Sony Launches Motion-Tracking Metaverse Wearables

Sony has unveiled its latest invention for the metaverse, a wearable motion-tracking system called Mocopi.

The new system is comprised of six colorful sensors that are placed on various points of the body – one on each ankle, one on each wrists, one on the head and one on the hip – to capture human movements in real time and link them to an avatar. The tech might sound familiar – it's similar to motion capture suits used to power anthropomorphic characters in movies including "Avatar," "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "Avengers: Endgame."

According to Sony's press release, the product uses "proprietary technology and a smartphone app" to allow users to create videos of their avatars using whole-body movements. A promotional video released by Sony demonstrating the technology shows a user connecting the sensors to his body and dancing around as an anime-style avatar.

"Normally, video production using motion capture requires dedicated equipment and operators," Sony said in its release. "By utilizing our proprietary algorithm, Mocopi creates highly accurate motion measurement with a small number of sensors, freeing VTubers (virtual streamers) and creators involved in movie and animation production from time and place constraints."

Pre-order sales are scheduled to begin mid-December and will be priced at 49,500 yen (about US$358). A software development kit that links motion data to metaverse services will also be available from Dec. 15.