Sony Electronics Announces Mobile Motion Capture System “mocopi” in the U.S. Market

Sony Electronics announces the launch of mobile motion capture system “mocopi” in the U.S. market.

“mocopi,” with its six small and lightweight sensors and a dedicated smartphone app available for iOS and Android, enables full-body motion tracking using Sony’s proprietary technologies. Creators can capture their motion data or video of their avatars in motion with the mobile app or send motion data to compatible third-party software in real time, providing users with a new way to interact within virtual reality (VR)

Traditional full-body motion capture systems often require dedicated studios and trained operators. “mocopi”, utilizing Sony’s unique algorithm, provides accurate motion measurement with only a small number of sensors and a compatible smartphone, which enables users to create content or dive into VR from locations previously deemed impossible, freeing VTubers, creators in film or animation production from time and location constraints.

In addition, ”mocopi” Software Development Kit (SDK) is available for major 3D development software such as Unity, MotionBuilder and Unreal Engine, which lets creators use “mocopi” in their workflows to pursue their creative visions. It allows developers to explore the use of full-body motion data obtained with “mocopi” for various use cases including Metaverse and fitness applications. Sony plans to expand the number of partners that develop services linked to “mocopi”.

Main Features

1. Compact and lightweight sensors that are easy to wear

Each sensor measures at 1.26 inches in diameter and 0.46 inches in thickness and weighs only 8 grams. Users pair the six sensors to a compatible smartphone with “mocopi” smartphone app via Bluetooth, then simply attach the sensors to their head, hip, ankles and wrists to create movies with their avatars in motion or record-motion data.

Sony’s proprietary algorithm enables accurate motion capture with only six sensors. The sensors can be easily worn with Velcro bands and a clip included in the package. They also work completely wirelessly with built-in rechargeable batteries, meaning there is no need to find power source or fight with cables hanging around.

With “mocopi” and a compatible smartphone, users can easily create motion data even from outdoor locations or send motion data to compatible services such as VRChat.

2. Create avatar videos and export motion data using just a smartphone (iOS and Android)

With the dedicated “mocopi” app, users can create movies with their avatar in motion with their compatible smartphone, using the data obtained from the sensors attached to their body. In addition to pre-installed avatars, users can import custom avatars. Recorded avatar movies can be exported as mp4 files or motion data from the mobile app.

3. “mocopi” SDK available for applications in creative workflows and app development

“mocopi” SDK is available for major 3D development software such as Unity, MotionBuilder and Unreal Engine.  With the SDK, creators will be able to receive motion data captured with “mocopi” directly to the compatible software on computers and instantly review the motion data on the software or stream the live video to social platforms. This opens up diverse potential use cases in professional film, animation and game production, to improve the quality and efficiency of creators’ works.

“mocopi” SDK also allows third-party corporate developers to use motion data obtained with “mocopi” in various fields such as Metaverse or fitness.

4. Efforts to reduce environmental footprint

Sony’s Road to Zero global environmental plan strives to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the life cycle of its products and business activities by 2050. In its medium-term environmental targets from fiscal year 2021 through fiscal year 2025 under the initiative, Sony aims to eliminate plastic packaging of newly-designed small products. In accordance with the target, “mocopi” has plastic-free packaging (excluding labels, tags and adhesives). Sony will continue to accelerate its environmental and social initiatives to realize a sustainable society.