RB18CR4 Robotic Crane

SEEDER RB18CR4 fourth-generation robotic crane system adopts T-type robotic pan-tilt head and a new robotic chassis. Equipped with an electronic leveling system as standard, it supports intelligent and automated shooting. It is a robotic automation support system designed for broadcast-grade production, suitable for real and virtual production in AR, VR, XR, MR across various studios and event scenes.

SEEDER RB18CR4 fourth-generation robotic crane system adopts T-type robotic pan-tilt head and a new robotic chassis. Equipped with an electronic leveling system as standard, it supports intelligent and automated shooting. It is a robotic automation support system designed for broadcast-grade production, suitable for real and virtual production in AR, VR, XR, MR across various studios and event scenes.

The crane arm length ranges from 2.93 m to 4.11 m, manually adjustable and can be flexibly adjusted according to actual usage environments. Operating at <35 dB, it delivers the full functionality of a traditional crane with ultra-quiet performance — perfect for news and feature programs. Shake-free start/stop motion ensures every frame is broadcast-ready, while built-in telephoto anti-shake provides stability for long-lens shots. Through AI algorithms based on motion time and distance, the system generates up to 16 motion nodes for smooth curvilinear movement, enabling complex motion shots. The system can automatically track the center point of the shot. When manually operating the XYZ axes of the crane, the pan-tilt head automatically follows in pan and tilt to keep the frame centered, greatly facilitating fast composition by the operator.

It supports all full-servo Canon and Fujinon B4 mount lenses, with control over zoom, focus, and iris. During simultaneous crane and head motion, the full-servo lens enables AI auto focus tracking. It also retrieves zoom and focus tracking data through the digital lens cable and automatically compensates for tracking delay based on lens brand, achieving precise motion sync. The system uses black burst synchronization and outputs tracking data at 23-bit precision, equivalent to over 8.3 million positions per 360°, in the FREE-D format. Tracking data can be output via RS422 or UDP (with customizable ports). Compatible with Vizrt, Avid (Orad), Brainstorm, Aximmetry, and UE5 virtual production systems.

Absolute encoders, ready at startup, no calibration required — ideal for studios and live events. It supports standard TCP/IP protocol for third-party control and integrates with automation systems like SEEDER SEEART, Vizrt MOSART, ROSS Overdrive, and Grass Valley IGNITE.

Safety is ensured by dual anti-collision systems: Optical sensors on both sides of the jib (configurable range, 20 cm minimum stop); Dynamic force detection to halt motion when abnormal resistance is detected.

The control software manages XYZ jib movement, head pan/tilt, and lens zoom/focus/iris. It supports up to 8 robotic systems, with 32 programs × 16 sequences × 16 scenes (8,192 total scenes). Features include smooth curve and reverse motion, scene import/export, and dedicated UIs per program.

Basic Functions
Built-in SystemEmbedded OS + 7″ touch panel; independent operation, no external panel required
Motion Range7-axis motion — Pan/Tilt (head), Pan/Tilt (arm), Zoom/Focus/Iris (lens)
Robotic HeadT-type
Start/stop anti-shakeShake-free image during fast start/stop
Acceleration/decelerationAuto-adjusts speed by position and timing, enabling smooth 16-point curvilinear motion
Position LockPreset motion points (multi-point framing) and tracking positions remain permanently consistent
Motion PathFast point setup; auto path planning
Total Jib Length4.11 m
Front Arm / Rear Arm1.82 m-2.73 m / 1.11 m-1.38 m
Telescopic Jib Length2.93–4.11 m, manually adjustable
Camera Telescopic Travel0.91 m
Max Camera HeightCamera height up to 3.9 m
Lens Control20‑pin cable for Canon/Fujinon full‑servo lenses; optional M2 servo unit
Tracking shootPan-tilt head auto-tracks the main subject
Safety LimitsHead: Pan / Tilt; Arm: Left/Right, Up/Down — 8 direction protection
Anti-collision4-way optical + dynamic collision avoidance
Emergency StopDual buttons for arm power and motion (control panel)
VR Tracking Specifications
Electronic LevelingDual electronic levels on head and chassis
Virtual Tracking Accuracy23-bit absolute encoder; 8.3M/360°; <0.000043°
Tracking Sync3Supports BB, 3G/1.5G/SD-SDI external sync with input loop-through and internal sync
Lens DelayAuto-calibration for full‑servo lenses
Virtual Tracking CalibrationMotion compensation based on virtual tracking errors
Movement Specifications
Head Pan±150°, 0-60°/s, accuracy 0.001°
Head Tilt±60°, 0-60°/s, accuracy 0.001°
Jib Pan±355, 0-20°/s, accuracy 0.001°
Jib Tilt -35°-55°, 0-20°/s, accuracy 0.001°
Lens MotionFor full-servo lenses; 0–52 mm/s, accuracy 0.001 mm
Basic Specifications
Third-Party ControlFree standard TCP/IP control protocol
Scene backupScene file import/export/backup
Operation monitoringLong-term system log recording and storage
Operating Noise<35dB
Motion Storage32 programs × 16 sequences × 16 scenes = 8192 scenes
Keyframes per sequence16, supporting 16-point curvilinear motion
Modular InstallationTool-free modular design; installation completed in 15 minutes
Head Payload18 kg
Total Weight192 kg (with counterweights)
Input Voltage220V
Max Power350W
Configuration list
1. 4th-generation Robotic T-type omnidirectional pan-tilt head – 1 set

2. 2.93–4.11 m telescopic jib – 1 set
3.  Robot chassis – 1 set
4. Control cables – 1 set
Optional FeatureModelDescription
Tracking outputRBVRSupports directional UDP and RS-422 dual output
AI tracking shootRBAIEnables low-latency tracking using facial and skeletal recognition from the main camera’s HDSDI input
Control panelRBCS300、RBCS300PRO、RBCS1RB-series control panel
Scene composition imagesRBCS300PROSupports scene presets with composition image capture
Manual Control ModuleRBMC1Manual control handle supporting motion path learning and recording


1. Professional start-stop anti-shake technology, ensuring stable footage during rapid movements.

2. Automatically calculates motion curves, acceleration/deceleration, and timing from the start position and duration, supporting smooth 16-node curvilinear motion.

3. Auto-tracking of subjects during crane movement; AI-controlled pan-tilt head maintains precise framing.

4. 4-way optical + dynamic collision avoidance systems for safety. Customizable position limits for jib (up/down/left/right) and head (pan/tilt).

5. Electronic leveling system on both head and chassis for accurate virtual tracking calibration.

6. Absolute encoders record motion and tracking data with precision <0.000043° (8,300,000/360°). No cumulative error even after multiple reboots. Supports crane length setting, head calibration, and data inversion. Works without calibration after power-on.

7. Supports Canon and Fujinon full-servo lenses, controls zoom/focus/iris, retrieves tracking data, auto compensates tracking motor delay.

8. High-precision FREE-D tracking data output via RS422 and UDP, connects to AR, VR, XR, MR devices.

9. Virtual compensation calibration based on tracking error values.

10. Supports BB, 3G/1.5G/SD-SDI external sync with input loop-through and internal sync.

11. Standard TCP/IP protocol enables third-party automation control.

12. Modular design, tool-free assembly and disassembly, 15-minute setup.

13. Embedded OS + 7″ touch panel; independent operation, no external panel required.

14. Scene file import/export/backup and operation logging.

15. Real-time switch between manual and automatic, continuous Free-D data output.

1. Professional-grade crane operation, no manual handling.

2. Standardizes open/close shots for news and feature programs.

3. Delivers highly accurate image synchronization for AR/VR productions.

4. Provides professional tracking data for large-scale real-virtual productions.

5. Supports OB van and large studio automated camera positions.

6. Delivers effective telephoto stabilization for UHD shooting.

7. Reduces operator error during critical live events.

8. Enables smooth remote operation over IP networks.


Configuration list
1. 4th-generation Robotic T-type omnidirectional pan-tilt head – 1 set

2. 2.93–4.11 m telescopic jib – 1 set
3.  Robot chassis – 1 set
4. Control cables – 1 set
Optional FeatureModelDescription
Tracking outputRBVRSupports directional UDP and RS-422 dual output
AI tracking shootRBAIEnables low-latency tracking using facial and skeletal recognition from the main camera’s HDSDI input
Control panelRBCS300、RBCS300PRO、RBCS1RB-series control panel
Scene composition imagesRBCS300PROSupports scene presets with composition image capture
Manual Control ModuleRBMC1Manual control handle supporting motion path learning and recording