Movin, a Motion Capture Startup Supported by Naver, Expands into AI Training Datasets for Humanoid Robots
Movin: Innovating AI Motion Capture Technology
Movin is a promising startup that specializes in developing real-time motion capture devices powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The company recently secured 4 billion won (approximately $2.7 million) in a pre-Series A funding round to enhance its technology and broaden its market reach. This funding round was primarily led by Atinum, along with investments from major players like Naver D2SF, DSC Investment, Schmidt, and Krew Capital. Although Movin did not disclose its company valuation, the fund will assist in advancing their capabilities to provide 3D motion data, which is crucial in developing humanoid robots.
The Importance of 3D Motion Data
According to Yang Sang-hwan, the head of Naver D2SF, the demand for 3D motion data is escalating across various sectors including entertainment, robotics, and healthcare. This technology allows AI systems to better understand and replicate human movements and behaviors. With applications spanning from virtual reality (VR) gaming to healthcare robotics, the need for accurate motion data is becoming increasingly significant.
Founders and Technology Behind Movin
Founded in 2023 in Seongnam, South Korea, Movin’s team consists of Ph.D. researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), a premier science and technology institution. The company’s flagship product, Tracin, stands out for its advanced capabilities.
Features of the Tracin Device
- Cost-Effective: Tracin offers a 90% cost reduction compared to traditional optical systems.
- Speed: Setup time is vastly improved, with the ability to start capturing motion in just 5 minutes, as opposed to the two hours needed for conventional methods.
- User-Friendly: Tracin requires only one device, compared to the usual four to six cameras needed for traditional systems.
Furthermore, Tracin has gained traction among over 50 game studios and virtual YouTubers across 11 countries, primarily in the U.S., South Korea, and the U.K.
Showcasing Tracin at the Game Developers Conference
Recently, Movin presented its Tracin device at the Game Developers Conference held in San Francisco. Attendees expressed their admiration for the device’s ease of use and high-quality performance. Byeoli Choi, the cofounder and CEO of Movin, noted that many were surprised by the device’s capability to provide high motion quality and low latency while only needing a single unit.
Integrations and Future Plans
Movin plans to establish an office in Los Angeles later this year to better serve its client base, particularly game development studios. Tracin is compatible with several popular game engines, such as Unity, Unreal, Maya, and Blender. Users can easily install plugins to enable real-time streaming of motion data to their games, allowing for a straightforward plug-and-play experience.
Developing High-Quality 3D Motion Data
In an effort to advance the creation of AI-powered humanoid robots, Movin has also set up an in-house studio dedicated to collecting top-quality 3D motion data. Choi emphasized that obtaining high-quality 3D motion data is vital for the next wave of AI developments. With motion capture technology still being the most effective method of creating this data, Movin asserts that its Tracin system is uniquely positioned to deliver efficient and extensive data collection.
Robotics and AI Trends
The rise of AI is significantly boosting the robotics sector, enabling robots to learn and replicate human movements more effectively. Notable companies like Tesla are working on humanoid robots, such as their Optimus model, while Samsung Electronics has recently invested in Rainbow Robotics, a move aimed at strengthening its presence in the AI-powered robotics market.
As AI continues to evolve, companies like Movin are paving the way for innovative solutions that blend human-like motion with cutting-edge technology, shaping the future of various industries.
