How The StudioBot LT Was Deployed At ITN
ITN was the first production company to deploy MRMC’s StudioBot LT as part of ITV overnight general election programme on Thursday 4 July 2024. The StudioBot LT is the latest addition to MRMC Broadcast’s flagship range of robotic arm solutions, and their most compact robotic arm. Scheduled for release at IBC, this was the first time it has been used in a live programme of this kind and was used in bridging shots between the two main ITV studios being used on the night. The ITV overnight programme was on air continuously from around 10pm, following the exit poll, through to 6am on Friday, to cover the results of the general election as they came in.
ITN was the first production company to deploy MRMC’s StudioBot LT as part of ITV overnight general election programme on Thursday 4 July 2024. The StudioBot LT is the latest addition to MRMC Broadcast’s flagship range of robotic arm solutions, and their most compact robotic arm. Scheduled for release at IBC, this was the first time it has been used in a live programme of this kind and was used in bridging shots between the two main ITV studios being used on the night. The ITV overnight programme was on air continuously from around 10pm, following the exit poll, through to 6am on Friday, to cover the results of the general election as they came in.
MRMC's Most Comptact Robotic Arm
The StudioBot LT is designed for permanent or semi-permanent studio productions. It is easy to get up and running, offering unrivalled flexibility and a wide envelope of motion that enables content creators to drastically increase output quality within a small footprint. The StudioBot LT supports up to 10kg, making it ideally suited for box-cameras with a typical studio lens. It features native support for broadcast serial lenses, as well as being able to drive external lens motors. It also comes equipped with safety features and a tally lamp for studio deployment.
There is also a choice of base and mounting for floor, ceiling, or a track, meaning the StudioBot LT can be deployed for a range of applications. The system is easily controlled via an industry-leading software interface, provides FreeD positional data, and offers an API for integration with studio automation systems making it suitable for integration into VR environments and advanced broadcast workflows.
The StudioBot LT arm can also be easily manoeuvred, meaning non-expert users can get up and running quickly. The user can save arm positions as a key frame to create a complete move in minutes without the need for complex software programming.
At the time of the election, Jenny King commented:
“The StudioBot LT is a really exciting addition to the overnight Election programme coverage. It is a product we have seen demonstrated to us at a couple of recent trade shows as the size and flexibility is very appealing for use across some of our bigger productions. When we started discussing the usage of our two studios for the overnight Election programme, it seemed the perfect addition. Not only will it fit nicely in the space that we have but will also provide the movement we need to bridge between the two spaces. Being robotic allows us to fully control the movement and camera from one of our galleries. It has been a great talking point amongst staff and special guests as they walk past it on their way to the newsroom and studio for rehearsals!”
ITN
Paddy Taylor, Head of Broadcast at MRMC comments, “The StudioBot is MRMC’s flagship broadcast robotic camera system. With its multi-axis motion and powerful automation capabilities, the StudioBot is unrivalled in image capture innovation. The StudioBot LT delivers this ground-breaking technology in a compact and portable design that opens up a world of opportunity for content capture. Working closely with the team at ITN has enabled us to engineer a BETA-release of the StudioBot LT, ready for delivery for ITV’s election programming. The way that ITN used the system demonstrates the creative possibilities that are possible when we work together with our customers to realise their vision.”
