ENBW Magazin March 2002

Show lasers for discotheques are “small fish” for LOBO electronic GmbH. They are in the business of mega events all around the world. At LOBO, human imagination alone sets the limitations of what is possible.

When a giant green clock hovers in the sky above Cape Town or dinosaurs walk through rooms in Singapore, LOBO electronic is most certainly involved. The company from Aalen in Baden Wurttemberg is a client of EnBW ODR and specializes in three-dimensional laser projections that seem to hover freely in space.

Spectators do not need 3D glasses for this experience. On the contrary, with all senses they feel drawn into the spectacle of light, sound and spatial effects, seemingly taking place around them in cartoon style. A motor boat speeds from a bay into the open sea, a man and woman dance closely intertwined, shimmering fish swim around a coral reef – these are no film sequences, but rather scenes from superlative laser shows, created and produced by LOBO electronic. The company is considered to be the global number one in its industry. Year after year, it brings home the most coveted awards from international competitions.

What is the reason for LOBO’s success? Lothar Bopp (39), managing director of the company, explains: “We always go to the limits of the technically and creatively possible. Our philosophy is based on the maximization principle.” Today, Lothar Bopp has 30 employees, including some in the creative department and about a dozen engineers. About 75 percent of the turnover is generated with exports. He founded his company 20 years ago, immediately after graduating high school. On the side, he finished his studies.

LOBO places great value on application comfort, safety and new developments. The company is a pioneer of laser technology. Back in 1992, it was the first to develop a laser system with 16 million colors. It invented the laser truck system, based on the principle of TV broadcasting vans. Within moments, the mobile operation-ready complete system can be put into use anywhere on the world, ready for the performance of spectacular events. It managed to realize continuous all-around 360° projections. It developed “water screens”, invisible water films onto which seemingly free floating images can be projected, including outdoors. It is no surprise that measurement devices for the safety-related assessment of show laser systems are also made by LOBO. Most competitors can’t offer LOBO’s comprehensive product range and extensive expertise in all fields from technology to show production. “Almost all components of a laser system, from the smallest optical parts to complex multimedia workstations, are made directly in house,” the agile entrepreneur emphasizes. Lothar Bopp wants to stay a step ahead: “In global competition, patents aren’t worth anything. You always have to be one step ahead.”