For Katy Perry’s 2017 tour, we developed a custom mechanical system to animate a large inflatable hand as part of the stage performance. The hand was designed to repeatedly open and close during the show, adding a playful and surreal visual moment to the live set.
The inflatable hand, made from lightweight fabric, required a motion system that was both gentle and precise. We engineered a cable-driven mechanism with a custom motion controller to manage the repeated movements. The system needed to be robust enough for touring, easy to reset, and fully synchronized with the show’s timing and choreography.
The result was a smooth-operating, dynamic stage prop that enhanced the theatrical experience of the tour. The inflatable hand performed consistently throughout the shows, combining mechanical precision with visual impact.
