Technical venue requirements for a robot

A robot is sensitive to its environment. A slippery floor, a step on the route or no socket nearby can ruin a performance that took weeks to prepare. That is why we always send the organiser our technical requirements in advance. Here they are – with an explanation of why each item matters.

Space

• Humanoid (R1) – at least 3×3 m of clear space.
  
• Robot dog (GO2) – at least 4×4 m, more for a dynamic act.
  
• Plus 1.5–2 m from the edge of the area to the audience.

If two robots work at the same time, their areas do not overlap – each gets its own space.

Floor

A level, firm surface is best: laminate, parquet, dense carpet, concrete. Glossy tiles and marble are harder: the robot struggles more to keep its balance. Unsuitable: deep-pile rugs, sand, wet surfaces. On stage we check the joints between platforms – a gap of a few centimetres is already an obstacle for a robot.

Stairs, thresholds, lifts

The robot arrives in hard cases, so trolley access to the hall or a freight lift is needed. The robot’s route at the event has no steps or high thresholds. If the stage is raised, a gentle ramp or an entrance from hall level is needed.

Power

• A 220 V socket in the engineer’s area for charging batteries.
• Preferably a separate circuit, not shared with heavy lighting equipment.
• We bring our own extension cords, but cables must be covered where people walk.

Internet

If the robot answers guests through AI, stable internet is needed. Public event Wi-Fi is often overloaded, so we bring a mobile router. Ideally – a separate network from the organiser or a wired connection in the engineer’s area. Scripted show acts work without internet.

Lighting

Robots navigate using cameras and sensors. Very bright spotlights aimed at the robot’s face, strobes and heavy haze can interfere. We ask for time for a test run under show lighting so the spotlight angles can be adjusted if needed.

Sound

If the robot speaks to the audience, we connect to the event sound system, so a free channel on the desk is needed. If the robot listens to voice commands, loud music nearby will interfere: we plan pauses or use the remote.

The engineer’s area

The engineer needs a spot with a direct view of the robot but outside the audience area: backstage, beside the stage, behind a screen at a booth. The charging station, cases and spare batteries go there too.

Setup time

• Unpacking and checks – about an hour.
  
• Test run and rehearsal – 30–60 minutes.
  
• Teardown after the event – about an hour.
  

Outdoors

Outdoor venues add weather requirements: dry weather, an even surface, a canopy in case of rain, shade for the charging area in hot weather. If the forecast is doubtful, we agree on a backup location under a roof.

What to send us

To assess the venue quickly, send us a plan of the hall or stage, photos of the floor and the route from the entrance, and information about lifts and move-in time. That is usually enough to prepare without a separate site visit.

Other preparation questions are collected under questions about robots at events.

Frequent questions from venue owners

Will the robot damage the floor? No: the robots have rubber feet, and a robot dog weighs about 15 kg, a humanoid a little more. For delicate floors we can bring our own mat for the act area.

Is a special permit needed? Usually not, but we provide an equipment description and safety rules if the venue management requires them.

Is the robot noisy? It works quietly and is barely audible over the event. Noise usually comes from the act’s music, which you approve in advance.

Have a venue plan? Send it to us – we will suggest where to place the robot and what to prepare.