Global debut of Aura TR-XPTZ Control System, North American introduction of Swoop crane, and launch of Quick-Ref referencing system among notable highlights
Shotoku USA, Shotoku Broadcast Systems’ North American operation, will unveil significant additions to its platform at NAB 2026. Topping the list is the world premiere of Aura, a suite of advanced PTZ solutions that brings the company’s renowned high-end robotic camera control expertise into the rapidly evolving PTZ production space. Aura will join several other notable introductions including the official presentation of the Swoop robotic crane family to the North American market, and the launch of Quick-Ref, a revolutionary referencing system. Shotoku will be conducting demonstrations of the company’s entire user-friendly robotic camera control systems in Booth C 3816.
Introducing Aura and the TR-XPTZ Control System
As PTZ image quality and performance improve, major broadcasters, legislatures, and global corporations are successfully integrating these heads into their broadcast quality production environments. These implementations, however, have often suffered from lack of a sophisticated, scalable control system.
Shotoku fills this gap with the NAB launch of the Aura TR-XPTZ Control System, a powerful yet streamlined platform purpose-built for professional PTZ productions.
Derived from the core architecture of Shotoku’s flagship TR-XT Control System, TR-XPTZ delivers the smoothness, reliability, and multi-camera sophistication broadcasters expect — optimized specifically for PTZ environments. The result is a cost-effective system that functions seamlessly without sacrificing the capabilities that has made Shotoku a world-leading supplier of remote camera control systems for more than two decades.
Key advantages include:
- A level of control and automation formerly exclusive to full-scale broadcast robotics in an easy-to-use yet powerful system
- A meticulously refined user experience that retains the powerful, intuitive multi-camera and multi-user operations of the TR-XT while stripping away elements unnecessary for PTZ-specific workflows
- The capability to smoothly support both manual and automated workflows for any size production
The TR-XPTZ marks the beginning of a broader ecosystem designed by Shotoku to enhance both the physical and operational performance of PTZ systems. By blending extensive robotic control expertise with a forward-looking focus on a rapidly growing range of PTZ applications, the Aura range delivers the reliability and sophistication major broadcasters and international organizations demand, and for which Shotoku is renowned.
The TR-XPTZ is just the start of Aura. Watch this space for further announcements leading up to NAB.
Swooping into North America
Following its introduction at IBC 2025, Shotoku’s Swoop is making its formal North American debut. Developed to replace manually operated cranes and jibs, Shotoku’s Swoop overcomes the typical challenges presented by traditional jibs and cranes including the need for one or even two dedicated operators, and the inability to be tightly integrated into robotic camera systems. Swoop removes these obstacles while combining creativity, control, and safety in one elegantly engineered system.
Swoop is available in two sizes: Swoop 140 and Swoop 220, representing a boom arm reach of 4’7” (140 cm) and 7’3” (220 cm). Both versions combine precision engineering with Shotoku’s reliability, enabling production directors to create and precisely repeat sweeping shots with confidence and ease.
Swoop offers two base options to match production needs and budgets. The SmartPed robotic base (Swoop SP) provides complete freedom of movement across the studio floor with remotely controlled X/Y positioning. Alternatively, a manual base delivers a cost-effective solution where manual relocating of the base between shots or shows is all that’s required.
Swoop integrates seamlessly with Shotoku’s TR-XT advanced control system for complete control of the crane within the studio. TR-XT’s StudioView display shows Swoop’s location relative to other cameras, while the SoftRail system allows Swoop SP to be controlled along tightly defined SoftRail paths ensuring precise, safe, and consistent movement across the floor.
Safety is paramount, and Swoop systems are designed from the ground up with this in mind. Multiple intelligent proximity detectors are mounted along the length of the arm and above and below the payload creating a dynamic protective “bubble” that detects obstacles, stops all movement, and prevents collisions.
“Swoop enables broadcasters to reach new heights—and new lows,” says James Eddershaw, Managing Director, Shotoku. “It expands creative possibilities while providing the operational flexibility and safety that modern live production demands.”
Quick-Ref: Seamless Referencing for SmartPed and Swoop-SP
Shotoku is also highlighting the new Quick-Ref feature – a simple yet transformative advancement in robotic pedestal navigation for Shotoku’s SmartPed and Swoop-SP. Quick-Ref uses a miniature QR-coded floor marker — no larger than a postage stamp — containing positional data read automatically by the pedestal when it is over the marker, updating its internal navigation frequently and correcting any errors without requiring operator intervention.
Unlike traditional home tiles or complex external optical tracking systems, Quick-Ref is:
- Low cost
- Simple to install
- Can be placed in the main set
- Fully automatic in operation – no operator involvement
The result is more frequent, effortless re-referencing and improved long-term positional accuracy — all without interrupting production.