Robotic camera arms are changing how filmmakers capture shots. They allow you to create complex, precise, and repeatable movements that would be tough or impossible by hand. Whether you’re working on high-speed action scenes, product videos, or live broadcasts, robotic arms offer a range of options to take your visuals to the next level.
What is a robotic camera arm?
A robotic camera arm is a mechanical arm designed for smooth, precise, and dynamic camera movements. Initially invented for factory assembly lines, these arms are now becoming essential tools in video production.
A robotic camera arm will let you program exact moves that can be repeated perfectly every time. This means you can get high-speed shots, complex tracking, and perfectly timed angles that human operators might struggle to deliver.
Is using a robotic arm worth it?
Using a robotic arm can unlock creative possibilities that traditional rigs can’t — but it’s essential to weigh the practical factors, such as cost and setup complexity, before making it part of your production.
Budget
Robotic arms can be a significant investment, with rental prices typically ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 per day, depending on the arm’s capabilities and the camera setup you choose. Keep in mind that this cost often doesn’t include additional expenses such as crew, transportation, or setup time. It’s essential to carefully evaluate which features you need for your project and find a balance that fits your budget.
Schedules often drive budgets. With careful planning, you can limit rental days to only the sequences or shots that truly need robotic precision, helping you manage costs without sacrificing creative impact.
Technical needs
It’s essential to note that some robotic rigs require four to five people to operate safely, which increases your crew costs. The robotic arm isn’t the camera itself, so if you’re investing in a rig, you’ll probably want to pair it with the best camera your budget allows. Most rigs require a small team, including an assistant and a camera operator familiar with the setup. Some setups even require up to four people just to move heavy equipment since some rigs can weigh as much as 500 kg.
When planning shoots involving robotic arms (or any large rig), it’s important to consider the following:
- Camera support: The robotic arm needs to support the full weight of your camera, lenses, and accessories.
- Power considerations: Most robotic arms run on regular power outlets, but it’s wise to check for any special power or battery requirements before the shoot.
- Safety and permits: Because the gear is large and can be tricky to handle, following health and safety rules, conducting a thorough risk assessment, and securing location permits are all essential.
- Team awareness: It’s also vital that everyone involved understands these requirements to ensure the shoot is safe and runs smoothly.
Creative considerations
Robotic arms excel in speed and precision. They can move quickly and hit exact points repeatedly, which is perfect for complex shots that need to be replicated multiple times, like high-speed action sequences or perfectly timed slow-motion moments. This level of control opens up a new world of creative possibilities that would be challenging or impossible to achieve by hand.
Reach and flexibility are also key factors. Different robotic arms offer varying ranges of motion and degrees of freedom, so it’s vital to choose one that fits your shot ideas. These rigs enable you to capture unique perspectives that would be difficult to achieve otherwise, helping your video stand out with dynamic visuals.
Examples from top brands
There are many options available when it comes to robotic camera arms — from compact arms designed for detailed product shots to heavy-duty rigs built for large-scale productions. Popular models, such as the Bolt Cinebot, Kira Arm, and MRMC robotic arms, offer a range of features to suit all kinds of creative needs and budgets.
Coca-Cola’s 2024 ‘Worth Every Drop’ campaign took things a step further by using robotic arms to capture slow-motion moments with incredible accuracy. The robotic rigs timed the shots perfectly to catch people spilling their Coke during deeply emotional reunions — like hugging their dog after time apart or celebrating with friends at a lively party. These carefully choreographed moments brought out the genuine joy and connection in each scene, making the campaign truly memorable.
Robotic arm footage in the Artlist catalog
Artlist creators have been experimenting with robotic camera arms to produce exciting new stock footage. These innovative assets are explicitly designed with video creators in mind and come with the simple, all-in-one Artlist license, making them easy to use in any project.
Couple, love, holding hands, Vienna
This slow-motion clip shows a couple releasing hands and moving toward opposite edges of the frame while other people rush by in a high-speed blur behind them. The footage captures a powerful sense of longing and distance — perfect for emotional storytelling.
Woman, ice cream, eating, Vienna
This slow-motion clip shows a woman licking an ice cream cone as the camera pans forward to a close-up. Behind her, people move quickly in a blur against the Vienna backdrop, creating a lively contrast between calm and motion — great for lifestyle or summer-themed projects.
Basketball, man, water, plexiglass
This striking shot captures a man bouncing a basketball from below through plexiglass covered with a thin layer of water. The splash adds dynamic energy, making it perfect for opening or closing sports videos. It can also work well to hide transitions or as a logo reveal.
Women, athletes, workout, portrait
This shot shows two women athletes coming together for a high five and then looking down. The camera moves from below through plexiglass, coming up close to their faces. It captures a decisive moment of teamwork and focus.
Woman, golden cascade, autumn, fall leaves
This footage starts close on a woman’s hands as she throws autumn leaves into the air, shot from below through plexiglass. The camera pulls back as the leaves fall and settle on the glass, revealing a wide shot of her shoes surrounded by the colorful fall foliage. It’s a beautiful, calm moment perfect for seasonal or nature-themed projects.
Man, wiping, looking at camera, clearing
Shot through snow-covered plexiglass from below, this footage shows a man wiping away snow with his hands to reveal his face as he looks directly at the camera. The nighttime setting and snow create a cozy, wintery vibe — perfect for holiday or seasonal projects.
Is a robotic arm right for your story?
Robotic camera arms offer incredible creative possibilities, but they’re not the right choice for every project. The technology should always support your story, not complicate it. Sometimes, a simple handheld shot or traditional rig delivers the emotion and authenticity you need. Before deciding, think about what fits your creative goals, your budget, and your team’s capacity.
If you want to explore footage created with robotic arms and see how this technology can enhance your projects, visit the Artlist collections below to find inspiration and ready-to-use assets for your next video.
Vienna Postcards Artlist Footage Collection
Plexiglass Sports Moments Artlist Footage Collection
Plexiglass Life Moments Artlist Footage Collection
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