motion capture

American  

[moh-shuhn kap-cher] / ˈmoʊ ʃən ˌkæp tʃər /

noun

1. a data collection technique in which the movements of people and objects are tracked, recorded, and rendered to create animations, as for a video game.

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motion capture British  

noun

1. a process by which a device can be used to capture patterns of live movement; the data is then transmitted to a computer, where simulation software displays it applied to a virtual actor

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Etymology

Origin of motion capture

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

During their first two visits, participants received a baseline MRI and walked on a pressure sensitive treadmill while motion capture cameras measured the mechanics of their gait.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

The motion capture system used to prescribe each person's walking change is expensive and time consuming.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

As well as being his biggest video game role to date, Saros was also Kohli's first experience of motion capture.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

CGI, motion capture and visual effects have enriched stories, creating worlds that could never otherwise exist.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

"If you came out to Los Angeles to be a motion capture actor, then your entire existence is being threatened by AI," he says.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025