Movin Unleashes the Future of Motion Capture with $2.7 Million Funding
Startup Revolutionizing AI-Driven Motion Capture Technology
Movin, a pioneering startup specializing in AI-based real-time motion capture devices, has recently secured 4 billion won (approximately $2.7 million) in a pre-Series A funding round. This strategic investment aims to enhance the company’s capabilities in delivering high-quality 3D motion data to assist various industries, particularly in the development of humanoid robots.
Investor Landscape: A Boost from Industry Giants
The funding round was spearheaded by Atinum and saw backing from notable firms such as Naver D2SF, the corporate venture arm of South Korea’s internet giant Naver, alongside DSC Investment, its startup accelerator Schmidt, and Krew Capital. Movin has not disclosed its valuation, but this infusion of capital signals strong investor confidence in the company’s vision and technology.
Gaining Momentum in Motion Capture
“3D motion data is essential for AI to understand human movements and behaviors,” explained Yang Sang-hwan, head of Naver D2SF, in a recent statement highlighting the potential growth in demand across entertainment, robotics, and healthcare sectors. This statement underlines the critical role that advanced motion data plays in multiple applications.
Founding Team: Expertise Meets Innovation
Established in 2023 and based in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, Movin was co-founded by an elite team of Ph.D. researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), renowned for their expertise in 3D human motion analysis. This unique combination of academic prowess and innovative technology positions Movin as a leader in the motion capture landscape.
Introducing Tracin: A Game-Changer in Motion Capture
Movin’s flagship product, Tracin, is an advanced AI-powered real-time motion capture device that utilizes lidar technology—laser-based sensors—to deliver high-fidelity motion tracking. Unlike traditional systems like Vicon’s optical motion tracking, which can be prohibitively expensive and complex, Tracin stands out by being one-tenth the cost, five times faster to set up, and simpler to use—all while maintaining superior quality.
Rapid Adoption Across Borders
Already, over 50 game studios, virtual YouTubers, and entertainment companies in 11 countries, particularly in the U.S., South Korea, and the U.K., have expressed interest in the Tracin devices. This expanding clientele solidifies Movin’s standing in the competitive motion capture market.
A Stellar Show at the Game Developers Conference
Movin took center stage at the recent Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, where the Tracin device garnered rave reviews. Byeoli Choi, Movin’s co-founder and CEO, shared that attendees were particularly impressed by the simplicity of the device’s setup and the high-quality output it delivers, remarking how it challenges traditional notions of what a single-device motion capture system can achieve.
Los Angeles Office: Expanding Reach in the U.S. Market
As part of its growth strategy, Movin plans to establish an office in Los Angeles in the latter half of the year. This move aims to streamline operations and strengthen connections with U.S.-based game studios. "Tracin is already integrated with popular game engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, Maya, and Blender," Choi mentioned, emphasizing the ease with which users can implement Tracin into their workflows.
A New Era for AI and Humanoid Robotics
Movin is also setting up an in-house studio dedicated to gathering high-quality 3D motion data, essential for the advancement of AI-driven humanoid robots. Choi emphasizes the importance of motion capture technology for generating high-quality 3D data and asserts that Movin’s Tracin system is the only one capable of efficiently capturing vast amounts of this data.
The Rising Interest in AI-Powered Robotics
The burgeoning field of AI is igniting a heightened interest in robotics. As these technologies evolve, robots are learning to perform movements more adeptly—beyond rigid pre-programmed actions. Tesla, for instance, is making significant inroads with its humanoid robot named Optimus. Likewise, Samsung Electronics has increased its stake in Rainbow Robotics, a move aimed at solidifying its presence in the AI-driven robotics sector.
Market Trends: Gaming Meets Robotics
With numerous gaming titles such as Epic Games’ Fortnite, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed, and Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto utilizing motion-capture technology, the demand for sophisticated capturing systems is only set to rise. As industries continue to merge, the intersection of gaming and robotics will likely fuel future innovations.
In Their Own Words: Vision for the Future
Choi encapsulates Movin’s mission succinctly: “The next frontier for AI is 3D data, particularly 3D motion data.” This broad vision aligns with ongoing advancements in motion capture technology and its applications across diverse fields, setting a promising stage for Movin’s influence in AI and robotics.
Gearing Up for New Challenges
With momentum building, Movin is gearing up for new challenges, ready to innovate further. The successful funding and supportive partnerships form a strong foundation on which the startup is poised to impact the motion capture industry significantly.
Conclusion: A Leap Into Tomorrow’s Technology
As Movin continues to develop its technologies and expand its reach, the company symbolizes the transformative power of AI in shaping how we understand and replicate human motion. With its innovative Tracin device, Movin not only addresses current market demands but also lays the groundwork for new possibilities in humanoid robotics and beyond. As the lines between gaming, robotics, and AI blur, the future looks exceptionally bright for Movin and the motion capture industry as a whole.
