Marbl Orbit – Orbiting Camera Robot Arm by Josh Yeo on Kickstarter

Camera Accessories

by Jakub HanMarch 22^nd, 2021

Marbl Orbit is a new ceiling-mounted orbiting camera robot arm that features a silent motor capable of speeds from 1/60 RPM to 10 RPM, adjustable arms, and a center LED ring light. Designed by Josh Yeo from MAKE. ART. NOW., the Marbl Orbit is now available on Kickstarter starting at $799.

Josh Yeo is a filmmaker from Los Angeles who runs the Youtube channel called MAKE. ART. NOW. His videos are quite interesting – we already covered his short film Anamorphia back in 2020 in a short interview. Make sure to check the interview in case you missed it. In the meantime, Josh managed to release Anamorphia 2 movie, which is quite impressive as well but that’s not what I want to cover in this article.

In one of his latest videos, Josh introduced a new product that he (with the help of few other people) designed and that is now available on Kickstarter – an orbiting camera robot arm called Marbl Orbit. Let’s take a short look at its features.

Marbl Orbit

The Marbl Orbit consists of two adjustable arms that can change the proximity to the subject and the height, tilt, roll, and yaw of the camera angle. Adjustments can be quickly done with quick-release bolts. In the center of the device, there is a motor mounted to a ceiling. As Josh demonstrated in his video, this setup should provide smooth orbiting movement for nice b-roll or interview clips.

The resulting setup is flexible. Users can add a camera on one side and a small light on the other one, two cameras, a camera and a backdrop, and so on. The device comes with one camera mount and four velcro straps.

The Focus Ball is also an interesting idea. It is a lightweight balloon that looks a bit like the moon and it can be hanged in the middle of the device to help getting the focus right.

AXIBO Motor

The motor in the center of the device was developed by AXIBO with the Stealth Drive Technology for silent operation. It provides speed between 1/60 RPM (1 rotation every 60 minutes) and 10 RPM. That means it should provide flexible speed for all types of scenarios – from interviews (rather slow) to slow-motion b-roll (rather fast). According to Josh, the motor is silent up to 3 RPM.

The motor’s battery has 8,800 mAh which should be good for up to 8 hours depending on mode and speed used. There is an LED strip around the motor which is currently cyan only, but if the funding exceeds $500,000, its color will be adjustable, according to Josh.

LED Light and Laser

The LED light under the motor can light the subject and eliminate the shadows from the moving bar (from other lights). The brightness of the light is adjustable from 0 to 100%. Its built-in 4,400 mAh battery should provide 8-10 hours depending on the brightness. Marbl Orbit also has a built-in laser to pinpoint the subject location’s pivot point.

Three Different Versions

Marbl Orbit comes in three versions:

• Base model – This version includes the adjustable arms with the motor unit and a ceiling mount.
• Studio model – The Studio version includes everything from the Base model plus the LED ring light in the center.
• Pro model – Finally, the Pro model includes the Studio model plus a carrying case and outdoor mounts that attach to c-stands or combo stands and high risers. That way, the Orbit can also be used outside. The Pro model also has a slightly higher maximum payload – 8 lbs (3.6 kg). The regular Studio version can carry up to 6.5 lbs (2.9 kg).

Marbl App

As Josh states in the video, the mechanical part of the device is almost done. The funding from Kickstarter will mostly go towards the Marbl smartphone app development. The app will act as remote control (in addition to the physical remote control) for the motor and the LED light. Users will be able to set 3 different orbit modes, rotation speeds, lighting, and laser.

Price and Availability

As I mentioned previously, Marbl Orbit is now available on Kickstarter. The campaign has already been successfully financed and it runs till April 15, 2021.

The Base model currently starts at $799 (super early bird price). When these units are gone, the price goes up to $899 and eventually $999. The full retail price should be $1,099. The Studio model currently starts at $899 (super early bird price). When these units are gone, the price goes up to $999 and eventually $1,099. The full retail price should be $1,399. The Pro version starts currently at $1,599 (early bird price). The full retail price is planned to be $1,799.

We are saying this at the end of every crowdfunding-related article: Please be aware of the risks when backing a project on a crowdfunding platform. Please read the crowdfunding platform terms and conditions carefully and keep in mind that there can be significant delays when delivering the product. Some projects even don’t get delivered at all.

What do you think about the Marbl Orbit? Could you use a device like that in your studio? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.