The build-up had lasted all weekend.Latitude festival-goers were handed 3D glasses as they entered the arena, an Autobahn flag flew in the crowd and bands earlier on the line-up – including Hot Chip – spoke of their admiration.

And when Kraftwerk headlined the Obelisk Arena, the crowd stretched as far as the eye could see.

Founder member Ralf Huetter lined up in black and UV-reflective uniform with his band mates in front of four illuminated podiums.

And as the mechanised bleeps of The Robots resonated across Henham Park, the genre-defining German band began a set spanning most of their albums.

A projection behind the band zoomed in on the UK from outer space for Spacelab, the crowd cheered at the end of 22-minute opus Autobahn and there were claps for 1982 UK number one The Model.

But during the electronic act's hour and a half set numbers thinned, with the basic 3D effects adding little to the performance.

Those who stayed were treated to influential tunes from Tour De France and a heavy offering from concept album Man Machine – including the pathos of Neon Lights.

And some three decades after its release the programmed rhythms and lyrics sung through a computer still sounded ahead of their time.

With no words exchanged with the sold out Saturday audience throughout, Kraftwerk stood still and twiddled switches to bring their precise music to life.

Huetter has told of his efforts to perform as much as possible live rather than leaving it to the machines. It was not for everyone, but those who stayed were able to glimpse the genius of a band that essentially created the electronic music genre. And as each of the four members left the stage – bowing in turn – their endeavours to reach perfection were recognised.

The loudest cheers were reserved for Huetter, who departed with a simple 'auf wiedersehn'. Sticking rigidly to their own vision, Kraftwerk showed why they remain timeless.