MACHINESHOP presents: TWAXIS

A silent, two axis, individually addressable gimbal system.

Installation / Cruise Ships

Mechanical & Action / Control & Mechanisms

A silent, two axis, individually addressable gimbal system.

Behind the scenes

A silent, two axis, individually addressable gimbal system.

Bespoke Kinetic Staging Engineering: The Patented TWAXIS System

MACHINESHOP presents TWAXIS, an engineering-grade, silent, two-axis, individually addressable gimbal system built for high-end experiential architecture. Originally custom-developed in response to a challenging brief from MSC Cruises, the system was designed to fill an organic-shaped ceiling space on board their flagship World Class cruise fleet.

Engineered for over 10 years of silent operation on the MSC World Europa, the system features over 120 individual units integrated into a precise, custom framework.

Advanced Mechanical Innovation & Kinetic Design

Building mechanical automation systems that operate overhead in high-traffic public spaces, such as luxury cruise liner atriums, hotel lobbies, and upscale retail environments, requires exceptional structural safety, absolute precision, and zero-maintenance reliability:

  • Virtually Silent Operation: Engineered with an acoustically dampened drive system that meets rigid maritime sound-level requirements, ensuring whisper-quiet movement cycles during live performances.
  • Individually Addressable Nodes: Supports large-scale array integration—such as a 120-node ceiling installation—allowing technicians to program fluid, sweeping, or wave-like motion choreography via standard DMX/Art-Net control protocols.
  • Two-Axis Precision Articulation: Delivers smooth, multi-directional tilt and rotation profiles, allowing attached scenic elements, light fixtures, or custom props to track flawlessly in 3D space.
  • Zero-Backlash Leadscrew Assembly: Utilizing a unique, precision-machined mechanical leadscrew drive that eliminates slack and jitter, ensuring crisp continuity and razor-sharp framing throughout millions of continuous cycles.