One of the major disadvantages of cinema robots, as we know them, is the steep learning curve. In order to utilize these robots accurately on production, a dedicated technician must be onboard. A company named SISU Cinema Robotics wants to change that, facilitating these complicated machines by making them cinematographer-friendly, so you can focus on the art and not the nerdy stuff, which will allow you to get those unique shots.

SISU Cinema Robotics

The SISU Cinema Robotics is a small company that specializes in simplifying the complexity of robotics by developing cinema robot arms that are easy to use. With hand-guided motion programming, the operation is fast and intuitive. The company claims that: “Anyone can program a robot.  This system is made to be used by cinematographers, not by highly-trained robot experts”.

According to, SISU: “Previous cinema robots have been complex and intimidating. It can take months or longer to become proficient with a standard cinema robot. That’s time creatives could be making money. With SISU, the coolest, most versatile, and one of the largest investments creatives make is no longer hard to use”. Check out the company’s video emphasizes the simplicity of operation:

Robotic cinematography movement

Robots allow fast camera movements combine with a high level of precision. Those characteristics are utilized mainly on product macro shots for high-end commercials, and especially when high FPS (Frame Per Second) is needed. Yes, you can try executing those shots using a gimbal, however, robots can do it automatically, super-fast, and accurately. In case you are not familiar with the rare and unique visuals created by robots, check out the video below which demonstrates those capabilities.

“You provide the camera, we provide everything else”

SISU Cinema Robotics tries to bring the privilege of robotic cinematography to the masses, by allowing “affordable” solutions. Currently, there’re four models which are varied by the size of the arm, payload (from 10Kg to 20Kg) and etc. As stated by SISU: “You provide the camera, we provide everything else”.

Each package includes:

• An industrial-grade 6-axis robot arm
• The SISU Robot Controller for quick programming
• A mobile base which makes it easy to move your robot
• Removable weights for extra stability
• Mounting hardware for mounting your camera to the robot
• An electrical cabinet that houses all the brains

Prices

The prices are not so affordable and ranged from $109,000 to $169,000, depends on the model. 

Initial thoughts

If product commercials are your bread and butter, then you should consider trying the SISU Cinema robots. These robots will allow you to get speedy, slow motion, and accurate macro shots that are almost impossible to get in any other way. Nevertheless, the prices of the robots are hefty. We’d be happy exploring these kinds of robots in the hands of independent filmmakers as well, and thus, if SISU wants to penetrate this market, they should be considering lowering the prices even further, or developing more affordable models with less payload, to expand to creative possibilities.

What do you think about those robots? Would you be using them for your production? Comment below.