Sheffield-based robotics software company Bow and Xplor, a live events research, development and innovation centre located in Wakefield, have announced a partnership that aims to better integrate robotics into film, television and other creative sectors.
Specifically, the partnership seeks to enable new robotics use-cases, enhance efficiency and reduce the cost of robotics on production sets.
Initial research projects will include programming robotic arms in Xplor’s virtual production studio, using Bow software to deploy robotic arms for inhospitable live-action shooting environments, fully automated tracking solutions and live performance integration at Xplor’s Production Park facility.
According to the partnership, the potential for using robotics in film and TV production is largely untapped due to the complexity and cost of programming robots.
Current robotics applications in live events and entertainment production are said to be limited by the inability of robots to be multi-functional and multi-purpose.
However, Bow will attempt to address these challenges by converting various robot specifications into a unified driver, allowing for real-time simulation and the reuse of control algorithms across different robotics platforms.
The platform aims to simplify complex processes such as inverse kinematics and motion planning, allowing developers to focus on new applications in film, TV production and live events.
Nick Thompson, CEO of Bow, said: “This partnership will push the boundaries of what’s possible in the creative industries through robotics.
“Bow will serve as a technical backbone, empowering Xplor to integrate robotics seamlessly into live events and scripted productions, from the biggest film and television productions to star-studded live event performances.
“Our technology will not only enable the development of innovative new applications, it will also streamline operations – enhancing efficiency and reducing the cost of deploying robotics on set.”
The UK is reportedly Europe’s largest film and TV production centre and is second only to the USA in total screen production output.
In 2022, creative industries reportedly contributed around £125bn to the UK economy and currently support more than two million jobs.
Phil Adlam, CTO of Production Park and head of Xplor, said: “By integrating Bow’s state-of-the-art robotics platform into our operations, we are empowering our team and creative partners to explore newfound possibilities, redefining what can be achieved both on stage and on screen.
“This collaboration positions us at the forefront of innovation, and as we embark on new R&D projects together, we are excited to share groundbreaking use cases for robotics that will shape the future of the creative industries.”
Innovations and achievements in R&D will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual Robotics & Automation Awards on 06 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable industry event – and to book your table!
