Faceware opens Interactive division focused on real-time interactive mo-cap

Motion capture specialist Faceware has launched a new division of its company dedicated to producing tech for real-time interactive characters.

Faceware Interactive will work on solutions for producing digital avatars that can respond to human interaction in real-time, with performers’ movements and speech being translated instantly into that of their virtual counterpart – much like a ‘puppet’.

The company suggested the tech would be suitable for characters in VR and AR, as well as advanced chat programmes and customer support stations in the real world.

Investment in the area will cover both hardware and software, with Faceware sister firm Image Metrics also contributed to the research and development.

“By now, we’re all familiar with watching digital characters in movies and games,” said VP of business development Peter Busch. “To us, interacting with and through those characters so people can connect on a deeper level is the logical next step.

“We have much of the underlying technology in place and early efforts point to a promising future full of growth."