Sony has recently unveiled the Sony mocopi Pro Kit, a cutting-edge full-body motion capture system designed to meet the needs of professionals in animation, virtual reality (VR), gaming, and live streaming. Building upon its predecessor, the mocopi system, the Pro Kit introduces a 12-sensor setup that significantly enhances motion tracking accuracy and fluidity. This advancement positions the mocopi Pro Kit as a formidable tool for creators seeking high-fidelity motion capture solutions.
Evolution from the Original mocopi System
The original mocopi system, introduced in 2022 and released in 2023, featured six lightweight sensors that users attached to various body parts to capture movement data. Initially, this system required a smartphone to operate with SteamVR. However, a significant update allowed direct connection to PCs, eliminating the need for a smartphone intermediary. This advancement streamlined the user experience, particularly for VR enthusiasts engaging with platforms like VRChat.
Despite its innovative approach, the initial mocopi system had limitations in tracking accuracy, especially during complex movements. Recognizing the need for more precise tracking, Sony developed the mocopi Pro Kit, expanding the sensor array to 12 points of contact. This enhancement aims to provide a more detailed and accurate representation of user movements, catering to the demands of professional applications.
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Unveiling at GDC 2025
The mocopi Pro Kit made its debut at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, where attendees had the opportunity to experience its capabilities firsthand. The system integrates seamlessly with Sony’s XYN Motion Studio, a comprehensive motion capture pipeline designed for both professional production and VTuber applications. This integration facilitates a streamlined workflow for capturing, editing, and exporting motion data.
During hands-on demonstrations, users engaged in various activities to test the system’s responsiveness and accuracy. Movements ranged from simple gestures to more dynamic actions such as jumping and crawling. The mocopi Pro Kit exhibited solid performance, accurately capturing a wide range of motions. However, it was noted that during high-intensity movements, the straps securing the sensors occasionally shifted, necessitating recalibration. This observation suggests that while the system offers enhanced tracking capabilities, ensuring the stability of sensor placement is crucial for optimal performance.
Technical Specifications and Features
The mocopi Pro Kit comprises 12 compact sensors strategically positioned on the user’s body, including the head, hips, wrists, ankles, arms, thighs, and either hands or feet. This configuration captures intricate movements with high precision. The sensors connect wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) to a PC, facilitating real-time data transmission. This setup is particularly beneficial for applications requiring immediate feedback, such as live performances or interactive VR experiences.
A notable advancement in the mocopi Pro Kit is its direct PC integration through dedicated sensor data receivers. This feature enhances the system’s compatibility with professional workflows, allowing seamless integration with industry-standard software like Maya, Unreal Engine, and VRChat. Additionally, the system supports customizable settings, including background changes and multiple frame rate options, providing users with greater flexibility in their creative processes.
The sensors are designed with user comfort in mind, featuring a lightweight and compact form factor. They are also dustproof and water-resistant, ensuring durability across various environments. The accompanying mocopi app, compatible with both Android and iOS devices, offers an intuitive interface for managing the motion capture process, from calibration to data export.
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Integration with XYN Motion Studio
Sony’s XYN Motion Studio serves as the central hub for the mocopi Pro Kit, providing a suite of tools for motion capture and editing. The application supports connections with up to 12 mocopi sensors and utilizes proprietary algorithms for automatic motion interpolation and auto-tagging. These features streamline the creative use of motion data, enabling users to generate natural motion sequences and efficiently organize their assets.
The motion editing capabilities within XYN Motion Studio allow users to refine captured data, making precise adjustments to timing and positioning. This functionality is particularly valuable for professionals in animation and game development, where nuanced character movements are essential.
Pricing and Availability
The mocopi Pro Kit is available for order at a suggested retail price of $1,180. Sony also offers individual components separately, including sensor data receivers and sensor bands, allowing users to customize their setup according to specific needs. The XYN Motion Studio software requires a subscription, priced at $8.99 per month, granting access to its comprehensive suite of motion capture and editing tools.
Applications in VR and Beyond
The mocopi Pro Kit’s enhanced tracking capabilities have significant implications for VR applications. Platforms like VRChat and Resonite benefit from the system’s ability to provide users with a more immersive presence through accurate full-body tracking. This level of fidelity enhances social interactions and user engagement within virtual environments.
Beyond VR, the mocopi Pro Kit is poised to impact various sectors, including animation, gaming, and live streaming. Its ability to capture detailed motion data facilitates the creation of realistic character animations and interactive experiences. Additionally, the system’s portability and ease of use make it accessible to independent creators and small studios, democratizing high-quality motion capture technology.
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Considerations and Future Developments
While the mocopi Pro Kit represents a significant advancement in motion capture technology, certain considerations remain. The issue of sensor straps shifting during intense movements highlights the need for secure attachment methods to maintain tracking accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Sony mocopi Pro Kit?
The Sony mocopi Pro Kit is an advanced full-body motion capture system featuring 12 wireless sensors designed for professionals in animation, VR, gaming, and live streaming. It captures high-fidelity motion data and integrates with Sony’s XYN Motion Studio software.
2. How is the mocopi Pro Kit different from the original mocopi system?
The original mocopi system uses 6 sensors and was initially mobile-based. The mocopi Pro Kit doubles the tracking points to 12 and supports direct PC connectivity, offering significantly improved motion tracking accuracy for professional use.
3. What software does the mocopi Pro Kit work with?
It integrates seamlessly with Sony’s XYN Motion Studio for motion capture, editing, and exporting. It also supports applications like VRChat, Resonite, Unreal Engine, and Maya for animation and VR content creation.
4. Do I need a smartphone to use the mocopi Pro Kit?
No. A major upgrade allows the mocopi Pro sensors to connect directly to a PC using the mocopi receiver dongle, removing the requirement for a smartphone during use.
5. What platforms is the mocopi Pro compatible with?
The system is compatible with Windows PCs for direct connection and supports VR platforms such as SteamVR, VRChat, and Unity-based applications. It also offers app control via Android and iOS.
6. How much does the mocopi Pro Kit cost?
The full mocopi Pro Kit is priced at approximately $1,180. Additional accessories and the XYN Motion Studio software subscription (around $8.99/month) may be purchased separately.
7. Can I upgrade my existing mocopi system to the Pro version?
Yes. If you own the original mocopi kit, you can purchase an upgrade kit that includes additional sensors and necessary accessories to expand from 6 to 12 points of body tracking.
8. Is the mocopi Pro Kit suitable for high-intensity motion capture?
While it performs well in many use cases, high-intensity movements may occasionally cause sensors to shift, requiring recalibration. Sony may consider improved harnessing options in future updates.
9. Is mocopi Pro suitable for VTubers and content creators?
Absolutely. The Pro Kit provides smoother, more detailed body tracking, making it ideal for VTubers, streamers, and content creators who want lifelike avatars and gestures.
10. Where can I buy the mocopi Pro Kit?
You can purchase the mocopi Pro Kit from Sony’s official website or select online electronics retailers. Availability may vary by region.