San Diego, CA—Sony Electronics launched the Sony mocopi mobile motion capture system (QM-SS1) in the U.S. market. “mocopi” uses Sony’s proprietary technologies along with six small, lightweight sensors and a smartphone app (iOS/Android) to enable full-body motion tracking.
With mocopi, creators can capture their motion data or video of their avatars via the mobile app. In addition, they can send motion data to a PC with compatible third-party software in real time. Thus, the system offers a new way to interact within virtual reality (VR).
Traditional full-body motion capture systems often require studios and trained operators. However, mocopi, utilizing Sony’s algorithm, provides accurate motion measurement with a small number of sensors and a compatible smartphone. This allows you to create content or dive into VR from locations previously deemed impossible. Consequently, it can free VTubers and creators in film or animation production from time and location constraints.
Sony mocopi Main Features
Due to its compact, lightweight sensors, mocopi is easy to wear. Each sensor measures 1.26 inches in diameter and 0.46 inch in thickness, while weighing only 0.28 ounce. Moreover, you can pair the six sensors to a compatible smartphone with the mocopi smartphone app via Bluetooth and then attach the sensors to your head, hip, ankles and wrists to create movies with your avatars in motion or record motion data.
Furthermore, you can wear the sensors with Velcro bands and a clip included in the package. They also work completely wirelessly with built-in rechargeable batteries. Thus, there is no need to find a power source or deal with cables. With mocopi and a compatible smartphone, you can create motion data even from outdoor locations or send it to services like VRChat.
What’s more, in addition to preinstalled avatars, you can import custom avatars. Recorded avatar movies can be exported as mp4 files or motion data from the mobile app.
In addition, as a part of partnership with VRChat, mocopi world is open now and provides tutorials as well as content to engage with. Look for the mocopi world in VRChat.
Sony mocopi SDK
Sony is also making the mocopi software development kit (SDK) available for major 3D development software. This includes Unity, MotionBuilder as well as Unreal Engine. As a result, creators can use mocopi in their workflows to pursue their creative visions. It also permits developers to explore the use of full-body motion data obtained with mocopi for various use cases. In addition, Sony plans to expand the number of partners that develop services linked to mocopi.
The mocopi SDK is now available for major 3D development software. With the SDK, creators will receive motion data captured with mocopi directly to the compatible software on computers. They can also instantly review the motion data on the software or stream the live video to social platforms. By improving the creation workflow, it opens potential use cases in professional film, animation and game production.
Road to Zero
Further, Sony’s Road to Zero global environmental plan strives to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the life cycle of its products and business activities by 2050. Under its medium-term environmental targets from fiscal year 2021 through 2025, Sony aims to eliminate plastic packaging of newly designed small products.
In accordance with the target, mocopi has a plastic-free product box as well as components such as in-box trays and spacers. Sony plans to accelerate its environmental and social initiatives to realize a sustainable society. 
Sony mocopi was just made available for preorder at a price of $449. Additionally, Sony will start shipping the product to customers starting July 14, 2023. mocopi is currently exclusively available here.
