The new Cinebot Mini Robot Camera Adds Track, Pedestal, and Battery Power

Motion Control News

by Julian MitchellAugust 31^st, 2023

Mark Roberts Motion Control has introduced a new product designed for smaller sets and productions, the Cinebot Mini, complementing its lineup of large robot camera platforms. Let’s look at the details.

With the Cinebot Mini, cinematographers now have the benefits of motion control while still being able to use their regular grip equipment. In practice, the new camera system can shoot handheld if needed, and then provide an instant replay of that shot. It can also use keyframes to create a pre-determined and smoother path; this is how the bigger motion-control robots complete their moves.

Cinebot Mini can also use a track to add more Dolly-like movement and a pedestal to give extra height dimension; track lengths are added 1.8m at a time. Both are options.

Recorded movement

The Cinebot Mini robot records all the movement, instantly available to recreate a repeatable shot. Camera payloads are up to 10 kg with an arm reach of 1.3m. The robot’s arm speed is around two meters a second, and Cinebot’s weight is 33.5kg. MRMC claims that Cinebot Mini’s battery life is up to eight hours, making it suitable for extended use during location work.

You can also control Cinebot Mini remotely from a smartphone.

Traditional camera robot movement

Most motion-control robot arms are usually so large that movement around a set is prohibitive; they are primarily studio-bound and used for repeatable advertising packs and VFX shots.

But a smaller and moveable system that can co-habit with traditional grip equipment and even recreate their movement is potentially an excellent addition to any set.

Is the Cinebot Mini robot a breakthrough?

There’s no doubt that repeatable shots give productions options while shooting. Testing, but with high-accuracy repeats, takes the guesswork out of the equation without exhausting the crew. Nonetheless, Cinebot Mini must prove itself quickly, as with any new equipment on set. But the potential is promising.

In the comments section below, let us know if you have seen a demo of the new Cinebot Mini, and tell us what you think.