Danny Weber
The two-wheeled Beni camera robot reaches 28.8 km/h, avoids obstacles and can jump up to 25.4 cm while filming moving subjects.
Beni is a two-wheeled ground robot with a 4K camera that can autonomously follow a person. The device is positioned as an alternative to drones for filming people, pets and other moving subjects. Unlike an aerial drone, Beni stays on the ground, which could make it useful in places where drone flights are prohibited or restricted, such as areas near airports, helipads, hospitals and some protected nature reserves.
The robot has a rotating camera and records 4K video at 30 frames per second. Footage can be stored in 32 GB of built-in memory or on a microSD card. Beni weighs 1.75 kg and has a claimed top speed of 28.8 km/h. The manufacturer also lists obstacle avoidance and the ability to right itself after tipping over.
Beni can jump over obstacles up to 25.4 cm high. In addition to autonomous tracking, it supports manual control with a joystick. Its weight and speed mean it should be used carefully around people. Rules for operating such devices may also vary by country and location.
The robot is available through a crowdfunding campaign, with prices starting at $549, or about €477.
© Kickstarter / Mondo Robotics