Wirtschaft Regional May 2010

LOBO electronic GmbH from Aalen receives state-wide VR Innovation Award for SMEs 2010 for “sparks”
Sascha Kurz
Aalen. “We do not accept anything pre-fabricated,” Alexander Hennig says. The marketing head of LOBO electronic GmbH is talking about the development of the “sparks” laser projector, for which the laser and multimedia company from Aalen has received the special award of the financing association as part of the VR Innovation Award for SMEs 2010.
The device developed by LOBO is considered to be the brightest laser projection system in the world. It was presented in early 2009, with ten units being sold already. “We are proud to have such an outstanding company in our city and among our clients,” Hans Peter Weber, board spokesman of VR-Bank Aalen, explained. The award with a cash value of 10,000 EUR was presented for the tenth time by the Volks and Raiffeisenbanken of Baden Wurttemberg. On 23 June at the VR Day of SMEs in Heilbronn, it will be presented by Prime Minister Stefan Mappus.
The development and outstanding properties are based on three pillars. The new generation of optically-pumped lasers on semi-conductor basis, whose development had taken ten years, was decisive for the breakthrough, as LOBO’s managing director Lothar Bopp explains. In addition, the optics had been optimized to bundle the laser beam more strongly, resulting in a nine times brighter projection, Alexander Hennig continues. The advantages of the system are complemented by a higher usability for clients thanks to increased flexibility and functionality. Bopp: “The laser projector sparks is designed according to the modular principle and can be upgraded or retrofitted by the client at any time.”
LOBO electronic was founded in 1982 and has been based in the Industrial Park West in Aalen since 1999. The laser specialist has 25 employees, with 70 percent of all turnover being generated with the sale of laser systems and the rest with the design of multimedia shows around the globe. In the in-house studio, shows are designed, programmed and presented to clients. “The show H2O lasts for eight minutes,” Lothar Bopp announces an excursion into the world of laser projections as an appetizer in the LOBO studios. Laser images are projected onto fog and water screens, complemented by music and light effects – a perfect performance. “Here, three sparks projectors are used, the rest is supplied by conventional laser projection systems,” Bopp explains.
The award tells the public that LOBO is among most innovative SMEs in Baden Wurttemberg, Ralf Baumbusch, responsible for corporate clients as new member of the board of VR-Bank Aalen, stressed. Only those who can offer faster, better and more intelligent solutions than others can dominate the competition. In LOBO’s laboratories, Alexander Hennig exemplifies that this is the case for LOBO with the sparks system: “Previously, around 60 kW cooling power and much larger apparatuses where required to achieve a comparable laser light performance.” The new technology is also revolutionary for reasons of sustainability: With presentation systems running for many hours a day, performance losses caused by cooling will add up. Lothar Bopp: “With a power output of only one kW, air-cooling suffices for the sparks system.”
“With the idea competition, the Volks- and Raiffeisenbanken of the state show their commitment to their special responsibility for SMEs. Banks can only be successful with a prospering local economy,” Hans-Peter Weber said. With the presentation of the award to LOBO, the VR Innovation Award goes to Eastern Wurttemberg for the third time in a row.