These construction systems for both small and gigantic stages, on which we have seen many rock stars perform, are manufactured by AreaFour Industries in Roudnice nad Labem. František Zykan, the founder and owner of the company, says: "Usually people set a main goal and then gradually work towards it. I did not do it that way; I set sub-goals, which I gradually fulfilled. That way, I keep moving forward and the opportunities come by themselves. I see more and more of what is possible." One of the sub-goals he set for himself was the robotic welding of the beams AreaFour produces in Roudnice, putting him one step ahead of everyone else.
Blood, sweat and tears
At the beginning of the project, none of those involved could have predicted how much work would be put into the robotically welded beams. The result of the combined efforts of AreaFour Industries and Valk Welding in this project is 7 welding robots that are currently capable of producing hundreds of metres of beams per day. Adriaan Broere, CTO of the Valk Welding Group, says: "During the course of this project, there were many moments when it seemed that despite the latest technologies we have with Panasonic welding robots, despite decades of experience in hardware, software and welding, we would not be able to deliver what AreaFour expected from the project.”