High-skill skateboarders put the Beni camera robot through stress tests (Beyond Slow Motion, 20:35)

**TL;DR:** The Beni robot from Mondo Robotics is an autonomous camera robot that tracks, follows, and films dynamic subjects like skateboarders, but its image quality, tracking response, and control during high-action scenarios have significant limitations that affect its practicality for content creators. ### **Beni Robot: Product Overview and Testing** Beni is an autonomous camera robot designed to film dynamic, moving subjects without a dedicated human operator. It can follow, track, and perform moves like flips and jumps across various terrains. This article summarizes its key specifications, control methods, real-world performance in filming skateboarding, image quality analysis, and durability based on stress tests. ### **Key Specifications** * **Weight:** Approximately 3.8 lbs. * **Battery Life:** Rated for ~1.5 hours, confirmed in field tests. * **Storage:** 32GB internal storage plus a microSD card slot. * **Mounting:** Two 1/4"-20 mounting screws on the head for accessories. * **Video Recording:** Supports up to 4K@30fps, 3K@60fps, and 1080p@100fps. (Note: The manufacturer states image quality will be improved in final production units). * **Features:** Swappable wheels and front sensors for obstacle detection/avoidance. ### **Control Methods** There are three primary ways to operate Beni: 1. **Included Remote Control:** A small, basic controller with a wrist strap, useful for simple positioning. 2. **Mobile App:** Offers comprehensive control over recording, settings, and functions via a smartphone. 3. **Gamepad:** Using a supported controller (e.g., an Xbox controller with a phone mount) provides the most precise, intuitive manual control for dynamic movement, similar to video game controls. ### **Performance and Tracking in Action** Beni's tracking behavior and positioning are critical for effective filming. * **Starting Distance:** The initial distance set between Beni and the subject (a skateboarder) directly influences the following distance. A greater starting distance provides more room for the subject to maneuver and helps capture wider shots on ramps. Starting too close can cause Beni to follow too aggressively, potentially missing the shot or creating unsafe situations. * **Speed and Responsiveness:** On smooth surfaces, Beni can reach approximately 18 mph. Its acceleration is good, but there can be a noticeable delay in recognizing and reacting to sudden, rapid changes in a subject's speed. * **Tracking Modes:** Tested modes include parallel tracking (following alongside) and "tail-follow" (following behind). * **Control Conflict:** A significant limitation arises when using manual gamepad control while Beni is in an auto-tracking mode. The robot may fight the manual input, over-correcting to re-acquire its tracked subject, leading to unpredictable and unstable movement. ### **Image Quality Comparison** Beni's built-in camera was compared directly to a dedicated action camera (DJI Action 5 Pro). * **Strengths:** In favorable, even lighting (like overcast days), Beni's footage is "fairly solid." Colors can be accurate, and detail is acceptable. * **Weaknesses:** * **Low Light & Dynamic Range:** In high-contrast scenes (e.g., bright sun with shadows), Beni's camera struggles significantly. It produces "grainy" and "noisy" footage, with poor handling of highlights and deep shadows, often turning subjects into silhouettes. * **Versatility:** Compared to a standalone action camera, Beni offers fewer frame rate options, lower bitrate, and less dynamic range, providing less flexibility for post-production editing. * **Impact on Tracking:** Beni's tracking algorithm relies on contrast. In low-light or silhouette scenarios where the subject blends into the background, tracking can be lost. ### **Durability and Stress Testing** Beni was subjected to numerous impacts and falls during testing to assess its robustness. * **Recovery:** The robot demonstrated good self-righting capabilities, quickly regaining balance after minor collisions, trips over gaps, and falls. * **Vulnerability:** More severe impacts, especially falls from height, caused damage. In one test, a fall from an estimated 4-5 foot ledge resulted in a motor issue, locking one of its joints in a lowered position. * **Overall Resilience:** The tester concluded Beni is "fairly durable" and withstood intentionally rough treatment, but it is **not designed for large transitions or high ramps** in action sports, where falls can be significant and damaging. ### **Conclusion: Suitability and Final Thoughts** Beni is a novel and fun tool that can produce unique, dynamic shots, especially in controlled environments or for specific use cases like filming freestyle skateboarding at a fixed spot with its "orbit" mode. However, significant drawbacks exist: * The built-in camera's image quality and dynamic range are limited compared to dedicated action cameras, especially in challenging light. * Tracking can falter with rapid subject changes or poor lighting. * Manual control while auto-tracking is problematic. * Its physical limits make it unsuitable for high-impact, large-transition action sports filming. For content creators, the image quality limitations are a major consideration. For casual users seeking automated shots, its ease of use and unique movements are appealing, provided its operational boundaries are understood. *Source: [YouTube video titled "High-skill skateboarders put the Beni camera robot through stress tests (Beyond Slow Motion, 20:35)"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPP0Zce7B-o)*