igus delivers a bespoke cable management solution within ten days

Heist-op-den-Berg – For the production of the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, WICREATIONS developed a stage system in which dozens of lighting fixtures are fully integrated into a video floor. Together with igus, the Belgian specialist in stage structures and automation created a compact cable management solution that enables the lighting fixtures to move in a controlled manner from within the floor. The solution combines limited installation space with reliable operation.

WICREATIONS develops motion systems and integrated automation solutions for the international live entertainment industry. The company has delivered projects for artists and events including Rammstein, Take That, Tomorrowland, Ed Sheeran and Robbie Williams. Closer to home, it has also served as a production partner for musicals such as 14-18, 40-45 and Studio 100’s K3 Originals.

For the Eurovision Song Contest, WICREATIONS developed a lift system that enabled dozens of lighting fixtures to be fully integrated into a video floor. Both the lift system and the complete power and signal supply had to be accommodated beneath a structure approximately twelve metres wide and one metre deep. This required a cable management system that was compact while still ensuring reliable operation during rehearsals and live broadcasts.

“The challenge was to develop a cable management solution that would fit within the limited space available beneath the video floor without compromising reliability during the continuous movements of the lift system,” says XX at igus. “That is why, together with WICREATIONS, we opted for an integrated solution featuring energy chains, zig-zag systems and dynamic cables. This project clearly demonstrates how motion technology can contribute to innovative applications in which technology, design and reliability come together.”

A compact solution for complex motion

The installation comprises two igus zig-zag systems for vertical cable guidance, two E4.32 energy chains positioned on either side of the lift system, and six chainflex® CF130 cables for the transmission of power and signals. This combination ensures that the cables are guided in a controlled manner throughout the entire movement, while the dynamic cables are designed for applications involving continuous motion.

In addition to the technical challenge, timing also played a key role. The complete solution had to be manufactured within ten days and delivered directly to the project site in Vienna so that installation could proceed according to schedule.

Reliable technology

According to WICREATIONS, the project illustrates the importance of close collaboration between the system integrator and the technology partner in complex live productions. In addition to supplying the components, igus also provided engineering support for the cable guidance system, enabling a compact and reliable solution to be created within the available space.

“With projects such as Eurovision, there is no room for delays or technical risks. Our collaboration with igus went extremely smoothly. Thanks to the rapid engineering support and the reliable cable management solution, we were able to complete the lift system on schedule and put it into operation with confidence,” says Geert Stockmans, Key Account Manager at WICREATIONS.