Rolling Robots

This project examines using industrial robotics for media creation, specifically DSLR video camera control and recording. Both digitally programmed camera paths and handheld capture are explored, as well as a post-process technique for VFX over the environment. Rolling Robots is composed of three development phases; end of arm tool design, robotic arm path programming and data translation - calibration. The tool is a combination of industry-standard 15mm rails, DSLR camera, and custom electronics, all mounted on a custom 12" x 6" plywood base. After a number of experiments and calibrations, we've prototyped a stepper motor driven follow-focus setup instead of utilizing readily available focus-pull mechanisms for increased control using a microcontroller. The dataset collected during the calibration phase is interpolated using regression and both in the micro-controller and robotic arm programming environment, these values are used to control focus ring rotation at any given position of the robotic arm. Collaborators: Scott Leinweber, Atefeh Mahdavi