MRMC's Cinebot Nano: A £20 Cinema Robot

Mark Roberts Motion Control has launched the Cinebot Nano, a compact motion control robot that packs professional-grade camera movement into three airline-friendly cases. Solo filmmakers and content creators can now access nine-axis robotic precision without the traditional barriers of cost, complexity, and crew requirements that have long defined motion control technology.

Starting at £20,000 with lifetime software ownership and supporting camera rigs up to 7kg with 1-meter reach, the Nano represents a significant shift in accessibility for cinematic camera movement. The system can deploy in tight spaces, mount to vehicles, or even operate upside-down while traveling at speeds up to 1 meter per second on its precision track.

The Cinebot Nano addresses a fundamental mismatch in today's content landscape. While cameras have become lighter and more capable, motion control systems remained stuck in the realm of large productions with dedicated operators and extensive setup times.

Traditional MRMC systems like the Bolt require 600kg of equipment and crews to operate effectively. The Nano's three-case design weighs less than standard airline luggage limits, making it practical for location shoots, cramped studios, and rapid deployment scenarios.

Here’s a quick look at MRMC’s traditional robots from last year’s NAB show:

The system integrates seamlessly with Tilta's zoom and focus control hardware, enabling synchronized lens adjustments with motion paths. This integration eliminates the need for separate operators handling different aspects of camera movement.

MRMC's Flair Lite software represents a departure from the company's traditional approach to motion control interfaces. The simplified version removes complexity without sacrificing creative precision, targeting users who need results quickly rather than extensive customization options.

The software follows a direct ownership model with no recurring subscription fees. This approach appeals particularly to freelancers and small production companies who want predictable costs and aren't dependent on cloud services or ongoing licensing agreements.

For quick setups, the system includes Push Moco functionality that enables basic keyframing and rapid execution within minutes of deployment.

The Nano's mounting flexibility extends beyond traditional tripod setups. The system can suction-mount to vehicles for automotive shoots, suspend upside-down for overhead angles, or operate in confined spaces where larger rigs simply won't fit.

This versatility makes the system particularly valuable for:

The precision ball-bearing track system supports these varied deployment scenarios while maintaining smooth, repeatable motion at speeds that keep pace with dynamic subjects.

Within MRMC's product lineup, the Nano sits below the Mini (10kg payload, 1.3m reach) and Max (20kg payload, 1.75m reach) systems. This positioning targets creators who need more capability than traditional motorized sliders but don't require the full specifications of broadcast or film production rigs.

The pricing strategy reflects this market positioning. At £20,000, the Nano costs significantly less than larger systems while remaining accessible to established content creators and small production companies.

This approach responds to competitive pressure from companies offering motorized sliders and compact rigs, but few competitors match the Nano's combination of multi-axis robotic capability, portability, and single-operator workflow.

The 7kg payload capacity accommodates most mirrorless and compact cinema cameras but excludes heavier professional cinema rigs. The 1-meter reach provides sufficient range for tabletop work, interviews, and medium shots but limits wider, sweeping movements.

These constraints are intentional design decisions rather than technical limitations. MRMC deliberately optimized for portability and ease of use over maximum capability, creating a tool that one person can transport, setup, and operate effectively.

The system's speed capabilities—up to 1 meter per second on track—support dynamic shooting scenarios while maintaining the precision required for VFX work and compositing applications where repeatable camera moves are essential.

The Cinebot Nano signals MRMC's recognition that the largest growth in content creation comes from individuals and small teams rather than traditional production companies. By targeting solo filmmakers directly, the company acknowledges how content creation has evolved beyond traditional studio and agency models.

This shift toward accessible motion control tools will likely influence visual standards across web content, social media, and emerging platforms. As more creators gain access to previously exclusive camera movement techniques, expect the visual language of lower-budget content to incorporate more sophisticated cinematography.