Sony has jumped on the metaverse bandwagon with a new device that will bring your avatars to life in virtual environments. the japanese company Mocopi announced, a motion capture system made up of six sensors that are placed in various parts of the body. The sensors can be easily adjusted on the ankles, wrists or hips by means of straps.
Sony’s idea is to simplify a process as complex as character animation, so that a common user can customize a metaverse avatar with their own movements. Mocopi uses six proprietary color sensors that work in conjunction with a smartphone app. The capture is done in real time in VR and is compatible with apps like VRChat as well as multiple VR headsets.
In terms of specifications, the sensors are 3.2 cm in diameter and weigh just 8 grams. It is placed on the head, wrists, hips and ankles, adjusting by means of clips or a velcro strap. Later, we must synchronize them with the mobile via Bluetooth and calibrate them in a dedicated application.
The app allows you to create a sequence of movements and apply it to an avatar customizable. The user can change values of the character or the background before recording a video that can be exported in MP4. One striking feature is that you can record your voice with the microphone and it will be synchronized with the avatar’s mouth.
Mocopi is a device designed for the end user, so we should not expect results similar to those of a professional motion capture system. The advantage of this gadget is that simplifies the process so that any user can do it without investing a fortune. Sony’s proposal is similar to what Unreal Engine does with its facial animation and 3D scanning apps using the iPhone.
While the focus is the metaverse and VtubersMocopi can work in other fields, such as cinema or fitness. The sensors could be integrated into industries such as animation or game development. Sony confirmed that it will release a development kit (SDK) in mid-December that can link capture data with software such as Unity and MotionBuilder.
Typically, video production using motion capture requires dedicated crews and operators. Using our proprietary algorithm, Mocopi performs high-precision motion measurement with a small number of sensors, freeing VTubers (virtual YouTubers) and creators involved in film and animation production from the constraints of time and place.
mocopi It will be priced at 49,500 yen (345 euros) and will be available in January 2023 in Japan. The app will be compatible with devices running iOS 15.7.1 and Android 11. As is customary with this class of devices, Sony has not provided information about a possible launch in other markets.