MONTVALE, N.J.—Shotoku will introduce new additions to its portfolio, including Aura, a suite of advanced PTZ solutions that brings the company’s high-end robotic camera control expertise to PTZ production during the 2026 NAB Show, April 18-22, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Shotoku will also make the North American debut of its Swoop robotic crane family and launch its Quick-red referencing system.

As PTZ image quality and performance improve, major broadcasters, legislatures and global corporations are integrating these heads into their broadcast-quality production environments. These deployments, however, have often suffered from lack of a sophisticated, scalable control system.

Shotoku fills this gap with the NAB launch of the Aura TR-XPTZ control system, a powerful yet streamlined platform purpose-built for professional PTZ productions. Derived from the core architecture of Shotoku’s TR-XT Control System, TR-XPTZ delivers the smoothness, reliability and multi-camera sophistication optimized specifically for PTZ environments.

Key Aura TR-XPTZ advantages include:

• A level of control and automation formerly only available to full-scale broadcast robotics in a powerful, easy-to-use system.
• A refined user experience that retains the powerful, intuitive multi-camera and multi-user operations of the TR-XT while stripping away elements unnecessary for PTZ-specific workflows.
• The capability to support both manual and automated workflows for any size production.

Shotoku’s Swoop was developed to replace manually operated cranes and jibs. It overcomes the typical challenges presented by traditional jibs and cranes, including the need for one or even two dedicated operators and the inability to be tightly integrated into robotic camera systems. Swoop removes these obstacles while combining creativity, control and safety in one system.

Swoop is available in two sizes: Swoop 140 and Swoop 220, representing a boom arm reach of 4'7” (140 cm) and 7’3” (220 cm). Both versions combine precision engineering with Shotoku’s reliability, enabling production directors to create and precisely repeat sweeping shots with confidence and ease.

Swoop offers two base options to match production needs and budgets. The SmartPed robotic base (Swoop SP) provides complete freedom of movement across the studio floor with remotely controlled X/Y positioning. Alternatively, a manual base delivers a cost-effective solution where manual relocating of the base between shots or shows is all that’s required.

Swoop integrates seamlessly with Shotoku’s TR-XT advanced control system for complete control. TR-XT’s StudioView display shows Swoop’s location relative to other cameras, while the SoftRail system allows Swoop SP to be controlled along tightly defined SoftRail paths.

Swoop systems are designed from the ground up with safety in mind. Multiple intelligent proximity detectors are mounted along the length of the arm and above and below the payload creating a dynamic protective “bubble” that detects obstacles, stops all movement and prevents collisions.

Shotoku will also feature the new Quick-Ref feature, an advancement in robotic pedestal navigation for Shotoku’s SmartPed and Swoop-SP. Quick-Ref uses a miniature QR-coded floor marker no larger than a postage stamp that contains positional data read automatically by the pedestal when it is over the marker. Reading the marker updates internal navigation frequently and corrects any errors without requiring operator intervention.

See Shotoku at 2026 NAB Show booth C3816.

More information is available on the company’s website.

AMSTERDAM—Shotoku Broadcast Systems, a major developer of robotic systems, has announced plans to take studio robotics to the next level at IBC2025 by debuting a new line of Swoop robotic cranes.

Swoop is designed to replace manually operated cranes and jibs, which typically require one or even two dedicated operators and are unable to be tightly integrated into robotic camera systems.

The new line of cranes will be demoed at Shotoku’s IBC stand 12.F47 during the show.

“We are so excited to be introducing Swoop to the world at IBC,” explains James Eddershaw, managing director at Shotoku. “Swoop represents a major step forward in studio robotics combining creativity, control, and safety in one elegantly engineered system.The crane enables broadcasters to reach new heights and, dare I say it, new lows by expanding creative possibilities while enhancing operational flexibility.”

The range launches with two sizes: Swoop 140 and Swoop 220, representing a boom arm reach of 140 cm (4'7”) and 220 cm (7'3"). Both versions combine precision engineering with Shotoku’s renowned reliability, enabling production directors to create and precisely repeat sweeping shots with confidence and ease.

Swoop also offers two base options to match production needs and budgets. The SmartPed robotic base (Swoop SP) provides complete freedom of movement across the studio floor with remotely controlled X/Y positioning. Alternatively, a manual base delivers a cost-effective solution for situations where manual relocating of the base between shots or shows is all that’s required, the company said.

Swoop integrates seamlessly with Shotoku’s TR-XT advanced control system for complete control of the crane within the studio. TR-XT’s StudioView display shows Swoop’s location relative to other cameras, while the SoftRail system allows Swoop SP to be controlled along tightly defined SoftRail paths ensuring precise, safe, and consistent movement across the floor, the company explained.

The Swoop system uses a specially configured version of Shotoku’s TG-47 robotic pan/tilt head. Mounted on the end of the Swoop’s arm, the TG-47 ensures operators can frame the perfect shot while the crane provides dramatic new camera angles and shot transitions, out of reach of even the most advanced robotic pedestals.

Given the importance of safety, the company said that Swoop systems are designed from the ground up with safety in mind. Multiple intelligent proximity detectors are mounted along the length of the arm and above and below the payload creating a dynamic protective “bubble” that detects obstacles, stops all movement, and prevents collisions.

A single button switches Swoop seamlessly into Local mode for repositioning when required. A safety locking bar is available in Local mode whenever the arm needs to be locked in position.

No matter how good your current gear is, there’s always new equipment that’s better, lighter and easier to use in the field. Today’s gear for news production is lighter and more compact yet more powerful than ever, thanks to an improved form factor and faster processing.

Better Livestreaming via 5G
The quest to improve video transmissions from the field is never-ending and Teradek, a Videndum plc brand, has taken a step forward with its new Prism Mobile 5G cellular bonding unit, the lightest 5G-enabled camera-back video encoder on the market, according to Derek Nickell, Teradek’s technical product manager.

“The system is designed to provide the best possible cellular connectivity for live video streaming without compromising on size and weight, allowing field operators to stay agile for longer while live streaming over public and private networks,” he says.

Nickell says Prism Mobile enables camera operators to stream HD and 4K video over cellular networks and Starlink with latency rates as low as 250 milliseconds. It also allows them to securely share encrypted, color-
accurate live video feeds and recordings with stakeholders globally and expedite postproduction with several natively integrated camera-to-cloud platforms such as Frame.io and Sony C3 Portal.

This last capability lets editors access camera proxies as soon as they’re captured, and allows marketing teams to post highlights and playbacks in near-real time.

Lightweight, Versatile Camera Head and Tripod
As anyone who’s ever shot video knows, a lightweight yet solid camera head and tripod is your best friend on the field. The Sachtler Ace XL Mk II fluid head and flowtech tripod combination is worth inviting into the friend zone. Designed to handle payloads weighing up to 17.6 pounds, the 3.75-pound Ace XL Mk II head adds minimal weight to a tripod, yet can handle most of today’s video cameras. (The Ace XL Flowtech 1016MS tripod weighs 11.7 pounds.)

According to Sachtler Senior Product Manager Barbara Jaumann, the Ace XL Mk II head/flowtech tripod combination was designed in collaboration with TV crews to meet their demands for robust, lightweight, and quick-to-deploy equipment.

“One of its standout features is the placement of brake levers at the top of the tripod,” she says. “This design allows for exceptionally fast setup—just flip the levers and lift the tripod in a single motion. This top-mounted lever system also makes height adjustments quick and easy, even when working solo, such as adapting to different interview subjects on the fly.”

Another key focus in the Ace XK Mk II’s development was ergonomic portability, Jaumann adds. “The tripod is not only quick to deploy but also simple to fold down, with integrated magnets that keep it securely closed during transport,” she says.

Weatherproof Lighting for Tough Environments
Lighting can be a real challenge in field video shoots, which is why Litepanels has introduced the Astra IP line of weatherproof portable LED light panels. The lineup includes the Astra IP Half, 1x1 and 2x1 units, all with an IP65 rating that ensures protection against rain, dust, snow and humidity.

These bicolor LED panels offer a color temperature range of 2,700 to 6,500 kelvin and feature high color accuracy, with CRI/TLCI ratings around 95. They deliver a focused 30-degree beam angle, provide flicker-free dimming and support both Bluetooth and optional DMX control, with an onboard LCD for easy adjustments.

“The standout feature of the Astra IP is its IP65-rated weather resistance, making it ideal for use in challenging outdoor environments where crews often face unpredictable weather such as rain, dust, or snow,” Michael Herbert, head of product management at Litepanels, says. “In terms of performance, the lights are exceptionally bright. The 1x1 model delivers around 3,000 lux, while the 2x1 reaches up to 5,500 lux at 3 meters, ensuring strong illumination in any setting.”

Designed with portability in mind, each Astra IP unit is lightweight—ranging from 6.8-15 pounds, making them easy to carry and set up on the go. Each unit comes with an integrated power supply, and users can choose from optional battery plates including Gold Mount, V-Mount, and BP-U for greater flexibility. Available in Duo and Trio configurations, Astra IP Travel Kits pack multiple Litepanels, battery brackets and support stands into durable Pelican cases for convenient transport and rapid on-set setup.

Compact Tripod for Mirrorless Cameras
These days, many camera operators are using SLR-styled mirrorless digital cameras to shoot stills and video content in the field. Manfrotto is addressing their need for a single compact support solution with the new ONE Hybrid Tripod.

Weighing from 6.9 pounds, “the ONE Hybrid tripod includes XTEND, a patented mechanism that allows all leg sections to be deployed simultaneously in a single action for fast setup and quick adjustment on the fly with no downtime,” says Sofia Braccio, Manfrotto’s senior product manager, video. “It features a modular sliding center column with a removable lower section for ground-level shots and an integrated leveling mechanism for quick framing. The column also features a Q90 mechanism that allows shifts from vertical to horizontal instantly enhancing the variety of shots possible.”

The ONE Hybrid Tripod also comes with XCHANGE, Manfrotto’s new quick-release system that allows users to swap heads, sliders and accessories in seconds. “When paired with the new XCHANGE-ready 500X Fluid Video Head, the ONE Tripod becomes a professional system ready for modern content requirements,” Braccio said. “It includes a Fluid Drag System (FDS) on both pan and tilt, a selectable Counterbalance System optimized at 5.3 pounds and a hinged camera plate, making it easy to switch between horizontal and vertical orientations when supporting social content is required.”

Remote Camera Operations
Shotoku Broadcast Systems has recently combined its TG-27 pan and tilt head with the company’s TR-HP Hot Panel control panel into a powerful package.

“Together, they offer a lightweight and flexible system that’s ideal for mobile production environments such as news, sports or events,” James Eddershaw, the company’s managing director, says. “The TG-27’s compact design and high payload capacity make it suitable for a variety of camera types—including ENG models and small teleprompters—while the TR-HP enables intuitive, direct control without the need for a full-size panel.

This combination delivers Shotoku’s trademark precision and reliability in
a footprint that suits fast-moving news teams, pop-up studio setups and remote
production workflows.”

SUNBURY-ON-THAMES, U.K.—Shotoku Broadcast Systems will showcase its SmartPed fully robotic pedestal working in concert with an enhanced version of SoftRail, the company’s system that merges the path-following capabilities of a physical rail system with the total freedom of a free-roaming pedestal, during IBC2025, Sept. 12-15, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center.

Together, SmartPed and SmartRail offer the benefits of a rail system with the ability to switch instantly to full X/Y roaming.

The company will also demonstrate its TR-XT control system and AutoFrame presenter tracking with upgraded functions designed to streamline day‑to‑day workflows. A full lineup of Shotoku’s pan and tilt heads, including the TG‑27, TG‑47, TG‑18i and TI-12, TI-11 height drives, together with control systems designed for broadcast, legislative and pro AV applications, will be on display.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” Shotoku managing director James Eddershaw said. “Every new feature we bring to market starts with feedback from the people using our systems day in, day out. That same dialogue drives the development of our future products, too, ensuring we’re not just meeting today’s needs but shaping tomorrow’s workflows.”

At the center of the stand, Shotoku’s SmartPed will be shown working seamlessly with SoftRail. The combination delivers the smooth, predictable movement of a rail system when a fixed path is needed while retaining the freedom to roam anywhere in the studio on-demand.

SoftRail has been enhanced with Branch Lines, a new feature that gives operators unprecedented flexibility in addition to advanced rail design and editing tools. Operators can switch instantly between guided rail operation and unrestricted X/Y movement.

The latest TR‑XT touchscreen control system with its StudioView interface gives operators a live map of the studio with safety zones, live status of all robotics and direct access to key features like AutoFrame.

Shotoku’s AutoFrame face‑tracking system now advances precision and flexibility with Framing Presets, which allow operators to recall a perfectly composed shot at the press of a single button.

See Shotoku Broadcast Systems at IBC2025 Stand 12.F47.

More information is available on the company’s website.

AMSTERDAM—Shotoku Broadcast Systems will launch SoftRail that merges the path-following capabilities of a physical rail system with the freedom of a free-roaming pedestal at IBC 2024, Sept. 13-16, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center. 

SoftRail maximizes flexibility by opening up studio floor space to limitless software-defined paths while eliminating the restrictions of physical floor tracks on presenters, guests and other cameras, it said.

“For decades, high-end robotic camera systems have included free-roaming studio pedestals, such as Shotoku’s SmartPed. These powerful systems allow the camera to reposition anywhere within the studio floor space,” said Shotoku UK managing director James Eddershaw.

“Around 12 years ago however, rail camera systems that were built into the set began to appear in TV News studios. While these systems follow every arc and contour of a set beautifully, they seriously hinder future production design flexibility and new creativity. And that’s why we have developed SoftRail.”

The SoftRail feature for Shotoku’s TR-XT studio control system and SmartPed provides the key path-following benefit of a rail camera while avoiding any physical track or guide on the floor. Then, if following the path is no longer needed, simply turn off the SoftRail function and SmartPed returns to its traditional free-roaming pedestal mode with all the benefits freedom of movement brings, the company said.

Using the enhanced StudioView mode of Shotoku’s TR-XT, operators can design a soft rail to suit any live production. Once defined and enabled, Shotoku’s fully robotic SmartPed pedestal behaves as if it is physically mounted on rails, it said.

A simple XY joystick moves the SmartPed left or right along the rail path allowing the operator to focus on the other axes and maintain framing. Even stored shots will be recalled by following the rail’s path.  Because rails are defined in software only, they can take virtually any shape imaginable, even those that would be physically impossible to build, like looping back over itself without the need for a level crossing, it said.

For other parts of the production or when designers want a set change, the SoftRail mode can be disabled easily allowing the SmartPed to revert immediately to normal free-roaming behavior. Unlimited SoftRail paths can be stored and recalled and different SmartPeds can have separate (or the same) rails active, all easily managed from the new and enhanced StudioView page within the latest TR-XT control system.

See Shotoku Broadcast Systems at IBC 2024 Stand 12.F47.

More information is available on the company’s website.

SUNBURY, U.K.—Shotoku Broadcast Systems, international manufacturer of high-quality, easy-to-use, robust and reliable robotic and manual camera support systems, has announced that it is heading back to IBC2022 with an expanded line of pan/tilt heads and enhanced control systems. 

The Company will also be showing its full range of semi and fully-autonomous systems highlighted by SmartPed, the company’s flagship fully robotic pedestal, and SmartRail – the world’s leading rail camera system on stand 10.F38 between Sept. 9 and 12 in Amsterdam during IBC2022. 

“We’re excited to showcase our robotic camera systems once again, and if IBC is anything like what we experienced at NAB, it will be another great show,” said James Eddershaw, managing director of Shotoku Ltd. “As usual we’ll be showing a range of products reflecting the varied applications and market segments that we’ve always addressed, whether it’s a large, multi-camera broadcasting facility or a major national parliament, but we’ve also expanded our platform to better accommodate small regional interview studios with the new TG-47, our latest pan/tilt head. We’re also excited to introduce the European market to enhanced versions of our control systems in Amsterdam.”

Product highlights include: 

• TG-47 Pan and Tilt Head. The latest addition to the Shotoku range of pan and tilt heads, the TG-47 sits between the well-established TG-27 and TG-18i heads in terms of payload. Like all Shotoku heads the TG-47 moves with fine control and smoothness for perfect on-air moves. With a payload of 22kg it can support a wide range of cameras and accessories, including typical 17-19” teleprompters. Being compact and lightweight, it can be used in smaller studios and on SmartRail ceiling systems too.
• TR-XT Control System. The latest version of the TR-XT control system will be on show highlighting the wide range of powerful features available whether controlling simple PT heads or multi-camera fully robotic SmartPeds and Rails. With smoothed key-frame sequences as standard and now with AutoFrame face tracking options, TR-XT really is the state of the art in studio robotics control.
• Orchestra CMS v3 Automation for Parliamentary TV. The new Orchestra CMS v3 is a powerful automation system specifically designed for parliaments and legislatures, providing a high level of multi-camera control for semi- or fully-automated operation. Orchestra is capable of controlling a large number of pan and tilt heads within a full-size debating chamber and is fully integrated with audio conferencing systems for rapid shot acquisition following active microphones. A high-resolution UI touch screen is provided for manual control and immediate indication of active shots and seat positions.
• SmartPed Robotic Pedestal. SmartPed, a world-leading fully robotic studio pedestal and the flagship of Shotoku’s product range, is in use around the world at leading TV news broadcasters. SmartPed gives broadcasters the flexibility to effortlessly position full camera payloads to any floor position in the studio. Supporting remote and local operation and with full VR/AR compatibility, SmartPed is the perfect solution for any live news/sports TV studio looking for exceptional on-air performance and increased production efficiency. SmartPed supports traditional Relative navigation systems with a ‘home’ reference tile or Absolute methods provided by optical camera tracking systems supplied either as existing third-party systems or Shotoku-supplied and embedded within SmartPed itself.
• SmartRail. For studios where floor or ceiling rail cameras are required, Shotoku's SmartRail system is ideal. With an industry leading range of elevation columns SmartRail can be installed in almost any studio - even those without traditionally high studio ceilings. Being rail mounted enables the camera to move in perfect smoothness regardless of the floor condition or studio environment. Ceiling mounted rail systems enable the studio floor to be completely clear of cameras and cables providing a uniquely clean visual appearance and freedom of movement for presenters and guests alike. For IBC the SmartRail system will be demonstrated in floor configuration and will showcase the very latest addition to the range of elevator columns, the high-performance X-Height column.

SUNBURY-ON-THAMES, U.K.—Shotoku Broadcast Systems has appointed Vishal Kagdada technical sales manager, expanding the Shotoku U.K. sales team. He will be involved with all sales aspects of the company’s range of broadcast robotics products, working with Sales Manager Clive Mumby.

Mumby said in a press statement, “I’m delighted to welcome Vishal to the team. We immediately recognized the important combination of demonstrable sales success and a strong understanding of precision-engineered systems that Vishal has. We know this will help our continued business achievements, as well as assisting our current and future customers around the world.”

Kagdada joins Shotoku U.K., from his prior position at a precision engineering company in India where he was responsible for sales of advanced manufacturing process machines to clients around the world. He previously held a sales role at broadcast news automation company AP selling ENPS newsroom systems.

“I’m excited to join Shotoku, a recognized world leader in broadcast robotics and welcome the opportunity to work with great people and state-of-the-art technology in the dynamic broadcast market," said Kagdada. He will be based at Shotoku’s global robotics HQ in Sunbury.

LAS VEGAS—Shotoku Broadcast Systems will use the 2016 NAB Show stage to launch an expansion to its line of virtual reality and augmented reality tracking systems. One of the products that the company will have on display is its new Free-d2, a tracking system that does not require physical encoder devices attached to the camera support’s moving axes.

The Free-d2 uses video processing algorithms and ceiling markers to determine the position and orientation of the studio camera, which as a result offers accurate position tracking. The device features no home or reference point.

Able to be attached to the broadcast camera, the Free-d2 does not interfere with normal operations and constantly views the lighting grid area where markers are positioned, per Shotoku. By being attached directly, the company says any type of camera support can be used.

Markers for the Free-d2 are made of reflective material and can be placed within the studio lighting grid or ceiling area. According to Shotoku, collaboration is only needed once and lights or other ceiling equipment offer no obstruction.

Shotoku will display the Free-d2 system at its booth, C8008, at the 2016 NAB Show, which will take place from April 16-21 in Las Vegas.

SUNBURY, ENGLAND—Shotoku Broadcast Systems, a manufacturer of advanced camera support products, has named Andy Parsons to serve as its U.S. robotics specialist. Parsons will be responsible for helping Shotoku expand its presence in the U.S. with live TV news production and legislative broadcast applications, according to Mike Wolfe, Shotoku’s managing director.

Andy Parsons

Parsons joins Shotoku after being with CNN since the news network’s launch in 1980. He worked in the engineering, operations, production and news departments at CNN, as well as serving as the lighting director. He also served as a senior project manager with the network, where he helped establish CNN locations abroad.

Parsons is based out of Atlanta.

Drago Flores

KAWASAKI, JAPAN—Shotoku Broadcasting Systems has announced that Drago Flores will take over as its new marketing coordinator. Flores’ new responsibilities will be to increase the company’s brand awareness around the world through its marketing efforts.

Flores joins Shotoku from a San Francisco-based creative marketing team for a Japanese organization that sought to grow its Web presence in the U.S. He has a combined four years in South Korea and Japan managing international relations activities.

Shotoku is a manufacturer of camera support products, with an emphasis on manual and robotic pedestals and pan/tilt heads.