Sony Working on Adjustable Robot for Better Motion Capture

gamerant.com:

Sony aims to make strides in improving the motion capture process used in video game development through the use of an adjustable robot designed to aid motion capture actors. Although motion capture is a technology that has been used for decades in the making of movies and video games alike, it's not without its flaws, and Sony aims to introduce a new technology in order to improve the process.

In the realm of video game development, motion capture involves the use of specialized cameras and sensors to capture the movement of a human actor or actress in a real-world performance space. This movement data is then applied to the skeletal rig of a virtual character so that they move in the same way as the actor, largely removing the need for virtual characters' movements to be manually animated.

Sony Working on Interactive 'What If' Gameplay System

Sony has revealed plans to develop a moving, adjustable robot intended to aid human actors in this process. With the ability to adjust its shape and move around the performance area, the robot will be able to provide a reference to motion capture actors and an asset for them to interact with. This will be useful in a wide range of different situations that commonly arise in motion capture productions, and will allow actors to more easily perform actions like opening doors and petting animals among other things.

A good example of this is how the robot will be used to address one of the most glaring challenges involved with motion capture productions — correctly coordinating precise movements between virtual characters. Since motion capture actors typically perform alone, performing precise actions such as handshakes with other virtual characters can sometimes prove challenging, and if