From the gravity-defying stage of KÀ to the aquatic marvel of O, hydraulic systems have been instrumental in creating the magic that unfolds nightly on the Strip. At the MGM Grand, KÀ stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity. The show’s centerpiece is a 150-ton stage that rises 70 feet into the air, tilts up to 100 degrees, and rotates 360 degrees—all powered by hydraulics. 

Precision and reliability of the system are crucial, as the stage’s movements must be synchronized with the performers’ actions to ensure safety and enhance the storytelling experience. Designed by our team here at Atlantic Hydraulic Systems, the system requires four massive 12-inch bore cylinders, each with a 72-foot stroke, to lift the stage at a rate of two feet per second. The system is fitted with four vertically mounted cylinders. To maintain the movement, the system incorporates ten Parker PE145 series piston pumps driven by five 250-horsepower motors. Each five-pump set provides 130 gallons per minute. Since there is significant dwell time between stage moves for accumulator charging, the balance of the flow required is supplied by a farm of 34 50-gallon Parker accumulators and seventeen 350-gallon nitrogen bottles. 

Here's the cool part: the system was designed so that the cylinders are mounted rod down above the stage gantry. This allows them to perform the lifting function while retracting. If the cylinders were mounted rod up, they would have to push the stage up, resulting in buckling of the 5-in. diameter, 70-ft. long rods. Mounting the cylinders rod down means that the rod is always in tension, eliminating the likelihood of buckling. 

Servo control manifolds are mounted to the rod ports of the cylinders. Each of the four cylinders is controlled independently by its own servo valve manifold. This uses a 3-way, 80mm Atos proportional valve and a Parker D3FH series zero-lap servo solenoid valve, which work together to provide both the high flow and fine resolution required. Oil is fed to the rod side of the

cylinder only, so that the stage is lowered by metering out the oil in a closed loop fashion from all four cylinders.

Safety in Art

For Cirque Du Soleil and the MGM Grand Hotel artist safety is of the utmost importance. For this reason, we installed two retractable 50-ft diameter safety nets that sit below the stage as it lifts, tilts, and spins. Due to space and noise constraints, 14 hydraulically driven winches were chosen to set and strike the nets. The Magneto Hydraulics winches are each controlled by a

Denison proportional valve for speed control, and the hydraulic motors on the winches are dual displacement. 

A solenoid valve on the motors shifts the motor’s piston swashplate from hi-torque/low speed to low-torque/high speed. Eight of the winches use a mooring control circuit, which allows the net to move as a whole while under constant tension. An on-board encoder and pressure transducers provide net position and tension feedback to the controls. Perfect tension on the net must be maintained for optimal artist safety. The nets are set and struck over a dozen times during each performance.

Art and Engineering

The integration of hydraulics into these productions is a collaborative effort between Cirque du Soleil and specialized engineering firms, such as ours. Atlantic Hydraulic Systems have been instrumental in designing and implementing these complex systems. Our expertise ensures that the hydraulic mechanisms operate smoothly, safely, and in harmony with the artistic vision of the shows to create a seamless blend of technology and performance that continues to awe audiences decades later. 

As Cirque du Soleil celebrates over 20 years in Las Vegas, the role of hydraulics in its productions remains a cornerstone of its success. Hydraulics systems have not only enhanced the visual spectacle but have set new standards in theatrical engineering. The ongoing collaboration between artists and engineers ensures that each performance pushes the boundaries of what is possible, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and eagerly anticipating the next act. Hydraulics have been, and continue to be, the unsung heroes that elevate these shows from extraordinary to unforgettable.

For information: 

Atlantic Hydraulics Systems 

Hydraulic Power Units

Cirque du Soleil

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