Bolin’s AI Tracking Controller Points to a Retrofit Path for Smarter PTZ Systems

Bolin Technology used NAB 2026 to introduce three new products, but the most interesting item for many commercial AV teams is its new AI tracking controller. According to AVNation, the controller is designed as a $1,495 retrofit device that can add AI-driven tracking capabilities to cameras organizations may already own.

That matters because camera automation is becoming one of the practical ways AI is moving from buzzword to job-site reality. Instead of replacing an entire camera fleet, a room owner may be able to improve presenter tracking, production consistency, and hybrid meeting quality by adding an intelligent control layer around existing PTZ hardware.

Bolin also announced a hybrid indoor/outdoor PTZ camera and a broadcast camera with software virtual camera capabilities. Together, the product mix points at a broader convergence: corporate AV teams are increasingly being asked to deliver broadcast-style production results, while broadcasters are looking for more flexible PTZ tools that can work across different production environments.

For integrators, the retrofit angle is the key. AI camera tracking has often been positioned as a feature baked into newer cameras, but a controller-based approach gives dealers another upgrade conversation with customers who already invested in PTZ infrastructure. It also creates a way to phase in automation without forcing a full room refresh.

What This Means for AV Integrators

AI tracking is becoming a practical add-on sale, not just a premium-camera feature. Integrators can use products like this to revisit existing PTZ customers, improve meeting and production outcomes, and create revenue opportunities around upgrades, configuration, and support rather than only new camera replacement.