Motion capture, also known as mocap or motion tracking, is a technology that has transformed multiple industries, from medicine and sports performance to 3D animation and video game development. At STT Systems, we have spent years developing tools that apply motion capture to help athletes optimize performance, assist in rehabilitation, and provide highly accurate biomechanical analysis.
What is motion capture?
Motion capture is the process of recording the movement of people, animals or objects and transferring it to a 2D or 3D digital model. This model can be used for biomechanical analysis, digital animation or simulations. The main goal is to reflect real movement as faithfully as possible.
Different mocap technologies exist: optical, inertial, magnetic or hybrid systems. At STT Systems, we focus on optical and inertial motion capture, ideal for sports, health and ergonomic applications.
When was motion capture invented?
Although the term “motion capture” is relatively recent, its origins go back to 1872, when British photographer Eadweard Muybridge captured the movement of a galloping horse using a sequence of cameras. His aim was to prove whether horses lift all four legs off the ground when galloping—a primitive form of motion capture.
Later, in 1915, animator Max Fleischer developed the rotoscope, a device that allowed replacing the frames of a film with hand-drawn animations, adding realism and fluidity. This technique, called rotoscoping, laid the groundwork for modern mocap and animation.
A bit of history: when was mocap invented?
Although the term “motion capture” is relatively recent, its origins go back to 1872, when British photographer Eadweard Muybridge captured the movement of a galloping horse using a sequence of cameras. His aim was to prove whether horses lift all four legs off the ground when galloping—a primitive form of motion capture.
Later, in 1915, animator Max Fleischer developed the rotoscope, a device that allowed replacing the frames of a film with hand-drawn animations, adding realism and fluidity. This technique, called rotoscoping, laid the groundwork for modern mocap and animation.
The first video game to use motion capture
A major milestone in mocap history came with the release of Prince of Persia in 1989, regarded as the first video game to use motion capture techniques. Its creator filmed his brother doing parkour and transferred the movements to the game character—a major leap for digital animation.
Main applications of motion capture
As has been seen so far, motion capture applications are many and varied. Below we review the most important.
Animation and entertainment
Mocap is widely used in movies and video games. Films like Avatar or The Lord of the Rings rely on motion capture to bring digital characters to life. Actors wear suits with markers or sensors, and their movements are captured in real time.
Medicine and rehabilitation
In healthcare, mocap is used to assess musculoskeletal disorders, assist in surgical planning, improve prosthetics, and tailor rehabilitation programs. With inertial or optical systems, clinicians can identify abnormal movement patterns and design effective treatments.
Sports and performance
At STT Systems, we specialize in sports biomechanics. Our mocap tools help improve athlete technique, prevent injury, and speed up recovery. We support sports such as cycling, running, golf or football, using real-time 3D models to detect and correct movement patterns.
Ergonomics and workplace safety
Motion capture is also used in ergonomic assessments. It helps evaluate posture and movement in workplaces, reducing injuries and improving employee well-being.
STT Systems technology
We offer complete motion capture solutions, combining high-performance hardware with custom software to deliver real-time, accurate analysis. Our systems are trusted by sports centers, rehab clinics and research institutions worldwide.
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