A two-wheeled robot called Beni can follow its owner at speeds of nearly 30 kilometres per hour while recording 4K video at 30 frames per second, according to its creators.
The device weighs under two kilograms and features a rotating camera. It can clear obstacles up to 25.4 centimetres high and, if it tips over, can right itself without assistance. The robot comes with 32 GB of internal storage that can be expanded with a microSD card.
Users can switch between follow mode and manual control via a joystick. The creators say setup is straightforward and the footage requires no special processing. Some video professionals have described it as the future of personal filmmaking, while early reviewers called it a well-designed and enjoyable device that removes the need for a second person to operate the camera.
The project is still raising funds on Kickstarter, with its campaign closing on 6 September. The team said it collected $2 million within two weeks of showing the product in action. Backers can pre-order Beni for around $549, with shipping costs additional.
According to the creators, the robot grew from a simple idea by one of the founders who wanted to build it for himself and his son. That goal eventually drew a team of more than 200 engineers and artists. The creators said motors are already being manufactured and an assembly line is running, with shipments promised for autumn. Battery life is one hour and 45 minutes per charge, and the battery is replaceable.
