Back to Glossary
Robotics

Motion capture

Motion capture (mocap) is the process of recording the movement of objects or people. This data is then used to animate digital characters or objects in computer graphics and simulations.

Explanation

Motion capture systems record movement data using various technologies, including optical, inertial, and magnetic sensors. Optical systems use cameras to track markers attached to the subject, while inertial systems use sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure movement. Magnetic systems use magnetic fields to track the position and orientation of sensors. The captured data is processed to create a digital representation of the movement, which can then be applied to a 3D model. Motion capture is widely used in filmmaking, video game development, sports analysis, and robotics to create realistic and accurate animations or to analyze and replicate real-world movements in virtual environments. Its advantages include reduced animation time, increased realism, and the ability to capture complex movements that would be difficult or impossible to animate manually.

Related Terms