Frequently asked questions
A product spin consisting of 24 - 36 angles can usually be captured within 10 - 20 seconds. The exact time depends on the camera and lights in use, and how many angles you photograph per spinset.
It is also possible to command multiple cameras to trigger simultaneously at each angle of rotation. In this way, we can also take a range of top-view photos. For example, with 4 cameras capturing 36 images per spin, we can capture 144 images in approximately 20 seconds.
For further time-savings, we can capture spin sets, still images, marketing images & planograms automatically with each batch of photos. As soon as you complete the photography sequences, you have everything your brand needs, ready for final review and delivery.
In fact, the logistics and product preparation often take longer than the photography itself. This includes total time for the photoshoot, image processing, and final delivery. Because of this, PhotoRobot_Controls software affords extra attention to in-studio logistics, aiming to maximize overall productivity.
Thanks to cloud processing, we can post-process an entire batch of product images in approximately 1 minute. Time can vary depending on the complexity of functions used. However, this process runs in the background, meaning we can photograph another product while our editing parameters are applied. Neither speed nor productivity is compromised, ensuring optimal studio workflow.
PhotoRobot’s real-time operating system checks object position at 1000 times per second. This ensures that even in non-stop capture mode, angle errors occur less than 1% of the time. At lower photography speeds, accuracy improves even more, providing high levels of consistency.
There are many options available when it comes to PhotoRobot configurations. Do you need to work with limited internet access? What about special RAW file development, UV, IR, or other photography techniques? PhotoRobot solutions tailors to your workflow. Just ask our team of specialist technicians to find something that works for your product photography.
YES - not only still and spin images, but also photometric 3D models can be produced on PhotoRobot hardware. Ask your distributor for available software solutions and their integration best-practices.
Our photography robots serve manufacturers, retailers and distributors alike, from small webshops to fully automated, industrial-scale photo studios. PhotoRobot even caters to the world beyond product photography, including education (archiving for universities, museums, etc).
Built for productivity, these modular product photography systems meet the demands of any product sizes or styling requirements. We know every client has different demands, from workflow to outputs, so PhotoRobot_Controls caters to all projects. Often, clients with less than 300 items to photograph prefer our photography services rather than on-boarding our technologies. But what if you have 1000+ items to photograph in your inventory? Here, we have tried-and-tested setups for maximum productivity, just as we do for clients with 3000 - 5000+ items in their portfolio. What if it’s over 20,000 items? Again, we have a setup, leveraging our high-output machines for industrial-scale photography. No matter the size of the project, PhotoRobot has you covered.
Let’s give you an example. To date, the most dynamic project PhotoRobot has undertaken called for 1,600,000 images. With our photography equipment and software, this project was complete within 3 weeks using 3 multi-camera workspaces.
Spin photography is especially effective at triggering conversions and boosting overall sales and revenue. It simply isn’t possible to achieve the same realism or effect on consumers, without that in-store experience. This is why more brands, webshops and vendors look to 360 photography for online retail, eCommerce, and marketplaces like Amazon.
However, this isn’t the only advantage when it comes to capturing 360-degree product photos with PhotoRobot. Our systems also allow clients to simultaneously capture a variety of standardized product imagery with each spinset. Clients not only create product spins with each photoshoot, they also generate galleries of still images, planograms, marketing images and more.
This gives you all of the outputs you need in a single session. Everything is in high resolution providing a deep field of zoom, and with your chosen file formats and naming conventions.
Use PhotoRobot imagery anywhere and everywhere you use standard images. There are no limitations. All spin and zoom functions integrate seamlessly with a free spin-viewer. Integrate the viewer with any web or shopping page, with all batch and bulk integration functions.
Images can be downloaded in any available resolution for off-line usage or 3rd party solutions.
We have designed PhotoRobot systems for ease-of-use. Our user interface is web-based and user-friendly, with simplified controls for operation. Operators see only the controls they need for the current operation on-screen, while each user can have their own interface for specific tasks. Define user roles with clear visual or audio notifications in case unexpected situations occur. In this way, user interaction is minimalized, allowing for maximum productivity.
To further simplify the interaction between the operator and robots, many operations are fully automated. Operators can also trigger commands by keyboard shortcuts, or simply scan a barcode to minimize time at the keyboard.
The software logs all operations by timestamp. Studio managers can then (based on visual reports) easily discover lower productivity or quality issues, and help operators to get back on track.
If the team needs more help getting familiar with the system, we also have a variety of training programs. These exist to quickly and easily get operators comfortable with PhotoRobot and master its capabilities.
YES - beyond workflow, PhotoRobot was designed with collaboration and remote work as top priorities. Our cloud-based system enables multiple studios to work on the same project simultaneously. Teams can edit data, while project managers supervise and publish results from anywhere in the world. As long as there is an internet connection available, teams will always have access to projects whether or not they are in the studio.
NO - In no way does PhotoRobot compete with your product photographers. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Photographers will finally be able to focus on the more creative elements of their job, from photo composition and lighting to styling. Meanwhile, PhotoRobot handles all of the repetitive tasks, without errors and in a pre-defined structure with detailed work reports.
NO - although PhotoRobot hardware is extremely robust and built for long-term operations, its cost is reasonable. For example, the entry-level machine (the Case) is suitable for self-installation. It is also easy to deliver worldwide, and can be used with a free version of our PhotoRobot_Controls software. Its price (including transportation to the final destination) is comparable to the cost of a camera and a lighting setup.
For multiple-machine installations including lights, delivery, installation, integration, training, and more, on average the price range is €30-60k. Even for special production lines, prices most often do not exceed €100k.
NO - All licenses are charged on a monthly basis, with an administrator on the client’s side assigning licenses to users for the given period. All data storage is charged based on the volume of data storage, while the cost per GB drops as volume grows. Users can also delete any unnecessary data to optimize total expenses (with a 1-month recovery period).
No matter the demands, PhotoRobot’s professional technicians will ensure you get the best configuration of robots. We analyze and recommend the best way forward for your business, looking at production needs and weighing costs versus rewards.
Our technicians take everything into account. We look at networking, connectivity, lighting, cameras, robots, studio size and location, product portfolio and more. It’s vital for us and our clients that no stone is unturned when preparing your solution. We also emphasize modularity and scalability for tailoring later updates to our clients’ growth.
YES - And this is especially true for more simple installations, such as with a single robot, camera and lighting setup. In these cases, most often users can install the system themself. For higher levels of productivity, it is recommended that users receive initial training. Initial training covers assembly as well as operation, and can be done via a PhotoRobot distributor or at the client’s location.
For more complex installations, the PhotoRobot team with experienced instructors on-site guarantees seamless integration and proper training for operators.
YES - the Premium Warranty Support Agreement provides a permanent hardware guarantee, continuous software updates, and technical support.
Most machines are instantly available and in-stock. However, to perfectly organize and fine-tune your project, allow for 1-3 months to install a fully functional PhotoRobot solution. This time includes time for training your team to make the most of PhotoRobot.
YES - There are a wide range of import and export structures for dynamic connection with existing client systems. For example, our shooting lists (a database of items to photograph) can be imported into new or existing projects. Users can do this even in situations when a project is currently being photographed.
Not only that, but new variables can also be imported into projects. Variables may include, for example, an additional SKU to be added to fit later exports for a trading partner.
Images are delivered via a built-in spin viewer (easy to integrate to any existing webpage), secured dynamic feeds, or by single-click download. The data structure is based on a wide range of variables, making it possible to create nearly any format on the fly. There are also pre-defined templates for Amazon, Home Depot, Grainger, Schneider, Lowes, Johnstone and much more. Export each project in various formats to meet all your needs across the web.
YES - local partners are always and warmly welcome. Detailed knowledge of PhotoRobot systems and a sophisticated servicing background are necessary for us to keep PhotoRobot held to the highest standards.
It is also possible to act as an intermediary partner, while PhotoRobot teams directly provide delivery and support.