Animating 3D models for use in virtual reality or augmented reality is a three-step process. First, you need to set up the model so it can moved. Then, you have to figure out how to control it. Last, you need a way to record the movements.



Step One: Preparing the Model

Before animating a character in Blocks, some prep work is required to get it ready. We explored two methods of doing this: inverse kinematics and shape matching.

Inverse kinematics is a common technique for animating characters in video games, and it’s even used in other fields like robotics. At a super high-level, the character automatically positions its body based on where you want the hands and feet to go. So if you raise the character’s hand over its head, the elbow and joints will be realistically positioned thanks to some nifty calculations done by inverse kinematics. Instead of posing every part of the character, you just move a hand or a foot, and the rest of the character’s body position adapts.