Motion capture (abbreviated as MOCAP) is a technology that records and digitises the movements of a body or object in real time, transforming physical gestures into data that can be used by software. Used in fields as varied as cinema, robotics and biomechanical research, it relies on sensors, cameras or markers to accurately reconstruct movements in a virtual or analytical environment.
We have several motion capture devices on the Vision-R platform, but the one we use most is an Optitrack system, consisting of 12 infrared cameras, a suit equipped with reflective markers, and Motive software that converts movements into digital data.
Our capture area is 2.40m x 2.70m (up to 3.60m x 3.90m with slightly degraded capture).
Depending on requirements, motion capture can also be combined with virtual reality.
On our platform, we use motion capture for experimentation and ergonomics. Motion tracking allows us to perform calculations based on the position and rotation of limbs, then, using ergonomic rules, in particular the RULA method, to provide information on the musculoskeletal risks that may be caused by movements associated with the repeated use of a given system. In this context, virtual reality allows us, for example, to immerse the user in an environment in which they can test equipment (e.g. a workshop, a machine, etc.) based on a CAD model.