As humanoid robotics technology advances, motion capture technology is crucial in enabling efficient motion generation and natural human-robot interaction. It has become a key driver in propelling humanoid robots towards greater intelligence and embodiment. Below is an overview of some representative companies and brands in the motion capture technology field, (compiled based on publicly available information online.)
Xsens
Xsens is a pioneer in the 3D motion tracking technology sector. Its sensor fusion technology enables seamless interaction between the physical and digital worlds in consumer electronics and professional applications. Xsens applications span motion capture, motion analysis, healthcare, sports, and industrial automation.
Vicon
Founded in 1984, the UK-based Vicon has established itself as a global leader in optical motion capture technology. Using advanced infrared camera technology and computer vision algorithms, Vicon systems track and record 3D motion data of humans or other subjects in real time. Vicon’s systems are widely used in film special effects, life sciences, sports technology, medical rehabilitation, virtual reality, and engineering.
NOKOV
Beijing NOKOV focuses on the independent development, manufacturing, and sales of optical 3D motion capture systems. Its core product, the NOKOV optical 3D motion capture system, uses high-performance infrared cameras to capture reflective markers, generating accurate, real-time motion data. This system finds applications in areas like drone indoor positioning, multi-agent control, and robotic arm positioning, and it supports integration with mainstream face and hand solutions.
Noitom
Noitom, headquartered in Beijing with offices worldwide, is a global competitor in smart perception and immersive interaction technologies. Leveraging cutting-edge 3D motion measurement and capture technology, Noitom offers solutions spanning digital media, orthopedic medical devices, and smart medical-sport applications. Its products are used in film and game production, entertainment experiences, medical support, sports assessment, industrial simulation, and more.
Realis
Realis, based in Shenzhen, specializes in optical spatial positioning, large-scale VR/AR/MR/3D holographic interaction, and immersive applications. As a national high-tech enterprise, Realis provides immersive solutions across various industries, supported by over 390 patents, including 253 invention patents.
OptiTrack
OptiTrack is a global leader in motion capture solutions, widely used in film, gaming, education, industrial, and sports fields. They offer diverse camera options, such as Prime, Slim, and Flex cameras, to cater to different application needs. OptiTrack’s Motive software is central to their system, featuring enhanced sensor fusion and training marker sets.
AiQ Synertial
AiQ Synertial specializes in inertial motion capture technology. Known for its G6 series, a high-precision full-body capture suit and glove system, it features a patented 15-axis IMU that captures subtle movements with high precision. The G6 series integrates with leading animation, biomechanics, and Siemens PLM software, maximizing the potential of motion capture data and streamlining workflows.
STEPVR
STEPVR focuses on laser positioning for large spaces, motion capture, and multi-user interaction. Known as the first company in China to use laser technology in motion capture, STEPVR offers a system that combines the accuracy and stability of optical motion capture with the cost-effectiveness of inertial systems, priced between 40,000 and 100,000 RMB.
CHINGMU
Established in 2015, Shanghai-based CHINGMU focuses on computer vision and AI technology, providing high-precision infrared optical motion capture systems with applications in the metaverse, digital entertainment, VR, industrial automation, and life sciences.
VoPoint
Founded in 2017 as a subsidiary of Leyard Group, Beijing VoPoint integrates AI-driven spatial computing strategies with solutions across industries, including film, education, industrial, sports, and more.
Qualisys
Swedish company Qualisys, founded in 1989, is a global provider of optical motion capture systems for medical and industrial applications. Supporting both active and passive tracking for indoor, outdoor, and even underwater environments, Qualisys systems are used worldwide with over 700 installations.
YUAN Mate
Beijing YUAN Mate Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of intelligent content creation tools for the metaverse in China and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rays Technology Corporation. With over 10 years of expertise in vision and imaging technology, the company focuses on products and solutions including motion capture, light field reconstruction, virtual filming systems, and smart asset production.
Motion Analysis
Motion Analysis offers motion capture systems and solutions for motion analysis, including its renowned Cortex motion capture software and the Kestrel camera series. Known for its exceptional performance and ease of use, the Cortex software can capture and track subtle movements of humans, animals, objects, sports gear, and teams. Motion Analysis technology is widely applied in biomechanics, sports performance, game production, virtual reality, and more.
Mostech
Established in 2021 in Hangzhou, Mostech specializes in innovations in inertial motion capture, optical motion capture, and virtual reality. The company aims to create new lifestyle and entertainment experiences, transforming science fiction into reality by connecting people and intelligent systems through technological innovation. Mostech boasts industry-leading motion capture technology, extensive practical applications, targeted solutions, and a reusable and scalable cloud platform.
Shanghai Jiangshi
Shanghai Jiangshi Network Technology Co., Ltd. is a Shanghai-based company specializing in motion capture technology. The company has closely collaborated with Game Science to complete about two-thirds of the motion capture work for Black Myth: Wukong. Established in 2017, Jiangshi initially focused on hand-keyed animation but pivoted after receiving a 40% investment from Century Huatong at the end of 2019, acquiring advanced motion capture equipment and building its own motion capture studio to expand into 3D animation production.
ZVR
Beijing ZVR Technology Co., Ltd., founded in 2014, is a leading provider of ultra-high precision real-time spatial positioning technology in China. ZVR specializes in the research and production of computer vision and spatial positioning technology, building a comprehensive technology stack from high-precision 3D reconstruction algorithms, sub-millimeter indoor ultra-high precision positioning algorithms, and vision-inertial sensor fusion algorithms, to high-performance dedicated vision processing chips. ZVR technology is widely used in drones, robotics, intelligent agents, virtual reality, augmented reality, and other fields.
Conclusion:
Through the integration of motion capture technology, humanoid robots are moving towards more refined interactions and flexible movements. The combined forces of industry innovation and frontier exploration are not only making robots more human-like but also paving the way for natural coexistence between machines and humans. In the future, robots may no longer be seen as cold machines but as part of our everyday lives and workspaces, with a “life” of their own.
