That number has now grown to 470 who are engaged in manufacturing in the Czech Republic and sales and support teams in four wholly owned subsidiaries in the UK, USA, Singapore and Dubai.

Following several years as a successful OEM manufacturer, ‘Robe’ was launched as an own brand in 2002, and is now one of the world’s leading moving light brands, distributed globally in over 90 countries.

Robe is once again using the Prolight+Sound exhibition in Frankfurt to showcase a raft of innovative new products.

This is a brand new strong and powerful fixture that will be launched at the show. It utilizes the latest LED technology and can be used as a beam or a wash light.

With flexibility to the fore, it features a unique proprietary optical system enabling a zoom of 4 – 60 degrees with full beam control … giving an extremely tight and intense beam for long throws or a nice smooth even wash.

A super-fast pan / tilt is great for creating spectacular WOW factors

‘Small is beautiful’ has always been a winning mantra for Robe, and the highly versatile CycFX 4 takes all the flexible parameters of the CycFX 8 and presents it in a smaller, half size package.

Truss or floor-mountable and offering four individually controllable LEDs, an amazing 8 to 67 degree zoom and lightning-quick movement – it is a unique fixture ideal for creating spectacular sweeps and curtains of light and colour across a stage or area … and also for footlights or audience ‘blinder’ effects.

CycFX 4s can be combined with CycFX 8s for even greater dynamics and the ability to build structural and sculptural shapes  to frame pros arches and for general architectural outlining.

The first LED PAR of its kind, Robe’s PARFect is based on the hugely popular LEDBeam 100 technology, with the same optical system and light engine in a static housing.

The ParFect uses 12 x 15W RGBW LEDs and has a 7 degree beam angle with the option of additional diffusers to achieve 10, 20 and 45 degrees.

A Powercon connector in and out allows 12 or 6 units (Europe and US respectively)  to be daisy-chained together, and optional accessories include barn doors and a gel frame.

In addition to the RGBW version, a SmartWhite ParFect, tuneable from 2700 – 6500K and a daylight fixture at 6200K will follow shortly.

These popular static versions of Robe’s LEDWash moving heads are re-launched at Prolight 2014 with new electronics allowing much smoother dimming curve than previously … in fact the products will have the smoothest 20-bit LED dimming curves on the market!

New thermal management also means improved and near-silent cooling which is essential for the theatre applications at which it’s aimed, together with studio installations and performing arts shows.

On 19th February 2014, Robe acquired all relevant patents and intellectual property from UK company GDS to manufacture and further develop their popular range of LiteWare battery powered LED products.

The first product to be released by Robe will be a high-output (HO) up-lighter using two 40W RGB LEDs. The rechargeable battery will power the LEDs for up to 18 hours, depending on the colour mix and output level.

The patented tilting head enables the light output to be directed onto walls, pillars and other architectural features. Each unit can be remotely controlled via wireless DMX or set to operate independently in a stand-alone function.

The base housing has a polished finish, reflecting the immediate surroundings and blending into any decor.

This fixture is based on the same technology as the LiteWare HO, with the additional feature of a removable head  - containing the two 40W RGB or White LEDs.

This head can be fitted directly onto the base unit or raised up to 2.7m using a patented adjustable telescopic pole. With a 270º tilt and 360º pan adjustment, the LiteWare Satellite provides a quick, easy-to-rig, cable-free system for lighting a conference presenter, a product display, a stage set, etc. ... or alternatively as a working light.

The LiteWare HO up-lighter and LiteWare Satellite units are supplied in purpose-built flight cases of 4 or 6 units, complete with inbuilt, intelligent charging electronics. The units can be continuously stored ‘on-charge’ ensuring they are always ready for use.

Robe is again sponsoring the Czech MotoGP racer Karel Abraham for the 2014 season and will bring the MotoGP hospitality dome to the show where it will be erected just outside Hall11.

There will be a press launch with Karel and his new Honda bike on Thursday morning at 10.00 a.m. – full details to be announced separately – and visitors will have the chance to meet Karel and see the bike close up on the stand.

Robe’s impressive booth – Hall 11 B51 – will be in its familiar position opposite German distributor LMP, and will again feature a spectacular lightshow designed by Nathan Wan which will run throughout the day utilizing all the latest technologies, together with that famous Czech hospitality!