What a Robot Needs on Stage: Technical Checklist for Event Planners

Surface and access

A humanoid robot walks on flat, firm ground. A proper stage floor, carpet without folds or ripples, and a smooth transition onto the stage are ideal. Steps and steep ramps are always assessed in advance, and quite often we choose a different way for the robot to enter – for example directly at stage level or along a level route from backstage.

This is the single most important thing to clarify early, because it affects where the robot can appear and how the entrance is staged. If you are working with a stage builder, it helps to share their plans with us as soon as they exist.

• a flat, firm surface with no gaps between stage platforms
• no loose cables along the robot's route
• step-free access from backstage, or an agreed alternative entrance
• for outdoor stages, a dry surface and cover from rain

Space around the robot

On stage, the robot needs a clear area to move in and a safe distance from the host, the speakers and the front row. How much space is required depends on what the robot is going to do: a short gesture or greeting needs less room than a dance routine.

When planning the stage layout, think about lecterns, screens, decorations and monitor speakers that may sit in the robot's path. Keeping the performance area free of props and furniture during the robot's appearance makes the moment look cleaner on camera and keeps everyone at a comfortable distance. The robot is always controlled and supervised by our operator, who can end the appearance at any time.

Lighting, sound and cues

A robot's entrance works best when it is synchronised with music and light. Before the event, we agree with your show caller or technical director who gives the cue for the entrance and which music the robot performs to.

The music must be properly licensed for the event. In most cases it is played by your sound engineer or DJ, so we coordinate the track and the exact starting point with them in advance. If the host announces the robot, we agree the wording and the moment of the announcement too, so the hand-over between people and robot feels natural rather than improvised.

Rehearsal and preparation time

Our team needs time to prepare the robot in a backstage area and to run a short rehearsal on site. During the rehearsal we walk through the entrance, the robot's position on stage, the exit and the transition to and from the host. Please build this slot into your production schedule – ideally at a time when the stage, sound and lighting are already set up.

1. Arrival and preparation

   The team prepares the robot backstage and checks the power supply.

2. Technical rehearsal

   We go through the route, position, music and cues with your show caller.

3. Performance

   The robot enters at the agreed moment and performs its routine.

4. Exit

   The robot leaves the stage and the programme continues without a pause.

What to send us in advance

The more we know before the event, the fewer surprises there are on the day. These details allow our production team to assess the stage, plan the entrance and prepare the rehearsal:

• the event schedule and the planned time of the robot's appearance
• contact details for your show caller or stage manager
• photos or a plan of the stage and backstage area
• information about the host and the music

Planning a stage appearance with RobotShow

RobotShow prepares robot programmes for events across the Czech Republic, and we handle events abroad on an individual basis. Whether you are planning a conference opening, a gala evening or an awards ceremony, we will look at your stage, schedule and technical set-up and suggest how the robot's moment can work best.

Every programme is quoted individually, based on what the robot should do, how long the team is present and where the event takes place. Send us a no-obligation inquiry with the date, venue and a short description of your stage, and our production team will come back to you with a proposal.