Mondo Robotics has introduced Beni, a small, playful robot with wheels and springy legs that can follow users or pets while capturing smooth 4K HDR video. With features like stair climbing, obstacle avoidance, and emotion-expressing eyes, Beni offers a fresh take on personal action cameras.
- 4K HDR video capture at 30 fps with onboard editing
- Can run, jump, climb stairs, and avoid obstacles
- Controlled via wrist joystick or mobile app
What happened
Mondo Robotics, founded by former DJI team members, unveiled Beni, a small robot that doubles as an action camera. This inventive device resembles a toy robot but features wheels and motorized legs that let it run alongside users or pets, capturing video from angles not usually available to handheld cameras or drones.
Beni can record video in 4K HDR at 30 frames per second and comes equipped with obstacle avoidance cameras, allowing it to navigate its surroundings autonomously. It can jump up to 10 inches, climb stairs, and recover from falls, making it highly mobile for capturing dynamic footage. The robot's battery lasts up to 1.5 hours and stores video on a memory card supplemented by 32 GB of onboard memory.
Why it feels good
Beyond its impressive tech specs, Beni offers a playful personality, with eyes that light up and a voice that expresses emotions, creating a warm and engaging user experience. The combination of autonomous movement and manual control through a wrist joystick or mobile app makes Beni a versatile companion for adventures or casual filming.
Automatic video editing right from captured footage saves time and effort, making it easier to share highlights from outdoor activities or daily moments. The ability to follow pets or people and capture unique angles lets users enjoy their interactions from fresh perspectives, enriching memories and storytelling.
What to enjoy or watch next
Beni is currently available for support on Kickstarter starting at $549, discounted from its expected retail price of $799. Orders are planned to ship in October, with delivery available to major countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several European destinations for a $10 shipping fee.
The design team envisions future enhancements such as accessory attachments, SIM card remote control, and operation via gamepads and first-person view glasses. For those excited by next-gen personal filming technology or unique robotics, following Beni’s development and launch could be a delightful experience.