

Robotron - High Tech made in GDR(2013)
In a world divided by the Iron Curtain, East Germany sought to carve its niche in the technological race. Enter "Robotron" - a name that seamlessly blended "robot" and "electronics." This wasn't just a brand; it was an ambitious answer to the West's technological advancements, a testament to the GDR’s drive to match, if not surpass, Western innovation. Drawing inspiration from the corporate giants of the West, the GDR‘s government merged various businesses to form this tech behemoth. With 16 major hubs in Central Germany alone, it was clear: "Robotron" was to be the DDR's technological crown jewel. But what was the Socialist Unity Party (SED), the GDR's ruling party, envisioning with this grand venture? How did "Robotron" navigate the challenges of operating within a socialist planned economy, while striving for global excellence? And as it grew to dominate East Germany's tech landscape, why did it always seem to be one step behind the leading global tech powers?


Movie: Robotron - High Tech made in GDR

Robotron - High Tech made in GDR
HomePage
Overview
In a world divided by the Iron Curtain, East Germany sought to carve its niche in the technological race. Enter "Robotron" - a name that seamlessly blended "robot" and "electronics." This wasn't just a brand; it was an ambitious answer to the West's technological advancements, a testament to the GDR’s drive to match, if not surpass, Western innovation. Drawing inspiration from the corporate giants of the West, the GDR‘s government merged various businesses to form this tech behemoth. With 16 major hubs in Central Germany alone, it was clear: "Robotron" was to be the DDR's technological crown jewel. But what was the Socialist Unity Party (SED), the GDR's ruling party, envisioning with this grand venture? How did "Robotron" navigate the challenges of operating within a socialist planned economy, while striving for global excellence? And as it grew to dominate East Germany's tech landscape, why did it always seem to be one step behind the leading global tech powers?
Release Date
2013-01-01
Average
0
Rating:
0.0 startsTagline
Genres
Languages:
DeutschKeywords
Similar Movies

Commodore Alive and Kicking(en)
The year is 2020 and Commodore is 68 years old and going strong. We look at new developments and interview Commodorians worldwide in this feature packed documentary.

History of the Amiga(en)
Take an intriguing, fun-filled journey through the history of the Amiga computer. From the earliest days, we'll examine the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of today's latest models from Commodore. Listen while Jay Miner, "Father of the Amiga", tells amusing anecdotes of the early days and the first prototype...hear what Commodore has to say about the future of the Amiga...and lots more! Meet the people, view the products and visit the places that have helped make the Amiga and Amiga user unique in the history of computing!

Amiga: Alive and Kicking(en)
The year is 2020 and the Amiga computer is 35 years old and going strong. We look at new developments and interview Amigans worldwide in this feature packed documentary.

Murder on the Social Network(en)
Using real cases, this documentary demonstrates the extent to which violent criminals can use social media to locate and manipulate victims.
Comrade Couture(de)
This film undertakes a journey into the amazing parallel universe of East Berlin’s fashion designers and experts in the art of survival. For, in the midst of the constraints of life in the GDR, there existed a fantasy world where it was possible to dance to another tune, be individual and even provocative. The most important characteristic of this bohemian scene was one’s per- sonal style. But this certainly wasn’t something that could be bought off the peg in the GDR. In this parallel universe it was up to you to create your own individual image – with your own hands. This film tells the story of the desires, the passion and the dreams that were tried and tested, lived and performed in the shadow of the Berlin Wall.

The Open Secret(en)
A documentary that explores questions of secrecy and power in relation to the East German Secret Police (the 'Stasi') within East German society. The film is based upon key findings from an extensive research project, 'Knowing the Secret Police', and reflects upon how different kinds of knowledge were circulated through social, religious, political and literary networks within the former GDR. The filmmakers present this research with footage filmed at key locations throughout East Berlin and the wider surrounding landscape, including the Stasi archives and former HQ, Karl-Marx-Allee, Volkspark Friedrichshain, rural 'dacha' cabins, the urban neighbourhood of Prenzlauerberg and the social housing estates of Marzahn.

Digital Man/Digital World(en)
A documentary film, created with a grant from Gordon College, telling the story of Ken Olsen, founder of Digital Equipment Corporation in 1957. Olsen revolutionized the electronics industry by making computers smaller and more accessible to both businesses and individuals. In 1986, Fortune magazine selected Olsen as “America’s Most Successful Entrepreneur” and featured him on its cover.

Revolution OS(en)
REVOLUTION OS tells the inside story of the hackers who rebelled against the proprietary software model and Microsoft to create GNU/Linux and the Open Source movement.

Macheads(en)
A exploration of the fanaticism that surrounds the Apple brand, featuring interviews with Mac evangelists and members of the Mac community.

Theater Work - The Berliner Ensemble at 25(de)
A review of 25 years of theatre work by the Berliner Ensemble, dedicated mostly to plays by Bertolt Brecht. Interviews with stage hands and lighting technicians provide an interesting view behind the scenes.
Schwerter zu Pflugscharen(de)
In September 1983, a sword is forged into a ploughshare in Wittenberg. It is the most spectacular action of the peace movement in the GDR. Its initiator was the Wittenberg theologian Friedrich Schorlemmer.

The Augmentation of Douglas Engelbart(en)
A film on Douglas Engelbart, inventor of the computer mouse whose vision was to augment the collective IQ of humans using the computer as a tool to accomplish this.

Trotz und Treue: Das Phänomen Sahra Wagenknecht(de)
2024 is likely to be a decisive year for Sahra Wagenknecht's political future. In the arena of power, she might assume a role that she is already very familiar with. In the early years following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Sahra Wagenknecht became the "most famous face" of the PDS, the successor party to the SED. Yet, even as the youngest member of the party's executive board, she was considered a "disruptive factor." She is unyielding and swims against the tide. Sahra Wagenknecht does not distance herself from Stalinism, nor from the Berlin Wall, and wishes for a reformed GDR.

Behind the Screen(de)
7 computers are currently being produced worldwide per second but only 4 humans are born at the same time. Everyday activities like buying a computer always generate a greater global impact on social and ecological levels. BEHIND THE SCREEN gives people behind the major electronic product a face and demonstrates the links of a decentralized economic system that are difficult to understand based on true life processes. The main stages which a computer passes through its life span are presented: Gold-mining in West Africa, electronics manufacturing by migrant workers in the Czech Republic, the use of computer products in the rich western world and their final disposal in the electronic waste dumps of Ghana.

Welcome to Macintosh(en)
"Welcome to Macintosh" is a documentary that mixes history, criticism and an unapologetic revelry of all things Apple. Whether a long time Mac fanatic or new to computers, Welcome to Macintosh explores the many ways Apple Computer (now Apple, Inc.) has changed the world, from the early days of the Apple-I to the latest the company has to offer.

Computer Dreams(en)
A documentary about the exciting possibilities of computer animation and the shaping of never before imagined worlds.