Is This Motorized Tripod Base the 'World's First Robotic Cameraman'?

Meet Roll Cam

Built around LiDAR technology that promises to be a game-changer for content creators, this Roll Cam product is basically a motorized tripod that can track a subject (or subjects) and move around, similar to how a human would. (Or, perhaps how a drone would, because that technology has existed for a while now as well.)

The Roll Cam works with almost all tripods and gimbals, according to the Kickstarter page. And it can be used with your phone cameras, DSLRs, Mirrorless cameras, or GoPros/action cams. The goal is to allow creators the ability to move around while recording hands-free without a cameraman.

Tech and Specs

Believe it or not, Roll Cam is using some AI technology to accomplish its feats. According to the Kickstarter page, Roll Cam uses built-in Computer Vision and LiDAR technology to automatically track a subject and follow them as they move from place to place, recording or live-streaming video.

Here’s a full list of its tech and specs:

• ArmV8M MCU running at 500Mhz 2.23 DMIPS/Mhz
• Neural Network Intelligent engine for AI processing
• CNN Neural Processing Unit at 0.4 Tera Flops
• Embedded TensorFlow Lite AI
• Full body tracking AI
• Advanced temporal and spatial noise reduction (3DNR)
• Multi-stream real-time H264/H265/JPEG video encoding
• Built-in Tracking Video Camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Audio Codec
• Built in LIDAR
• Ultra-quiet precision, powerful stepper motors
• Adjustable base handles different tripod sizes
• Bat: Dual (5V/12V) 18000mAh (combined)

One of the kicker specs revealed so far is that the Roll Cam speed range is between 0 and 7 MPH. So, not incredibly fast, but likely capable of short, slow movements and tracking shots.

Price and Availability

Available on Kickstarter, the Roll Cam looks to currently has a starting price of $279. If you’re curious to check it out, you’re welcome to explore everything about it on the Kickstarter page here.