5 Star once again were busy at PLASA.

‘Robo Jock’ - a joint concept venture between 5 Star, ABB Limited and Pioneer – proved a real show-stopper on the booth.

Robo-Jock was built to demonstrate a host of case design features available from 5 Star, including specialist wood machining, access flaps, vision panels, electrical facilities, etc. It also illustrated 5 Star’s unique design skills gained from many years experience in the field of case manufacture.

Robo-Jock was conceived and built by 5 Star.

ABB, a world leader in Industrial Robotics, supplied the IRB140, six axis high resolution robot complete with custom made DVD suction device and ‘operating finger’. ABB also supplied the controller and teach pendant, and also programmed all the robot movements to a brief from the 5 Star technical team.

Pioneer supplied a set of twin DVJ-1000’s, seen for the first time in the UK at PLASA 2006, together with a DJM800 mixer and a VSW video switcher. 5 Star integrated twin 10” TFT screens for preview purposes and a third one for master output.

The robot was programmed to pick up one of six DVD discs, place it into the DVJ slot, crossfade and fade on the DJM as well as eject the disc at the end of the sequence. Robo-Jock also ‘scratched’ using the DVJ platter as well as a ‘dance’ sequence!

Other products on show were the recently updated Rack-in-a-Box system. Proving to be extremely popular with audio hire companies, this flexible and modular system features stacking inner racks of various unit sizes, protected by a Heavy Industrial outer flight case.

Another multipurpose case attracting much attention was 5 Star’s Drawered Rack system, featuring a series of drawers of various depths fitted with ball race slides for added durability. Production companies find these cases particularly useful for tools, spares and even catering equipment.