2014General Discussion forum
Motorized exoskeleton arm rigs for gimbal and camera support
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- Exoskeleton arm systems can distribute weight evenly across both sides of the body, unlike traditional steadicams which have inherent imbalance that makes running difficult
- These rigs may have practical applications for action cinematography including running, stair work, off-road movement, and skating shots
- The devices could be useful for people with limited arm strength or disabilities who need assistance lifting equipment
- Motorized gimbal-support exoskeletons represent a different tool category from steadicams rather than a direct replacement, each suited to different shooting scenarios
Depends on
- Initial prototype versions showed visible camera shake in demonstration videos
- Safety concerns were raised about operators losing arm mobility for balance and stumbling protection
- The gimbal attachment method in early designs was questioned—carrying equipment by hand while wearing a support rig defeats the weight-relief purpose
- Limited real-world testing and operator experience data available
- No consensus on whether this approach outperforms hiring skilled operators or using established camera support methods