Robe acquires RoboSpot rights and IP
- Details
Seth originally developed the RoboSpot concept a few years ago working with automated luminaires. Initially he used scanners due to the fast response time of the mirror and as the technology of moving heads improved, he then turned his attention to utilizing them with his system.
His system comprised a moving head pan/tilt camera mounted on the truss adjacent to the moving light which gave a first-person-view to an operator standing at FOH or at side / back-stage looking at a monitor and operating a user-interface that communicated with the moving light. Multiple moving lights could be controlled using one system with the offset calibration providing the ability to focus all lights on a single performer and position.
This innovative system has been further developed by Robe and is being previewed at the Prolight+Sound expo in Frankfurt this week.
Robe CEO Josef Valchar comments, “We saw the value and potential of Seth’s technology and have been in discussions since we first met in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2016.
“It’s the first remote controlled follow spot system that is straightforward and easy to set-up and use, and I think it will be of great interest to lighting professionals looking for a cost-efficient and effective solution in numerous production scenarios.
“This would include stadiums, arenas, concert halls, theatres, TV productions and college and high school venues to name but a few.”
Says Seth, “As designers, we are constantly faced with limitations. Constraints of budget, available space and safety push us to find creative solutions. The RoboSpot was born out of that struggle
“We wanted a rear followspot for a worldwide music performance broadcast, but had no room in the historic venue to safely allow an operator to sit above the stage. Inspiration struck after the show one evening and I quickly mocked up a working virtual system. The essence of that original idea still lives in the RoboSpot system as a testament to the spirit of innovation.”
The next generation of RoboSpot systems - with substantial enhancements - is compatible with any of Robe’s BMFL range of high-powered fixtures.
It has been devised as a solution for situations where it is impractical to install an operated followspot position.
(Jim Evans)
