Glambot

When Did Glambot Start and Become Popular?

If you’ve watched an awards show red carpet in the last few years, you’ve probably seen the dazzling, slow-motion clips of celebrities turning, smiling, or blowing a kiss at the camera. Those cinematic moments aren’t shot on a traditional camera—they’re captured by the Glambot, a robotic camera system that’s become one of the hottest trends in entertainment and event videography.

But how did this futuristic camera technology go from a niche experiment to a global sensation used at the Oscars, Grammys, weddings, and corporate events?

Let’s break down the story of the Glambot, from its origins to how it became one of the most in-demand features for events today.

What Is a Glambot?

A Glambot is essentially a robotic arm paired with a high-speed camera. The robotic arm is programmed to move the camera smoothly and precisely across pre-set paths, often in a sweeping motion that circles or zooms dramatically around the subject.

The camera records at extremely high frame rates— generally 500 – 700 fps, or more frames per second—so when the footage is played back in slow motion, every detail looks cinematic: the flow of a dress, the sparkle of jewelry, or a perfectly timed hair flip.

That’s why the Glambot feels so magical. It takes what would be a quick pose and turns it into a Hollywood-level moment, perfect for sharing on social media.

The Origins of the Glambot (2016)

The Glambot first appeared in 2016, thanks to Canadian filmmaker Cole Walliser, who was hired by E! Entertainment to create something unique for the red carpet.

Interestingly, the technology wasn’t originally designed for celebrities at all. Robotic arms like these had already been used in food and product commercials to capture smooth, repeatable camera moves. Walliser realized the same precision could be applied to the red carpet, bringing a new cinematic edge to celebrity coverage.

The Glambot made its debut at the 2016 Emmy Awards, instantly wowing both celebrities and viewers. Instead of static photos or shaky videos, stars could now pose for striking, slow-motion footage that felt like it belonged in a blockbuster film.

Early Rise and Viral Moments (2016–2017)

Like many great innovations, the Glambot’s success hinged on going viral.

In its first year of use, clips of celebrities were shared by E! across social media, but one in particular stood out: a Glambot video of the Stranger Things cast. Their playful poses and reactions quickly spread across YouTube and Twitter, racking up millions of views.

This was the moment the Glambot went from a cool gadget to a cultural sensation. People weren’t just watching the red carpet—they were sharing and re-sharing the slow-motion clips, commenting on their favorite poses, and even recreating them at home.

Walliser later said this was when he realized the technology’s potential. The Glambot wasn’t just a new way to film; it was a new way to experience celebrity culture.

From Red Carpets to Award Show Staple (2018–2020)

After its breakout success, the Glambot became a must-have at award shows.

The Oscars: Hollywood’s biggest night embraced the technology, giving stars an unforgettable way to showcase their looks.

The Golden Globes & Grammys: The Glambot became an audience favorite, with fans eagerly waiting for clips to drop on Instagram and Twitter.

Iconic Celebrity Moments: Lady Gaga’s glamorous slow-motion turns, Billie Eilish’s moody stares, and Ariana Grande’s stunning 2020 Grammys appearance cemented the Glambot as a red carpet essential.

For celebrities, it wasn’t just about the photos anymore. A Glambot clip could go viral in minutes, generating headlines, memes, and millions of views. For event organizers and broadcasters, that kind of organic reach was priceless.

Social Media and the Viral Factor

Glambot’s rise is inseparable from the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

These platforms thrive on short, visually striking clips—the exact type of content the Glambot produces. A 15-second slow-motion video of a celebrity flipping their hair or flashing a dazzling smile can rack up millions of views, generate hashtags, and even inspire trends.

Celebrities themselves also played a huge role. Many began sharing their own Glambot clips with their followers, amplifying the technology’s visibility. Behind-the-scenes footage of Cole Walliser operating the robotic arm also went viral, giving fans a peek into the process and making the whole phenomenon feel more accessible.

It was the perfect storm:

Cinematic technology
Social media virality
Celebrity endorsement

Together, they turned the Glambot into one of the most recognizable names in event videography.

Expansion Beyond Hollywood (2021–2025)

For the first few years, the Glambot remained exclusive to Hollywood’s biggest events. The robotic arms were expensive, and operating them required specialized skills. That meant only networks like E! and production companies could afford to bring them in. But as the technology advanced, more affordable models became available.

Now, you don’t need to be on the Grammys red carpet to experience the Glambot. You can rent one for your own event—whether that’s a luxury wedding in Miami, a product launch in New York, or a corporate gala in Los Angeles.

The results? Guests feel like celebrities, brands get highly shareable content, and event planners deliver a truly unforgettable experience.

Want to rent a glambot for the next event you are planning? You can rent a glambot that fits your budget.

Why Did the Glambot Become So Popular?

The popularity of the Glambot isn’t an accident. It comes down to a few key factors:

Visual Impact: The slow-motion footage looks cinematic, instantly elevating an event.

Celebrity Appeal: People love seeing their favorite stars in Glambot clips—and love recreating those poses themselves.

Social Media Friendly: Glambot videos are short, dynamic, and perfect for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Twitter.

Shareability: One clip can be shared thousands of times, generating organic buzz.

Accessibility: Thanks to rental companies, it’s no longer limited to Hollywood—it’s now within reach for private and corporate events.

It’s the combination of technology, culture, and timing that made the Glambot unstoppable.

The Glambot Today

Fast forward to 2025, and the Glambot has evolved from a novelty to a staple of modern events

The Glambot’s journey from a niche robotic arm to a viral phenomenon is a story of innovation, celebrity influence, and the power of social media. Today, it’s more than just a camera—it’s a way to make every guest feel like a star.