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“Odyssey of the Seas” equipped with Robe’s RoboSpots

Robe Esprite luminaires and RoboSpot remote follow spotting systems - the first installed on an ocean-going liner - are providing a flexible solution for the Two70 Theatre space aboard the new 1,138 foot long, 169 gross tonne “Odyssey of the Seas”, the latest Ultra Quantum-class ship launched by Royal Caribbean International.

Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, the technical specifications for the various onboard entertainment spaces were coordinated by Christopher Vlassopulos, Royal Caribbean’s sound, light and AV systems manager for new build projects. The installation was completed by media technology specialists and integrators, Amptown System Company (ASC).

Two70 is featured on all of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, and fitting traditional follow spots into these was always a challenge. Due to the steep angle of the seating banks, the follow spots had to be located amidst the audience resulting in seats being blocked off and the kit looking somewhat intrusive.

When Vlassopulos realized that this could be averted with RoboSpot systems in place, he arranged for a test demo. This went ahead aboard the “Celebrity Apex” vessel in St. Nazaire, France, organized by VHMS and Robe France with RCG show lighting manager Benjamin Couling in attendance, together with lighting designers Simon Harry and Nick Mugnaini (Vlassopulos and the Amptown team could not be there in person due to COVID travel restrictions).

Vlassopulos immediately changed the spec from the two traditional follow spots that were due to be installed aboard Odyssey for RoboSpots running in conjunction with the two Esprites. The moving lights feature Robe’s TE (Transferable Engine) LED technology. ASC project manager Steffen Müller explains that with the short time window for commissioning Two70 in mind, a full RoboSpot mock-up was then arranged at their facility in Berlin, via Robe Germany, giving a proper evaluation in advance plus the chance to optimize the system, ultimately saving time on site.

As the installation took place after the set up and much of the engineering phase of the Odyssey’s 670 capacity Two70 venue was completed, the next task for the ASC crew was to integrate the RoboSpots into the existing lighting infrastructure. Their engineering and onsite teams worked together to ensure this was a seamless process.

ASC lighting engineer Philipp Herbst comments, “the RoboSpot system freed up valuable audience space and brought the operators ‘backstage’”, which in this case is onto the catwalk above the ceiling. They used the existing pipes and trusses for rigging the two Esprite moving light follow spots, no new positions had to be created. The RoboSpot system will be run day-to-day by Two70 show cast members during voyages.

The Quantum-class vessels in the fleet also feature a system of moving LED screens rigged on ABB industrial robots, specially developed for Royal Caribbean by automation specialist AndyRobot (aka Andrew Flessas). The venue’s other advanced features include a ceiling-based performer flying system and several under-floor hydraulic stage lifts. Robe’s global sales team arranged training for the first operators who will be working the RoboSpots in the theatre as they start programming the new show ahead of the ship’s maiden voyage.

(Photos: Ingo Dombrowski/RCCL)

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