Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung December 20, 2013

Laser shows for the ESC and the sultan of Oman

When Lothar Bopp founded Lobo Electronic GmbH in 1982, before even commencing his studies of precision engineering, he built small lighting systems for discotheques. Even then, the market was quite dynamic. On his hunt for new business models, he discovered laser technology. In the beginning, Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation – or LASER – was used to project simple images such as company logos with the assistance of gas laser modules. Today, LOBO offers laser-based multimedia show events with electro lasers. The outdated gas lasers had a consumption of 40 liters of cooling water per minute and 40 000 Watts of energy. A state-of-the-art electro laser consumes 99 percent less energy, is fully air-cooled and weighs about a ton less.

Multimedia light spectacles made by LOBO are not only used for company presentations, but also for national celebrations and mega shows such as the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2012 in Baku. To date, the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2006 in Doha was the largest event with a LOBO laser show, being watched by 3.4 billion television viewers. Furthermore, LOBO has installed laser systems in large amusement parks, in theaters and on cruise ships. Even the sultan of Oman, whose 40th jubilee was celebrated with a LOBO show, is among the clients. However, private clients are rare. Still, some of owners of private yachts had their boats outfitted with laser and multimedia equipment by LOBO. Prices for laser shows fluctuate quite heavily, ranging between 30 000 and more than one million Euros. A project such as the Asian Games yields a turnover of about 2 million Euros.

While LOBO is active in 75 countries, its headquarters are located in Lothar Bopp’s home town of Aalen in the Swabian district Ostalbkreis. Mr. Bopp is an athletic and elegantly dressed man with a predilection for house and lounge music. Regularly, the industry’s umbrella organization, the International Laser Display Association (ILDA), awards its “Laser Technology Oscars” for products and shows. With 139 Oscars, LOBO is the cream of the crop. LOBO generates 40 percent of its almost ten million Euro turnover with the provision of services, the remaining 60 percent with the sale of products. The costs for a basic laser vary between 100 000 and 200 000 Euros. LOBO not only produces laser units, but also fitting modular controllers and everything else needed for a multimedia laser show.

Gerrit-René Walke
Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium, Aalen