Motion Impossible has announced the new MagTrax drive-end for its AGITO robotic camera dolly. MagTrax looks like a very inventive product and essentially it is a magnetic strip that you place out on the ground and then the AGITO dolly follows that track.
The magnetic strip can be laid on a surface, underneath a carpet, or underneath a floor. The magnetic strip can be manipulated so that you can create any type of path.
When using MagTrax the AGITO can be set in the free-roaming mode. By following the magnetic track, the AGITO can follow a complex route. Not only that, but it is smart enough to be able to move from one magnetic track to another. This allows users to create very long, repeatable camera moves.
The Speed for both straight and curved paths can be automatically adjusted depending on the arc. At any time, the AGITO operator can take over manually and decrease or increase the speed as needed. The MagTrax system features in-built collision detection with an automatic e-stop.
The AGITO and MagTrax would be suitable for applications such as outdoor broadcast events, live stage environments such as music awards and concerts, as well as feature films and episodic television.
The MagTrax system can be purchased through companies like AbelCine in the US. The price is not listed and you have to contact sales for a quotation.
The MagTrax system can be added to existing AGITO systems with the corresponding Sports, Trax, or Complete upgrade package. New systems can be purchased with MagTrax by choosing the AGITO MagTrax Essential or AGITO MagTrax Elevated bundles.
Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with 30 years' experience working in more than 50 countries around the world. He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010. Matthew has won 43 ACS Awards, including four prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards. Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.
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