Malaysia’s 67th National Day Parade in Putrajaya showcased more than just the country’s patriotic spirit. AGITO, the world’s most advanced modular robotic camera system developed by Motion Impossible, made its debut, transforming the broadcast coverage in a way that drew attention from both the King and public alike.
Capturing an event as large-scale and fluid as the National Day Parade has always posed a challenge for broadcasters. With military formations and cultural performances in constant motion, traditional camera setups often fall short when trying to capture the full scope. This year, however, Reality Rentals, a production technical services specialist, brought AGITO to the parade – and the results were nothing short of spectacular.
“When you’re dealing with something as big and dynamic as the National Day Parade, traditional filming techniques just don’t cut it,” says Paul Nash, technical director at Reality Rentals. “You need something that can move as smoothly and quickly as the parade itself – and only AGITO can do that.”
Equipped with an AGITO Tower and Shotover G1 remote head, AGITO gave the team the mobility they needed to steadily move the camera package – a Sony P1 and Canon CJ14x lens – alongside tanks, soldiers and performers. Its versatility meant they could easily switch between expansive overviews to tight, focused shots, all in real-time, allowing them to cover the grandeur of the event without missing the finer details. “Whether it was zooming in on a performer’s expression or tracking the precise movements of a marching formation, AGITO caught it all,” explains Paul.
The system’s flexibility was especially apparent during the martial arts performance. As the artists moved through their routines, AGITO smoothly transitioned from a wide-angle shot to a close-up at eye level, pulling viewers into the heart of the action. “It made audiences feel as if they were standing right there among the act,” says Paul.
By the end of the day, AGITO accounted for 50% of the broadcast footage, with Steadicams and Spidercams making up the rest. The variety of shots – from large-scale processions to the smallest details – showcased how essential AGITO was to bringing the full scope of the parade to life on screen.
AGITO’s impact didn’t stop at the broadcast. The King of Malaysia was seen watching the robotic camera dolly as it navigated the parade route, clearly impressed by its seamless movements. Local media quickly picked up on AGITO’s role, with viral TikTok videos showcasing its smooth tracking shots amassing thousands of likes. RTM, Malaysia’s national broadcaster, also highlighted AGITO as a key symbol of technological innovation in live event production.
“The King was really intrigued by AGITO’s movements, almost like it was part of the parade itself,” Paul recalls. “And the media buzz showed just how excited people were to see this kind of advanced technology in action.”
The National Day Parade is a long event, stretching over several hours, but AGITO’s endurance was never in doubt. Operating for more than five hours with just one battery change, AGITO, complete with a DTC Domo transmission system, ensured that the broadcast signal remained stable, even with RF jammers deployed to protect the King’s security. “We were a bit nervous about potential RF interference due to the military’s security measures, but AGITO held up flawlessly,” Paul says. “The signal remained rock solid, and we didn’t experience any major disruptions.”
Even a brief rain shower didn’t stop AGITO from performing its role; the system kept rolling, showing its durability even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
AGITO’s debut at the National Day Parade was a clear success. From its ability to deliver half of the broadcast’s footage to its dynamic range of shots, the system proved its value in capturing complex, large-scale events. “The lesson we’ve learned from this is that AGITO is more than just a robotic camera dolly – it’s a way to redefine how live events are filmed,” Paul reflects. “It’s not just about covering the action; it’s about bringing viewers closer to it, making them feel like they’re part of the experience.”
With AGITO’s successful performance at the National Day Parade, Reality Rentals is eager to explore more opportunities across Southeast Asia. AGITO is already set to be deployed at the upcoming Asian Academy Creative Awards in Singapore, with plans for its use at concerts, sporting events and live productions in the near future. “We’ve had so much interest in AGITO since the parade,” says Zena Choo, co-founder and business director of Reality Rentals. “Its potential is huge, and we’re excited to see how it can transform live broadcasts in everything from sports to concerts. The National Day Parade was just the beginning.”
With the future of live broadcasting evolving, AGITO is proving that technology can do more than just document an event – it can make viewers feel like they’re right there in the middle of it.
