Shotoku will bring SoftRail, a rail system via software, to IBC 2024

SoftRail, a "totally new" concept developed by Shotoku that merges the trajectory-following capabilities of a physical rail system with the complete freedom of a developed free-motion pedestal, will take its first steps in IBC 2024.

The function SoftRail for Studio Control System TR-XT of Shotoku and SmartPed seeks to maximize flexibility by opening up studio space to Unlimited software-defined paths, while removing the restrictions of physical floor rails on presenters, guests, and other cameras. The solution provides the key advantage of following the path of a rail camera, while avoiding any physical rail or guidance on the ground. Then, if it is no longer necessary to follow the path, simply deactivate the function SoftRail and SmartPed It returns to its traditional free pedestal mode with all the advantages that freedom of movement brings.

The method of operation is simple. Using the StudioView improved TR-XT by Shotoku, operators can design a "soft" rail to suit any live production. Once defined and activated, the pedestal SmartPed Shotoku robotic behaves as if it were physically mounted on rails. A simple XY joystick moves the SmartPed left or right along the rail path, allowing the operator to focus on the other axes and maintain a "perfect frame." Because rails are defined solely by software, they can take virtually any form imaginable, even those that would be physically impossible to build, such as looping on itself without the need for a level crossing.

For other parts of the production, or when the designers want a change of scenery, the mode SoftRail can be easily disabled, allowing the SmartPed to immediately return to normal free-running behaviour. An unlimited number of SoftRail routes can be stored and retrieved, and different SmartPeds can have different (or the same) rail assets, all managed from the new and improved StudioView page of the latest TR-XT control system.

SoftRail will feature prominently at the Shotoku of IBC 2024, where the company will perform a full demonstration of the system and other new features offered by TR-XT.