Nikon’s Robotics Unit Brings Repeatable Motion Control to All Content Creators

Nikon’s acquisition of Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC) is yielding some impressive dividends that content creators of all budgets can take advantage of thanks to the new Cinebot Mini motion control robot.

The single-arm motion control robot can record camera movements in multiple axes, and replay those movements over and over again without the need for complex programming. Users just grab a connected camera, move it, and the Cinebot Mini records each movement.

Image Credit – Nikon/MRMC

“MRMC continues to develop the most innovative technologies to meet the evolving needs of the film and cinematography industries,” said MRMC CEO Assaff Rawner.

“(The Cinebot Mini) is the ideal solution for professionals looking to record and replicate any movement manually made on set with maximum flexibility and ease of use to meet a wide variety of production requirements.”

Known as a “mocobot,” the Cinebot Mini is designed to be easy to use, and robust enough to deploy in the studio or out in the field.

The compact, lightweight design makes the Cinebot extremely portable, while still delivering professional-level motion control work for up to eight hours on a single battery charge, or all day using a 110-240v VAC connector.

Image Credit – Nikon/MRMC

Relatively lightweight at 74 pounds (33.5 kg) the Cinebot Mini is capable of carrying a camera payload of up to 10 kilograms (22.05 pounds), giving shooters a vast array of professional cinema camera rigs to shoot with.

The camera has a 1.3-meter reach, giving creators nearly unlimited options for capturing from various angles, positions, and camera speeds in order to create dynamic camera movements.

Image Credit – Nikon/MRMC

Users have two options for motion capture. The automatic mode will enable content creators to connect their camera to the mocobot, and then move the camera into position across a variety of axis’ while the Cinebot automatically records each movement, including the optional dolly track and pedestal which interfaces with the Cinebot to record additional movements from those accessories.

Conversely, the manual mode enables the creator to manually point the camera and then record each camera position or keyframe. Whether manual or automatic, the result is a repeatable camera path from beginning to end, that can be replicated as many times as needed.

Users can also program the Cinebot through a mobile device and the MRMC Tracker app or with MRMC’s Flair software. The app enables additional movement recording pixel perfect tracking and auto zoom and iris lens control.

Pricing and availability

There’s no specific word on the exact retail price for the Cinebot Mini, but MRMC will provide pricing details upon contact.

The Cinebot Mini mocobot is shipping starting today and will be showcased at the MRMC booth, in Hall 12, D20, at IBC in Amsterdam next month.

[source: MRMC]

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