Our Cinema Robot

• Motorized Precision's MIA robot controlled through the MP Studio software.
• 3.8ft Arm with 20ft track, traveling up to 3 m/s.
• Rigged with 8k Red Raptor camera.
• Sigma Cine Prime Set + Raptor Cine Macros

Tech Specs

Size and Weight

Track: 20ft
Base Riser: 2ft
Arm Reach: 3.8ft
Max Height: 6.5ft
Weight: 1,000lb

Robot Arm

Length: 3.8ft
Width: 1ft
Width: 4ft (with legs)

Power

Line Voltage: 120v or 240v
Amp: 40amps

Speed

Track: 8ft / second (peak speed)
Arm: 9ft / second (peak speed)
Combined: 17ft / second (peak speed)

Track

Length: 20ft
Width: 1ft
Width: 4ft (with legs)

Payload

Max Weight: 20lb
Optimal Weight: 10lb

Movement

Axis 1: ± 170°
Axis 2: +45°/-190°
Axis 3: +156°/-120°
Axis 4: ± 185°
Axis 5: ± 120°
Axis 6: Infinite

Speed

Axis 1: 300° per second
Axis 2: 225° per second
Axis 3: 225°per second
Axis 4: 381° per second
Axis 5: 311° per second
Axis 6: 492° per second

Motorized Focus

Focus motor is integrated with the robot with custom firmware for Heden's LM30 for light weight, and Heden's M26VE for high speed. Track objects and keep them in focus or create focus keyframes. We also have Hedén's YMER-3 hand unit for wireless focus pulling.

Motorized Turntables

Control our turntable simultaneously within MP Studio. Sync motors with robot and control ramping. Turntables available in extra small, small, medium and large. Move products or lights.
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External Motors

Sync our external motors for any creative use and control ramping
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Motorized Sliders

Sync our sliders with the robot to move and control props with precision.

Launchers

Launch props with pneumatics cylinders for slow-mo.
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Advanced FX Rigging

Some visuals take advanced rigging and prep. We love visual engineering, and are happy to help. But if it's outside our scope, we can connect you to a FX Rigger specialist that we've worked with before.
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Behind The Scenes

Aputure - Coffee Shoot - 18min

Tim Hogan - Tequila Shoot - 1 min

Tim Hogan - Golf Shoot - 1 min

Programming

MPStudio Software
• The operator and software make up the most important part of how smooth a shoot goes.
• Our operator works with the DP or Director to design the shots
• Find shots, make keyframes, adjust pathways, fine tune focus.

Controller Layout

Post Integration & VFX

• Full motion control - run mutiply passes
• Plates - for compositing & motion tracking
• Time Remapping - adjust timing of moves for overcranking/undercranking
• Keying - paint, fabric and seamless available in blue & green
• Lens data - available on select lenses

• Plugin - provided to qualified clients
• Import/Export - previsualize moves from Maya to MP Studio and vice versa.
• Robot & Track - 3d model of robot system for programming in Maya

FAQ

Can you bring the robot to a location?

Unfortunately we do not move our robot outside of the studio. We would recommend looking into robots like Camera Control's Bolt Camera & Cinebots for location shoots.

What do I need to bring?

If you are able to work with the G/E that we have, you would only need to bring:
Product
Art Props
Crafty
Lunch
Drives: Standard is (2) 2TB USB-C or Thunderbolt Drives.

Can I bring my own camera and lenses?

Our cameras, lenses and cables are calibrated carefully to our software to perform optimally. Adding new cameras or lenses takes time, and we would suggest a prep day or it could take up to 2 hours in the beginning of the day. However adding a phantom camera is the common set up and we have pre built the hardware and cables for it. We can connect you to a phantom rental house. We use Canon-EF Mount for the Phantom. Contact us for details

How long does it take to program shots?

It ranges from 1 minute to a 30 minutes. Most of them time is taken in lighting and styling. On average shoots get around 10 to 40 shots a day.

How long does it take to make small adjustments?

-Small adjustments like position, orientation, keyframe interpolation and time remapping can be adjusted quickly.
-Adjustments involving speed, target tracking, orbit and organic movement take longer.

Can music be synced to the robot?

Yes send us the file as an MP3. But we don't shoot music videos.

Can DMX lighting be synced?

Yes however you need to bring your own board OP. We can start a trigger with a 5 pin XLR.

How do I get my footage?

Our media is captured to RED Digital Cinema SSD cards. We have USB readers if you prefer to transfer your own footage. Or just bring a drive and we’ll do it for you.

Vibrations?

Vibrations or “shake” is a common occurrence for almost all robots. The weight, the reach and speed are all important factors to consider. Our robot and camera have been pre-calibrated and assembled to minimize vibrations. In the event of visible shake, we can troubleshoot, and re-optimize the shot. Some shots have unavoidable shake and have to be run slower. Longer lenses and macros amplify this.

Can you physically move the robot & track around the studio?

Yes, we have to power down the robot and raise the legs before moving. it takes about 15 minutes to move.