Ammonite Sessions: The Future of Followspots
In 2023, in conjunction with the National Theatre in London, Ammonite Studios held a unique event that gathered lighting professionals from across the industry to explore the panoply of (then) new technology to provide light tracking, specifically ‘The Future of Followspots’.
With a large audience of industry decision makers, Ammonite hosted a discussion and demonstration, joined by some of the main market producers and distributors to look at the integration of this technology into rigs from Rock n’ Roll to high end theatre. Fast forward to 2026 and the market has widened to a bewildering array of options and products, some which may be around longer than others, but let's take a look back at that memorable day at the NT.
A followspot traditionally has been operated by a physical Spotlight Operator; however new advancements in the lighting industry have allowed for devices which can follow movements through tracking sensors and pre-planned light programming.
There were six proposed systems for automated followspots;
- Blacktrax
- Follow Me Tracking Solutions
- Zactrack
- Robert Juliat SpotMe
- Macula
- Robe RoboSpot
There is no avoiding the fact that these systems all offer a similar product - technology to automate a previously human-operated process. A human operator is still often preferred, with their ability to react to unplanned movement, show stops, technical issues and more. However, for smaller productions with a small team of key lighting operators, a tracking system can allow the lighting designer to achieve more ambitious ideas without compromising because of limited staff budgeting. This technology is potentially game-changing for advanced technical lighting designs across sports, performing arts, music and live events.
Each software offers a few unique features which make them competitors to potential consumers:
BlackTrax
Technology: Vision-based real-time tracking using multiple sensors to track performers and objects. Tracking data from BlackTrax can be put into and mapped to objects or props within the Disguise visualiser.
Pros: Highly accurate and reliable tracking as long as two or more sensors have line of sight; supports complex stage movements and multiple targets; integrates well with lighting and projection systems; widely used in high-profile productions for precision and automation, freeing operators from manual control.
Follow Me Tracking Solutions
Technology: The Delta system uses a remote operator with a camera and user interface. Track-iT uses Ultra Wide Band Radio tracking to follow performers.
Pros: Often simpler and more affordable than vision-based systems; good for venues with less complex tracking needs; reliable in controlled environments. Can utilise an operator to keep the human interaction.
Zactrack
Technology: Ultra Wide Band Radio which can be used through common stage materials and varied environmental conditions. Tracking with wearable tags for performers.
Pros: Lightweight and unobtrusive tags; good for tracking multiple performers simultaneously; relatively affordable; designed for ease of use in live events.
Robert Juliat SpotMe
Technology: SpotMe consists of sensors mounted on tripod and followspot, and a server. Data is taken from the movement of the spot can be extrapolated to multiple other units.
Pros: Existing brand presence, utilising a physical operator puts some at ease, it can integrate with your existing front light system.
Macula
Technology: Remotely positioned operator manually operating a followspot system able to integrate into multiple heads. A camera feeds back to the operator.
Pros: Long standing industry use, quick and easy setup with good UI.
Robe RoboSpot
Technology: Remotely positioned operator manually operating a followspot system able to integrate into multiple heads. A camera feeds back to the operator.
Pros: Long standing industry use, quick and easy setup with good UI.
Summary
Each technology suits different scales and complexity of productions, balancing cost, precision, and ease of use.
If you would like to discuss tracking options with us, please get in touch for consult info@ammonite.ltd.
Written by Grace McCaffrey