Redrock Micro Eclipse for Robots

Industrial Robots

Traditionally, industrial robots are used to build cars, automate repetitive tasks in big warehouses, and so on. These expensive robots can do the same thing over and over again. In the last decade, we have seen more and more of these robots used in the motion picture and commercial industry. Some of these robots are even designed explicitly for filmmaking applications like the MRMC Bolt. By having the ability to repeat the same movement a thousand times with the same timing, you can easily do amazing post-production effects. Robots are fantastic and can accomplish things no other device can. The drawback is they come at a high price, and even renting one for a specific project will set you back a lot of money.

Image credit: Redrock Micro

Redrock Micro recently did a partnership with software company Autodesk as part of their Maya program to help them improve a plugin called Mimic. Mimic is an open-source Autodesk Maya plugin for controlling industrial robots. More simply, it’s a graphic interface that allows filmmakers to create very complex robotic movements with the ability to see what they are doing instead of just manipulating timelines and points.

Redrock Micro Eclipse for Robots

In this second interview with Brian Valente from Redrock Micro, we learned more about their Eclipse for Robots Focus Iris Zoom (FIZ) wireless control system. Obviously, FIZ systems are not something new, but trying to correctly synchronize the movement of a robot with a lens control system is another task. As a result, the Mimic plugin will now incorporate a built-in lens control interface that integrates perfectly with the Redrock Micro Eclipse for Robots.

The Atlas FIZ system. Image credit: Redrock Micro

The Eclipse for Robots system consists of Atlas lens control motors with embedded control brains, a Portal Solo USB interface for computer control, and Portal Powered Hub to power the Atlas motors. But, you can also use the Eclipse for Robots system without a robot, by adding one Redrock Micro handheld focus controller, which makes it a very versatile eco-system. Indeed, all Eclipse equipment features 15mm rods standard and a 0.8 pitch gearing.

Pricing and Availability

The Eclipse for Robots system is not exactly cheap, but an industrial robot isn’t either. The Eclipse for Robots Foundation Bundle is $2700.00, and you need to add 3 Atlas Motors for an extra $4130.00, which means the basic starter pack is $6830.00. However, if you compare that price to an ARRI WCU-4 FIZ system, which is around $22.000.00 or a Teradek RT CTRL.3 kit, which retails for $12.000, the Redrock Micro Eclipse for Robots system is actually affordable and very versatile.

What do you think about the Eclipse for Robots system? Did you ever use industrial robots on one of your projects? Let us know in the comments below!