Motion tracking technologies, essential in creating realistic digital characters and environments, have significantly transformed industries like entertainment and healthcare. These technologies capture movements using various methods such as optical, inertial, magnetic, and AI-based tracking, allowing for accurate animations and applications in areas like surgery and sports analysis. While offering numerous advantages in efficiency and realism, challenges include the need for specific equipment and potential distortions affecting data capture.

1. Motion tracking technologies:
The Bridge between Imagination
and Reality
​ Category: Technology
​ Source: onlinecmag.com
​

2. Remember the iconic characters from inspiring films like Avatar and The Lord of the Rings
and the digital world in The Matrix? Those characters and worlds look so real that we even
think that they exist. All of this inspiring work is done with the help of Motion tracking
technologies and virtual reality (VR). The massive evolution of technology has surely
changed the outlook of many industries. The development of motion-tracking technology
has had a significant amount of impact on industries like entertainment and health.
In this article, we will understand the concept of motion-tracking, Motion tracking
technologies, and their influence on the present-day digital world.
What are Motion-Tracking and Motion Trackers?
Motion-tracking is the process of capturing the movements of an entity, person, or object
into a digital platform or a computer program. Motion tracking is done with the help of
motion trackers that use sensors and software to capture the movements of objects in
three-dimensional space. These trackers are used to locate objects and people and track
their direction of movement.
Motion tracking has become widely popular in recent times. It plays a crucial role in
designing 3-D animation models, developing characters for games and films, and medical
applications.
Types of Motion Tracking Technologies
Several types of applications can be used for motion tracking. Some of the types of
motion-tracking techniques are as follows:
1. Optical Motion Tracking

3. Source – bestperformancegroup.com
Optical motion tracking, also known as marker-based tracking, is a method that uses
cameras to track the movement of an object or entity. The movement of the objects is
tracked by marking them with track points or by light. Camera sensors will use light or
markers to capture the 3-dimensional movement of the objects. Most of the tracking
process is done with the help of passive markers. There are two types of markers- passive
and reflective. Passive markers use the bounce light emitting from LEDs circled on the

4. camera lens to capture. Reflective markers use LEDs that produce their light. These
markers are placed on the specific parts of the object, and the camera sensors collect the
data.
2. Inertial Motion Tracking
This is one of the most common Motion tracking technologies used in the tech world. The
inertial motion tracking method is highly influenced by inertial force- to capture physical
movements and changes of an entity based on its resistance. This technology uses inertial
measurement units (IMUs). IMUs are sensors strapped to the bodies of objects to capture
their acceleration in the 3-dimensional world. The collected data is transitioned into an
animated output. This method is widely used to develop CGI models in games and films.
3. Magnetic Motion Tracking

5. Source – sency.ai
The magnetic motion tracking method uses magnetic sensors and field generators to track
the movement of an object. These are wearables, like IMUs, strapped to the object to
generate the magnetic field around the marked positions. The collected data is sent to a
digital platform to create a 3-dimensional image based on the object’s movements.
Magnetic motion tracking technologies can function without the need for expensive camera

6. setups. They have been effectively used in virtual reality (VR) technologies and can be used
in specific applications.
4. AI-based Motion Tracking
The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has improved the efficiency and productivity of
many industries. Industries have been harnessing the power of AI to invent and design new
products. Motion tracking technologies use artificial intelligence and machine learning
techniques to capture and improve the motion-tracking process. AI-based motion tracking
has the ability to analyze and predict movements with high accuracy. The data is collected
with the help of cameras and sensors and processed by AI to give a realistic animated
image. They are highly efficient, can adapt to different environments, and reduce the need
for camera setups and physical markers.
Applications of Motion Tracking Technology
Motion tracking technologies have a wide range of applications across various industries.
Some of the key industries using this technology are:
● Entertainment Industry: Motion tracking technologies are widely used in this
sector. Given the expansion of the scale of films with larger-than-life characters,
motion tracking tech is used to design and develop characters. For example, the
character Gollum was portrayed by the actor Andy Serkis, and he was equipped
with the IMUs to track his movements along with his voice recordings, which
brought the character to life. Motion tracking is also used in gaming to develop the
characters.
● Healthcare and Sports: Motion tracking technology is used in the healthcare
sector to assess, monitor, and diagnose patients with injuries. During the surgical
procedures, motion tracking analyzes the wounds and guides the instruments to
improve the accuracy of the procedures. Motion tracking is used in the field of
sports to analyze an athlete’s movements and provide insights for improvement.

7. ● Military and Security: Motion tracking technologies are used in the military to
design advanced weapons and to improve training programs. Motion sensors like
Passiv Infrared (PIR) and Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) are used in security cameras to
detect the radiation and movements of intruders.
Pros and Cons

8. Pros Cons
These can recreate more realistic
and complex movements of the
objects accurately.
Any kind of distortion can affect the
camera’s visual field and the
captured data.
They showcase a profound
efficiency and speed in creating
characters for games and films,
unlike traditional animation
techniques.
Specific software and hardware are
required to process the collected
data.
Performs various versatile
functions and is used across
industries. In filmmaking, motion
tech uses IMUs to capture the
movements of the actors.
The output is exceptional, but the
actors are often required to wear
suits with attached markers, which
can be heavy sometimes.

9. The main advantage of these
technologies is the consistency of
the data.
Motion tracking technology
requires extensive post-processing
techniques to ensure the accuracy
of the data.
Conclusion
Remember the times when portraying a fantasy character in a film was challenging? These
constraints can be easily achieved these days. It is done with the help of Motion tracking
technologies. They have changed the outlook of many leading industries. From developing
characters in films to designing medical equipment, motion tracking technology has had a
significant role in improving productivity and viewer experience.