Behind the magic of the NYC New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Every year, as the final seconds tick away, the world focuses on the glowing sphere rising above Times Square. It’s a moment of celebration—and a remarkable feat of engineering. There are no do-overs. When the countdown begins, the entire system must perform with absolute precision.
What many people don’t realize is how far the Ball Drop has evolved. For its first 87 years, starting in 1907, the Ball was raised and lowered by a crew using ropes and a stopwatch. That method worked for a much smaller structure, but today’s nearly six-ton Ball requires advanced motion control and robust mechanical design.
SEW-EURODRIVE is proud to play a behind-the-scenes role. While the rest of the world watches a captivating light show and counts down the seconds, we see the engineering and innovation behind the movement that makes the moment possible.
A New Ball with Bigger Demands
The 2026 Ball features a refreshed exterior and next-generation LED technology capable of richer colors, smoother animations, and more dynamic patterns. These visual upgrades increase the demands on the lifting system, which must manage the Ball’s substantial weight while delivering controlled, steady movement.
A powerful winch system beneath the mast platform handles the motion. Its two-line configuration and 42-inch drum with helical grooving use opposing wire ropes to maintain balance and smooth operation in a compact footprint. At the center of this system is an SEW-EURODRIVE gearmotor, designed to support the full load and provide precise, dependable motion throughout both the rise and the 60-second descent.
The unit’s planetary and helical-bevel gearing, combined with an AC motor, encoder, brake, and regenerative VFD, delivers accurate speed control and even returns energy to the grid as the Ball descends.
An Enhanced Safety Feature for an Unmissable Moment
To meet the evolving requirements of the Ball Drop mechanism, the drive system now incorporates a through-going low-speed shaft that allows a second brake to be mounted opposite the gearbox. This added braking capability increases redundancy, which is critical for an event where millions are watching, and the system has one precise minute to perform.
SEW-EURODRIVE’s gearmotor converts high motor speed into slow, powerful, predictable movement. The planetary stage provides the torque needed to support the Ball’s weight, while the helical-bevel stage ensures efficient power transfer. Working together with the encoder, brake, and VFD, the system maintains exceptionally tight speed and stopping control.
The result is motion the world can rely on, year after year.
Precision You Can Celebrate
From the gearing to the motor and braking technologies, every component is built with one purpose: ensure the Ball moves exactly as intended.
- No slips.
- No surprises.
- Just smooth, controlled motion guiding one of the world’s most anticipated traditions.
As the countdown reaches zero and the Ball completes its descent, SEW-EURODRIVE is proud knowing our technology helped drive a moment shared across the globe. When the world is watching, SEW-EURODRIVE does not just drop the ball; we raise the standard.
Reliability Through Routine Servicing
Although the Ball operates only a few times each year, routine maintenance is essential to ensure continuous readiness. Regular lift-and-lower cycles confirm proper operation of the winch and gearmotor. SEW-EURODRIVE service technicians perform inspections, change oil, analyze samples, and verify the health of internal components.
Thanks to the system’s low duty cycle and durable construction, wear remains minimal. Still, proactive maintenance safeguards performance for years to come. The Ball isn’t just part of one night’s celebration; it’s a year-round landmark viewed by millions.
