Shotoku Broadcast Systems is giving IBC 2025 visitors a clear look at the future of robotic camera technology that meet the demands of today’s live productions while keeping pace with future innovations.
The international developer of dependable, user‑friendly robotic systems will showcase its flagship SmartPed fully‑robotic pedestal working in concert with an enhanced version of SoftRail, Shotoku’s award-winning system that merges the path-following capabilities of a physical rail system with the total freedom of a free-roaming pedestal. Together, SmartPed and SmartRail offer all the benefits of a rail system with the ability to switch instantly back to full X/Y roaming.
Shotoku’s TR-XT control system and AutoFrame presenter tracking will both be demonstrated with upgraded functionalities designed to further streamline day‑to‑day workflows. A full line‑up of Shotoku’s proven pan and tilt heads – including the TG‑27, TG‑47, TG‑18i and TI-12, TI-11 height drives, together with control systems designed for broadcast, legislative, and Pro AV applications, will be on display at Stand 12.F47.
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Every new feature we bring to market starts with feedback from the people using our systems day in, day out.” Says James Eddershaw, Shotoku MD. “That same dialogue drives the development of our future products too, ensuring we’re not just meeting today’s needs but shaping tomorrow’s workflows.”
SmartPed and SoftRail – Flexible Movement Without Compromise
At the centre of the stand SmartPed, Shotoku’s flagship fully‑robotic pedestal, will be shown working seamlessly with SoftRail. This powerful combination delivers the smooth, predictable movement of a rail system when a fixed path is needed, while retaining the freedom to roam anywhere in the studio on demand. SoftRail has been enhanced with Branch Lines, a new feature that gives operators unprecedented flexibility in addition to advanced rail design and editing tools. Operators can switch instantly between guided rail operation and unrestricted X/Y movement, giving them the best of both worlds without any mechanical changeover.
SmartPed is designed to handle complex studio layouts and live productions with ease, bringing quiet, precise movement to even the most demanding environments. By integrating with SoftRail, it offers studios the confidence of rail‑based repeatability for choreographed shots, and the flexibility of free movement for spontaneous camera positions – all controlled through the TR‑XT interface. This versatility makes SmartPed an ideal solution for broadcasters who want to maximise creative options while keeping set‑ups simple and efficient.
TR‑XT: The Heart of the Studio
The latest TR‑XT touchscreen control system continues to impress with its powerful StudioView interface, giving operators a live map of the studio with safety zones, live status of all robotics, and direct access to key features like AutoFrame. Its intuitive operation ensures that even complex productions remain straightforward to manage – freeing operators to focus on content, not technology.
Smarter Tracking with AutoFrame
AutoFrame, Shotoku’s acclaimed presenter face‑tracking system, now takes precision and flexibility a step further by including Framing Presets – allowing operators to recall a perfectly composed shot at the press of a single button.
An updated tracking algorithm provides even smoother motion and more natural transitions as presenters move around, while maintaining the same ultra‑simple setup and seamless integration with the TR‑XT control system.
Simple Parliamentary and Legislative control
For those focused on televised parliamentary proceedings, Shotoku’s Orchestra CMS control system paired with the TR‑S panel is a must see. Purpose‑built for the unique demands of legislative broadcasting, it delivers smooth, reliable operation even under intense pressure and during long, continuous sessions.
