Undercurrent Labs Uses Blackmagic Design Workflow for New 8K Live Streaming Robotics Lab

21/01/2021

Undercurrent Labs Uses Blackmagic Design Workflow for New 8K Live Streaming Robotics Lab

data-src=https://creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/avatars/263018/5fa08c562aaf4-bpthumb.jpg data-srcset=https://creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/avatars/263018/5fa08c561c0e7-bpfull.jpg 2x class=lazyload avatar avatar-80 photo height=80 width=80 />

Brie Clayton January 20, 2021

0 Comments

Blackmagic Design today announced that Undercurrent Labs is using its ATEM Constellation 8K live production switcher and HyperDeck Extreme 8K HDR recorder to power its new robotics lab aimed at helping medical teams scale and automate COVID-19 testing.

data-src=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183209/0-undercurrent-labs.jpg alt= class=lazyload wp-image-2401523/>Based in Atlanta, GA, Undercurrent Labs is a research and development solutions design and OEM system integrator. Undercurrent Labs blends digital twin robotic control with extended reality (XR), machine learning (ML) and Gigabit Class LTE to create and deliver next generation immersive platform services and collaborative XR experiences at enterprise scale.

Undercurrent Labs' newest venture is XR Lab's Scale & Automate Against COVID-19 (SAACV19) project, which uses robotics, machine learning, computer vision and a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) enhanced camera attached to a collaborative robot to scale and automate testing to reduce potential exposure, infection risks, repetitive tasks and shortage of medical staff and PPE.

Using a multi VR camera system in conjunction with an ATEM Constellation 8K, ATEM Mini Pro and HyperDeck Extreme 8K HDR for recording, Undercurrent Labs live streams its robotics lab's simulations so its team of engineers, physicians and infectious disease specialists can view the results for virtual consultation and collaboration. A Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is also used to capture angles requiring less than a 180 degree field of view.

data-src=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183550/Undercurrent-Labs-1_1200-1024x614.png alt= class=lazyload wp-image-2401525 data-srcset=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183550/Undercurrent-Labs-1_1200-1024x614.png 1024w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183550/Undercurrent-Labs-1_1200-300x180.png 300w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183550/Undercurrent-Labs-1_1200-768x461.png 768w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183550/Undercurrent-Labs-1_1200-624x374.png 624w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183550/Undercurrent-Labs-1_1200.png 1200w data-sizes=(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px />According to John Penn, Undercurrent Labs' founder and CEO, Our approach serves the dual purpose of allowing our remote team to work and monitor the robots' motions from home, in compliance with social distancing regulations, while also allowing the VR telepresence functions for remote control of the robotic arms, which is one of SAACV19's critical milestones for fulfilling our mission.

To achieve this, we needed the ability to reliably live stream and record up to 8K, which is the sweet spot for VR as it allows viewers to be immersed in what's effectively 4K per eye when viewing stereoscopic video, Penn explained. We decided to build the workflow around the ATEM Constellation 8K because, in addition to the need to support resolutions up to 8K, we also needed a rock solid and reliable switcher that was easy to ramp up and learn. Return on investment was also a huge consideration, as its 8K and HDR capabilities offer plenty of room for growth as our needs evolve.

Pairing the ATEM Constellation 8K with the HyperDeck Extreme 8K HDR provides the team with macro control via ethernet, which Penn noted allows for preprogramming of video playback for frame accurate recall and playback, which is essential for their auxiliary content. Additionally, using an ATEM Mini Pro alongside the ATEM Constellation 8K allows the team to remain nimble and save time, since they can save their media pool content and edit their settings as XML files to easily make quick changes.

data-src=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183609/Undercurrent-Labs-3_1200-1024x614.png alt= class=lazyload wp-image-2401526 data-srcset=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183609/Undercurrent-Labs-3_1200-1024x614.png 1024w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183609/Undercurrent-Labs-3_1200-300x180.png 300w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183609/Undercurrent-Labs-3_1200-768x461.png 768w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183609/Undercurrent-Labs-3_1200-624x374.png 624w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20183609/Undercurrent-Labs-3_1200.png 1200w data-sizes=(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px /> Our workflow, built around the ATEM Constellation 8K, has been crucial in allowing our R&D team and stakeholders to remotely collaborate during our proof of concept phase, Penn explained. For our next phase, we are extending the lab to the larger medical community, so they can utilize our SAACV19 findings and collaborate to further our research.

During the next phase, the robotics lab will go on the road so others in the medical community can see the automated testing in action. The Blackmagic Design powered system will be used for IMAG, routed to two large displays so those in the audience can maintain social distancing while still seeing the robotic system close up. This will extend the lab to hospital systems and the larger medical community with the goal of encouraging further collaboration and research in medical robotics and its role in both the COVID-19 pandemic and overall continuity of care.

LINK:	https://creativecow.net/undercurrent-labs-uses-blackmagic-design-workf...
	See more stories from creativecow

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

18/03/2026

Net Insight Names Larissa GrnerMeeus CPO

Newly named chief product officer (CPO), Larissa G rner Meeus will return to Net Insight on May 4. Larissa G rner Meeus will become CPO of Net Insight on May 4...

18/03/2026

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026: Select Sessions Now Available to Watch on SVG PLAY

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026 explored how the sports broadcasting i...

18/03/2026

SVG's SportsTech@NABShow Blog Goes Live as Countdown to Vegas Heats Up

The 2026 NAB Show kicks off one month from today and SVG is once again set to cover the show from every angle. SVG's SportsTech@NAB Show Blog is now live - ...

18/03/2026

The Premiere of Dead Lover Showcases Grave Robbing and Sex With a Giant Finger

(L-R) The cast and crew of Dead Lover at The Ray Theater for its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundan...

18/03/2026

Music Row Piano from Wiltone Productions

Yamaha C7 captured in Nashville Wiltone Productions have announced the release of Music Row Piano, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 piano library that's been ...

18/03/2026

Techivation introduce T-Warmer Mk2

Bass-enhancement plug-in upgraded Along with a steady stream of new releases, Techivation have recently been revisiting some of the older plug-ins in their ...

18/03/2026

Tonal Balance Control 3 from iZotope

Mix-reference plug-in overhauled iZotope's powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture proce...

18/03/2026

Toontrack Transistor Organ EKX

Latest EZKeys 2 expansion arrives Toontrack's staggering collection of EZKeys 2 expansions has grown once again, and the latest instalment delivers a on...

18/03/2026

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture 18 March, 2026 Media releases New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...

18/03/2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz at NAB 2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz...

18/03/2026

LCTWS 2026

London Calling - When The Industry Convened to Help Streaming Find its MoJo In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World...

18/03/2026

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...

18/03/2026

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...

18/03/2026