The world's fastest motion control robot by Mark Roberts — reaches up to 7m/s, enabling extreme high-speed shots with precise repeatability for commercials and VFX.
What is the Bolt High-Speed Cinebot?
The Bolt High-Speed Cinebot is a high-speed camera robot from Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC). With speeds up to 7 meters per second, it is the world's fastest motion control system – developed for extreme slow motion, product shots, and VFX passes that would be impossible with human camera operation.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mark Roberts Motion Control |
| Max. Speed | 7 m/s |
| Acceleration | Up to 12 m/s² |
| Axes | 6 (xyz + pan, tilt, roll) |
| Reach | 3.5m Arm |
| Payload | Up to 25 kg |
| Repeatability | ±0.1mm |
Bolt Variants
| Model | Special Feature | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt | Original High-Speed | Tabletop, Commercials |
| Bolt X | Extended Reach | Larger Sets |
| Bolt Jr. | Compact | Mobile Setups |
| Bolt Plus | Maximum Payload | Heavy Cameras |
Why the Bolt?
Speed
| Comparison | Bolt | Standard MoCo |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Speed | 7 m/s | 1–2 m/s |
| Acceleration | 12 m/s² | 2–3 m/s² |
| Reaction Time | Milliseconds | Seconds |
Precision at Maximum Speed
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Repeatability | ±0.1mm even at top speed |
| Synchronization | Frame-accurate with camera |
| Target Tracking | Dynamic target tracking |
Typical Applications
Tabletop/Product
| Shot Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Pour Shot | Pouring liquid |
| Splash | Product falling into water |
| Reveal | Quick unveiling |
| Orbit | Orbiting at high speed |
High-Speed Slow Motion
| Combination | Result |
|---|---|
| Bolt + Phantom | Extreme slow motion with movement |
| Bolt + RED | 120fps with complex move |
| Multi-Pass | Combining elements |
VFX
| Technique | Application |
|---|---|
| Repeat Passes | Identical passes |
| Speed Ramping | Variable speed |
| CGI Integration | Motion data for 3D |
On-Set Workflow
Preparation
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Programming | Create move on computer |
| Test Run | Slow pass |
| Speed Test | Gradually accelerate |
| Safety | Secure the area |
Shooting
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Dry Run | Without camera/product |
| Camera Test | With camera running |
| Hero Take | Final shot |
| Variations | Adjust speed, timing |
Equipment Combination
Cameras for Bolt
| Camera | Frame Rate | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Phantom Flex4K | 1000+ fps | Extreme slow motion |
| RED V-Raptor | 120 fps | High-end |
| ARRI Alexa Mini | 60 fps | Cinematic look |
Lighting
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Flicker-free | High-frequency ballasts |
| High Intensity | For high speed |
| LED | Ideal for tabletop |
Safety
| Aspect | Measure |
|---|---|
| Exclusion Zone | Secured area |
| Safety Stop | Emergency stop at any time |
| Soft Limits | Programmed boundaries |
| Training | Certified operators only |
Costs
| Element | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Bolt System (Rental) | €5,000–€10,000/day |
| Operator + Tech | €3,000–€5,000/day |
| Total Setup | €15,000–€25,000/day |
Alternatives
| System | Difference from Bolt |
|---|---|
| Milo | Larger, slower, more versatile |
| KIRA | Different design |
| Motorized Precision | US alternative |
The Legacy
History
- 2005: Bolt is introduced
- 2010: Established for commercials
- 2015: Bolt X expands the family
- Today: Standard for high speed
Impact
The Bolt has revolutionized product photography – shots that were previously impossible are now standard in advertising.
Today
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Standard for high-end commercials |
| Demand | High, especially for tabletop |
| Cost | Premium segment |
| Trend | Integration with virtual production |
Modern Development
New Bolt generations offer even more speed and better software integration – the workflow becomes more efficient, possibilities grow.
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