MRMC Captures The Action At The World Darts Championship
From frame-accurate repeatable motion to seamless remote production, MRMC’s robotic systems help build a clever and efficient production workflow for the main dartboard camera positions at the 2026 World Darts Championship. Discover how our live-event capture architecture and intuitive control for operators ensures every key moment is captured with broadcast-grade perfection.
From frame-accurate repeatable motion to seamless remote production, MRMC’s robotic systems help build a clever and efficient production workflow for the main dartboard camera positions at the 2026 World Darts Championship. Discover how our live-event capture architecture and intuitive control for operators ensures every key moment is captured with broadcast-grade perfection.
A Trusted Broadcast Setup
For more than a decade, Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC) has supported major darts tournaments across the UK and Europe, including the World Darts Championships, with our specialised robotic camera systems. Using our dedicated darts robotic head, we deliver fast, precise, and repeatable coverage for every leg, set and match.
Built around the proven MRMC PTA‑2 robotic head and our purpose‑designed MHC (Multi-Head Controller) software, this system provides rapid reactive movement, frame‑accurate shots and consistent framing throughout. For physical control, the MRMC Large Format Panels (LFP) offered direct robotic input, allowing experienced operators to respond fluidly to the pace of play while maintaining repeatable, broadcast‑grade motion, using preset buttons for the most used shots and offering joystick input for end of match celebrations and trophy lifts when not focusing on the dartboard. The flexible control system allows operators to work in the way that suits them best, giving each person the freedom to choose their preferred operating style. This setup reduces the overall camera platform footprint from a traditional manned operator and relocates operators to an off‑stage operating area, keeping the front of the stage unobstructed, ensuring minimal distraction for players and the audience.
Positioned to the left of the stage, two identical MRMC PTA‑2 robotic heads provide the main dartboard coverage. Each unit is equipped with an identical Sony P50 camera and a CJ‑45 lens, enabling both wide establishing shots and fast controlled zooms. One PTA-2 maintains a stable wide shot for opening throws before tightening into the signature treble zoom to capture potential 180 throws and the main double finish at the end of each leg / set. The second PTA-2 head is configured for tighter, alternate trebles, doubles, and key framing positions throughout the match that the main camera isn’t focused on, ensuring the directors always have a cutaway option when players deviate from expected throw patterns and choose a different checkout route.
Aside from the main dartboard camera positions, MRMC also supplied an ULTI‑HEAD, our fast, heavy payload robotic head, installed underslung from the lighting truss above the stage. This is operated remotely using the MRMC Pan Bar system, ensuring accurate and responsive control that mimics the direct sensation of operating a manual camera position. This offers a dynamic high-angle perspective, primarily used for walk-ons, capturing player emotion and crowd atmosphere, before transitioning into a versatile match camera. From its elevated position, it provides alternative dartboard angles and delivers clean finishing shots as players hit the deciding double to complete a leg or set, mainly following the dart as it leaves the players hand and as it lands into the board which provides an unique slow-motion shot when played back.
Designed For Live Events
All infrastructure is designed for efficiency and reliability in a live-event environment. Cabling from front‑of‑stage robotics is routed beneath the stage to backstage operator stations, ensuring a tidy audience-facing setup while allowing engineers rapid access when required. Control is centred around intuitive touchscreen interfaces running custom dartboard interface skin overlays, giving operators instant access to precise moves and framing presets that mirror the look of the dartboard.
The result of all of this, is a production workflow that blends engineering precision with visual narrative, ensuring every treble, double and decisive dart is always captured and never missed.