The World’s Tallest Inflatable Tube Man, designed for Amber Energy

Background

Amber Energy commissioned Giant Inflatables to design and fabricate the world’s tallest inflatable tube man in Melbourne’s CBD to promote renewable energy awareness. Rising to 50 metres only when renewables power the grid, Amberman visually signals ideal times to use energy-intensive appliances or charge EVs for greener, cheaper energy. The Amberman was on display at Golden Square Car Park in Melbourne. Amberman highlights Amber’s mission to help Australians shift energy use to renewable-rich periods, reducing costs and emissions. Unique in the market, Amber charges a flat subscription fee and provides customers with real-time grid data through its app, enabling more intelligent, sustainable energy use.

Challenge

Amber Energy sought to create an attention-grabbing marketing initiative that aligned with its message of renewable energy awareness. The centrepiece would be a record-breaking 50-metre inflatable tube man, dubbed “Amberman,” operated in Melbourne’s CBD. The challenge lay in designing a visually striking inflatable capable of safely withstanding the stress of strong air currents and fluctuating wind conditions at 50 metres amidst tall buildings. The material required a precise balance between strength and lightness, and operational safety was paramount.

Solution

To address these challenges, Giant Inflatables turned to advanced sail-racing technology. Drawing inspiration from spinnakers used in professional sailing, the team developed a custom fabric that could endure high stress while remaining light enough to fly smoothly. The inflatable was fabricated at Giant Inflatables’ Braeside facility, where engineers designed a powerful, custom-built fan to maintain consistent air pressure. Extensive testing was conducted in Melbourne’s backcountry, simulating various wind conditions to ensure the tube man’s stability and safety. Additionally, a smaller 30-metre version was created for use during stronger-than-ideal winds. This dual approach ensured Amberman could operate effectively in nearly all conditions.

Execution

The Amberman debuted during a week-long event at Amber Energy’s Melbourne headquarters. Located in the heart of the CBD, the campaign demanded precise planning to ensure safety in a densely populated area. The Giant Inflatables team handled all setup, operation, and dismantling aspects, adhering to municipal safety guidelines. Amberman was designed to inflate only when renewable energy resources were available on the electricity grid. This dynamic display educated the public on optimising energy use during low-cost, renewable energy availability periods, such as charging electric vehicles or running household appliances.

Results

Amberman became an instant hit, towering amongst Melbourne’s skyline throughout the week-long event. The marketing initiative captured the public’s imagination, with live streams broadcast on YouTube and extensive coverage on social media platforms, amplifying Amber Energy’s message of renewable energy awareness. The initiative demonstrated the seamless integration of creativity, engineering, and sustainability, delivering a unique campaign that enhanced brand recognition and inspired meaningful engagement with Amber Energy’s mission.

Collaboration with Giant Inflatables Industrial

This ambitious project was a collaborative effort between Giant Inflatables and its industrial division, Giant Inflatables Industrial. By combining their expertise, the team leveraged advanced industrial engineering knowledge in fabric materials and construction techniques to design an inflatable capable of safely withstanding the immense forces generated by air currents at a 50-metre height. Giant Inflatables Industrial played a critical role, contributing its specialised skills in industrial-grade fabrics and structural integrity while custom engineering the powerful fan system required to keep the tube man fully inflated and stable. This synergy ensured the project met the highest safety and performance standards, aligning creative vision with practical engineering solutions.

DID YOU KNOW?

The world’s first inflatable tube man

Trinidadian artist Peter Minshall devised the concept, which was developed by a team that included Israeli artists Doron Gazit and Arieh Dranger for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Minshall originally dubbed his invention the “Tall Boy.”

The tallest inflatable tube man is Giant Inflatables’ second world’s biggest.

The Amberman project marks Giant Inflatables’ second record-breaking achievement, following their success in creating the world’s largest disco ball for Dîner en Blanc Sydney in 2022