---
title: History of motion capture | Movella.com
description: A history of motion capture. Many different disciplines use motion analysis systems to capture movement and posture of the human body.
---

![Bell icon](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bell.png?width=25&height=25&name=bell.png)

 Discover the next generation of Xsens motion capture

[ Xsens Analyze ](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/mvn-analyze) [ Xsens Animate ](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/xsens-mvn-animate)

<https://www.xsens.com/>

- [ Entertainment ](https://www.xsens.com/en/entertainment/motion-capture)
  
  
  
  ![investor relations icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/investor%20relations%20icon.png)
  
  ## Entertainment
  
  [ Game development ](https://www.xsens.com/entertainment/game-development) [ VFX and Virtual Production ](https://www.xsens.com/entertainment/vfx-and-film) [ Live entertainment ](https://www.xsens.com/entertainment/live-entertainment) [ VTubing & streaming ](https://www.xsens.com/entertainment/v-tube-and-streaming) [ Xsens Academic Program ](https://www.xsens.com/entertainment/education-program-for-animation) [ Xsens Indie Program **New!** ](https://www.xsens.com/entertainment/motion-capture-for-indies)
  
  
  
  ![integration icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/integration%20icon.png)
  
  ## Popular integrations
  
  [![Autodesk Maya logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/maya%20logo%20cropped.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/maya) [![cinema 4d logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/cinema-4d%20logo.jpg) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/cinema4d) [![blender logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/blender_logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/blender) [![Houdini logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/Houdini%20logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/houdini) [![Unreal Engine logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/unreal%20engine%20logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/unreal-engine) [![Unity logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/Unity_logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/unity) [![Autodesk Motionbuilder logo ](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/Motionbuilder%20logo%20cropped.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/motionbuilder) [![Autodesk 3ds Max logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/Autodesk-3ds-Max-logo%20cropped.jpg) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/3dstudiomax) [![stretchsense_owler_20200504_222937_original](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/stretchsense_owler_20200504_222937_original.png) ](https://stretchsense.com/) [![iclone logo_whitebg-2](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/iclone%20logo_whitebg-2.png) ](https://www.reallusion.com/iclone/) [![Pixotope logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/pixotope-logo.png) ](https://www.pixotope.com/)
  
  [ View all integrations ](https://www.movella.com/integrations/animate)
- [ Health & Sports ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/motion-capture)
  
  
  
  ![sports icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/sports%20icon.png)
  
  ## Health & Sports
  
  [ Sports performance ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/sports-performance) [ Occupational health & safety ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/workplace-ergonomics) [ Rehabilitation & injury prevention ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/rehabilitation) [ Humanoid robotics motion training ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/humanoid-robotics-motion-training) [ Training & simulation ](https://www.xsens.com/applications/health-sports/training-and-simulation)
  
  
  
  ![education icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/education%20icon.png)
  
  ## Research & education
  
  [ Overview ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/research-education) [ Biomechanical research ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/research-education/biomechanical-research) [ Sports science ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/research-education/sports-science) [ Human factors research ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/research-education/human-factors-research)
  
  
  
  ![integration icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/integration%20icon.png)
  
  ## Popular integrations
  
  [![anybody](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/anybody.png) ](https://www.anybodytech.com/) [![Delsys Primary-Logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Delsys%20Primary-Logo.png) ](https://delsys.com/) [![c-motion-logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/c-motion-logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/cmotion) [![Bob biomechanics logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/cropped-logo-no-background-new.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/bob-biomechanics-bundle) [![Logo Scalefit](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/Logo%20Scalefit%201.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/scalefit) [![OpenSim logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/download.png) ](https://simtk.org/projects/opensim/) [![Unity logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/Unity_logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/unity) [![Siemens Logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Integrations%20icons/Siemens-Logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/integrations/siemensplmsoftware)
  
  [ View all integrations ](https://www.movella.com/integrations/analyze)
- [ Automation & Mobility ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/applications)
  
  
  
  ![robot icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/robot%20icon.png)
  
  ## Outdoor Mobile Robots / -Vehicles
  
  [ AgTech, forestry and landscaping vehicles ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/outdoor/agtech) [ Last mile delivery (LMD), autonomous car, port logistics vehicles, line-marking robots ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/outdoor/last-mile-delivery-and-robotics) [ Utility and sweeping robots ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/outdoor/utility-and-sweeping-robots) [ Construction and mining vehicles ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/outdoor/construction-and-mining) [ Drones and UAVs ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/inertial-sensors-for-drones-imu-ahrs-gnss-ins-xsens) [ Smart public transport - bus, pod, rail ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/outdoor/smart-public-transportation)
  
  
  
  ![robot icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/robot%20icon.png)
  
  ## Indoor Mobile Robots
  
  [ AGV/AMR ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/indoor/agv-and-amr-engineering)
  
  
  
  ![robot icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/robot%20icon.png)
  
  ## Marine
  
  [ Surface platforms - USV, buoy, vessel ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/xsens-inertial-sensors-for-marine-applications-imu-ahrs-heave-compensation) [ Subsea platforms - ROV/AUV, beacon, transponder ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/xsens-inertial-sensors-for-marine-applications-imu-ahrs-heave-compensation) [ Heave (Active Heave Compensation) ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/xsens-mrus-for-active-heave-compensation-real-time-vertical-wave-motion)
  
  
  
  ![robot icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/robot%20icon.png)
  
  ## Other Applications
  
  [ Surveying & mapping ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/other/mapping-and-surveying-applications) [ Platform stabilization and antenna pointing ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/other/stabilization-and-antenna-pointing) [ Defense ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/other/defense) [ Humanoid Robots ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/other/humanoid-robots-balance)
- [ Humanoid Robotics ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots)
  
  
  
  ![investor relations icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/investor%20relations%20icon.png)
  
  ## Humanoid Robotics
  
  [ Humanoid Robotics Overview ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [ Training Humanoid Robots ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/humanoid-robotics-motion-training) [ Balancing Humanoid Robots ](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility/other/humanoid-robots-balance) Resources [ Customer Cases ](https://www.movella.com/resources?content_type=humanoid%20robotics%20training) [ Blogs ](https://www.movella.com/resources?content_type=humanoid%20robotics%20training)
  
  
  
  ![integration icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/integration%20icon.png)
  
  ## Customers
  
  [![leju-robot](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/A-and-M-Humanoid%20Robotics/leju-robot.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [![Untitled design-Sep-15-2025-02-25-59-6813-PM](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design-Sep-15-2025-02-25-59-6813-PM.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [![Beijing Humanoid Robots logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Beijing%20Humanoid%20Robots%20logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [![SoftBank Robotics logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/SoftBank%20Robotics%20logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [![NEURA_Robotics_logo_007_05transparent_black](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/A-and-M-Humanoid%20Robotics/NEURA_Robotics_logo_007_05transparent_black.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [![mentee_robotics](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/A-and-M-Humanoid%20Robotics/mentee_robotics.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [![Estun_Logo.svg](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/A-and-M-Humanoid%20Robotics/Estun_Logo.svg.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [![Meta](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Meta.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [![Shanghai Humanoid Robots logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Shanghai%20Humanoid%20Robots%20logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [![NVIDIA_logo.svg](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Logos/NVIDIA_logo.svg.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots) [![IIT logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/IIT%20logo.png) ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots)
  
  [ Humanoid Robotics Overview ](https://www.xsens.com/humanoid-robots)

- Products
  
  
  
  ![Motion icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/Motion.svg)
  
  ## Xsens Motion Capture
  
  [ Overview ](https://www.xsens.com/products/motion-capture) [ Xsens Animate ](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/xsens-mvn-animate) [ Xsens Analyze ](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/mvn-analyze) [ Xsens Humanoid **New!** ](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/humanoid-robotics-motion-training) [ Motion capture suits ](https://www.movella.com/products/motion-capture-suits) Hardware [ Xsens Link ](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/xsens-link-specifications) [ Xsens Awinda ](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/xsens-mvn-awinda) [ Xsens Awinda Starter ](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/xsens-mvn-awinda-starter) Motion capture gloves [ Xsens Metagloves by Manus ](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/xsens-metagloves-by-manus)
  
  
  
  ![Sensor](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/Sensor.svg)
  
  ## Xsens sensor modules
  
  [ Overview ](https://www.xsens.com/sensor-modules) [ Product selector ](https://www.xsens.com/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-product-selector) [ Functionality and series ](https://www.xsens.com/sensor-modules/xsens-functionality) [ MTi 1-Series ](https://www.xsens.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-1-series) [ MTi 600-Series ](https://www.xsens.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-600-series-flexible-reliable-imus-for-all-design-needs) [ Xsens Avior Series ](https://www.xsens.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-avior-series) [ Xsens Sirius Series ](https://www.xsens.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-sirius-series) [ Xsens XVN Vision Navigator ](https://www.xsens.com/sensor-modules/xsens-vision-navigator)
  
  
  
  ![Wearables](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/Wearables.svg)
  
  ## Wearables
  
  [ Overview ](https://www.xsens.com/products/wearables) [ MTw Awinda ](https://www.xsens.com/wearables/xsens-mtw-awinda) [ Movella DOT ](https://www.xsens.com/wearables/xsens-dot)
- Learn & Support
  
  
  
  ![Study icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/Study%20icon.png)
  
  ## Learn
  
  [ Customer cases ](https://www.movella.com/resources?content_type=Customer%20Case) [ Productions ](https://www.xsens.com/entertainment/movella-production) [ Wall of fame ](https://www.xsens.com/entertainment/movella-wall-of-fame) [ Blogs ](https://www.movella.com/resources?content_type=blog) [ Live streams and Events ](https://www.movella.com/resources?content_type=event&content_type=live%20stream) [ Research and validation papers ](https://www.xsens.com/support/research-validation)
  
  
  
  ![Support icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/Support%20icon.png)
  
  ## Support
  
  [ Xsens knowledge base ](https://base.movella.com/s/?language=en_US) [ Integrations & plugins ](https://www.xsens.com/support/integrations-overview) [ Software and documentation ](https://www.xsens.com/support/software-documentation) [ Tutorials ](https://www.xsens.com/tutorials)
  
  [ Support request ](https://www.movella.com/support/request-support)
  
  
  
  
  
  ![Latest icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/Latest%20icon.png)
  
  ## Latest
  
  [ Meet the winners of the Xsens Animation Contest ](https://www.xsens.com/company/press-room/movella-declares-winners-of-xsens-mocap-contest) [ How to choose the best Xsens motion capture setup ](https://www.xsens.com/resources/blog/choosing-the-best-xsens-motion-capture-setup) [ Learn more about our newest MTi-320 Active Heading Tracker ](https://www.xsens.com/resources/live-stream/active-heading-tracker-for-indoor-mobile-robots) [ How to choose the best Xsens inertial measurement unit ](https://www.movella.com/resources/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-xsens-inertial-measurement-unit) [ A deep dive into motion capture in workplace ergonomics ](https://www.xsens.com/resources/live-stream/utilizing-motion-capture-technology-in-workplace-ergonomics) [ Watch the recording of the Outdoor Mobile Robots conference featuring five industry leaders ](https://www.xsens.com/resources/live-stream/navigating-and-tracking-outdoor-mobile-robots)
- Company
  
  
  
  ![about us icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/about%20us%20icon.png)
  
  ## About us
  
  [ About Movella ](https://www.xsens.com/company/about-us) [ Press room ](https://www.movella.com/company/press-room-) [ Media guide ](https://www.xsens.com/company/media-guide)
  
  
  
  ![investor relations icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/investor%20relations%20icon.png)
  
  ## Investor relations
  
  [ Overview ](https://www.xsens.com/investors)
  
  
  
  ![collaborations icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/collaborations%20icon.png)
  
  ## Collaborations
  
  [ Overview ](https://www.xsens.com/research-and-collaborations) [ Runner Assist ](https://www.movella.com/company/research-and-collaborations#overview) [ AnDy ](https://www.movella.com/company/research-and-collaborations#overview)
  
  
  
  ![channel partners icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/channel%20partners%20icon-1.png)
  
  ## Channel partners
  
  [ Overview ](https://www.xsens.com/channel-partners) [ Become a channel partner ](https://www.xsens.com/channel-partners/become-a-channel-partner) [ Find a channel partner ](https://www.movella.com/company/channel-partners#partners)
  
  
  
  ![careers icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/careers%20icon-1.png)
  
  ## Careers
  
  [ Working at Movella ](https://www.xsens.com/company/careers) [ Current vacancies ](https://careers.movella.com/openings)
- [ Store ](https://shop.movella.com/)
  
  
  
  ![Xsens Animate image](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Xsens%20Animate%20image.jpg)
  
  ## Entertainment
  
  [ Products ](https://shop.movella.com/entertainment/products) [ Accessories ](https://shop.movella.com/entertainment/accessories)
  
  
  
  ![MTw Awinda](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Research%20and%20Validation%20papers%20%20docs/Images/MTw-Awinda-590x400-edited.jpg)
  
  ## Health & Sports
  
  [ Products ](https://shop.movella.com/health-sports/products) [ Accessories ](https://shop.movella.com/health-sports/accessories)
  
  
  
  ![Tractor](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/tractor_robot_square.jpg)
  
  ## Automation & Mobility
  
  [ Products ](https://shop.movella.com/automation-mobility/products) [ Accessories ](https://shop.movella.com/automation-mobility/accessories)
  
  
  
  ![Latest icon](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella%202.0%20icons/Menu%20icons/Latest%20icon.png)
  
  ## Latest
  
  [ How to choose the best Xsens Motion Capture setup ](https://www.xsens.com/resources/blog/choosing-the-best-xsens-motion-capture-setup) [ Movella introduces MTi-320 high performance Active Heading Tracker (AHT) ](https://www.xsens.com/company/press-room/movella-introduces-mti-320-high-performance-active-heading-tracker-aht-for-robotics-and-autonomous-vehicle-applications) [ How to choose the best Xsens inertial measurement unit ](https://www.movella.com/resources/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-xsens-inertial-measurement-unit)

 Contact us

 Contact us

 motion capture

![mvn_awinda_heroBG](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mvn_awinda_heroBG.jpg?width=2600&height=1080&name=mvn_awinda_heroBG.jpg)

![xsens-awinda-starter-hero](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/xsens-awinda-starter-hero.jpg?width=2600&height=1080&name=xsens-awinda-starter-hero.jpg)

 motion capture

# A History of motion capture

 The best value, easy-to-integrate wireless motion capture system.

[Learn more ](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/history-of-motion-capture#overview)

#### ON THIS PAGE

[Overview](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/history-of-motion-capture#overview) [Optical](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/history-of-motion-capture#optical) [Inertial](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/history-of-motion-capture#inertial) [Products](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/history-of-motion-capture#products)

![dancers_square](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dancers_square.jpg?width=960&name=dancers_square.jpg)

### Human motion analysis

Many different disciplines use motion analysis systems to capture movement and posture of the human body. Basic scientists seek a better understanding of the mechanisms that are used to translate muscular contractions about articulating joints into functional accomplishment, e.g. walking. Increasingly, researchers endeavor to better appreciate the relationship between the human motor control system and gait dynamics.

![still_WIP.0826-edited](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/still_WIP.0826-edited.jpg?width=1180&height=1000&name=still_WIP.0826-edited.jpg)

 Motion analysis

In the realm of clinical gait analysis, medical professionals apply an evolving knowledge base in the interpretation of the walking patterns of impaired ambulators for the planning of treatment protocols, e.g. orthotic prescription and surgical intervention and allow the clinician to determine the extent to which an individual’s gait pattern has been affected by an already diagnosed disorder. With respect to sports, athletes and their coaches use motion analysis techniques in a ceaseless quest for improvements in performance while avoiding injury. The use of [motion capture](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture) for computer character animation or virtual reality (VR) applications is relatively new. The information captured can be as general as the position of the body in space or as complex as the deformations of the face and muscle masses. The mapping can be direct, such as human arm motion controlling a character’s arm motion, or indirect, such as human hand and finger patterns controlling a character’s skin color or emotional state. The idea of copying human motion for animated characters is, of course, not new.

 

To get a convincing motion for the human characters in Snow White, Disney studios traced animation over film footage of live actors playing out the scenes. This method, called rotoscoping, has been successfully used for human characters. In the late’70’s, when it began to be feasible to animate characters by computer, animators adapted traditional techniques, including rotoscoping.

![creativity-unleashed-edited](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/creativity-unleashed-edited.jpg?width=1180&height=1000&name=creativity-unleashed-edited.jpg)

 Motion analysis data collection

Generally, motion analysis data collection protocols, measurement precision, and data reduction models have been developed to meet the requirements for their specific settings. For example, sport assessments generally require higher data acquisition rates because of increased velocities compared to normal walking. In VR applications, real-time tracking is essential for a realistic experience of the user, so the time lag should be kept to a minimum. Years of technological development has resulted in many systems and can be categorized

 

in **mechanical**, **optical**, **magnetic**, **acoustic** and **inertial trackers**. The human body is often considered as a system of rigid links connected by joints. Human body parts are not actually rigid structures, but they are customarily treated as such during studies of human motion.

 

Are you interested and want to know more about Human Motion Analysis?

[![Contact us →](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3446270/68824e2a-8426-4013-bf8e-0e3f373a6d9a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3446270/68824e2a-8426-4013-bf8e-0e3f373a6d9a)

 History of motion capture

### How does optical motion capture work?

![mocap-standing-stairs-edited](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mocap-standing-stairs-edited.jpg?width=590&height=400&name=mocap-standing-stairs-edited.jpg)

 Optical sensing

Optical sensing encompasses a large and varying collection of technologies. Image-based systems determine position by using multiple cameras to track predetermined points (markers) on the subject’s body segments, aligned with specific bony landmarks. The position is estimated through the use of multiple 2D images of the working volume. Stereometric techniques correlate common tracking points on the tracked objects in each image and use this information along with knowledge concerning the relationship between each of the images and camera parameters to calculate position. The markers can either be passive (reflective) or active (light emitting). Reflective systems use infrared (IR) LED’s mounted around the camera lens, along with IR pass filters placed over the camera lens and measure the light reflected from the markers.

![cta-mtw-edited](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cta-mtw-edited.jpg?width=590&height=400&name=cta-mtw-edited.jpg)

 Optical systems

Optical systems based on pulsed-LED’s measure the infrared light emitted by the LED’s placed on the body segments. Also, camera tracking of natural objects without the aid of markers is possible, but in general less accurate. It is largely based on computer vision techniques for pattern recognition and often requires high computational resources. Structured light systems use lasers or beamed light to create a plane of light that is swept across the image. They are more appropriate for mapping applications than dynamic tracking of human body motion. Optical systems suffer from occlusion (line of sight) problems whenever a required light path is blocked. Interference from other light sources or reflections may also be a problem which can result in so-called ghost markers.

Do you want to know more about Optical Motion Capture? 

[![Contact us →](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3446270/68824e2a-8426-4013-bf8e-0e3f373a6d9a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3446270/68824e2a-8426-4013-bf8e-0e3f373a6d9a)

 History of motion capture

### How does inertial motion capture work?

![worker_wearing_awinda_sensors](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/worker_wearing_awinda_sensors.jpg?width=1180&height=1000&name=worker_wearing_awinda_sensors.jpg)

 Constant motion

[Inertial sensors](https://www.xsens.com/products/sensor-modules) use the property of bodies to maintain constant translational and rotational velocity, unless disturbed by forces or torques, respectively. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is a biological 3D inertial sensor. It can sense angular motion as well as linear acceleration of the head. The vestibular system is important for maintaining balance and stabilization of the eyes relative to the environment. Practical inertial tracking is made possible by advances in miniaturized and micromachined sensor technologies, particularly in silicon accelerometers and rate sensors. A rate gyroscope measures angular velocity, and if integrated over time provides the change in angle with respect to an initially known angle.

![MVN-Animate-Dance-edited](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MVN-Animate-Dance-edited.jpg?width=1180&height=1000&name=MVN-Animate-Dance-edited.jpg)

 Accelerometers

 An accelerometer measures accelerations, including gravitational acceleration g. If the angle of the sensor with respect to the vertical is known, the gravity component can be removed and by numerical integration, velocity and position can be determined. Noise and bias errors associated with small and inexpensive sensors make it impractical to track orientation and position for long time periods if no compensation is applied. By combining the signals from the inertial sensors with aiding/complementary sensors and using knowledge about their signal characteristics, drift and other errors can be minimized. 

 

If you would like to know more about the difference please contact us.

[![Contact us →](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3446270/68824e2a-8426-4013-bf8e-0e3f373a6d9a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3446270/68824e2a-8426-4013-bf8e-0e3f373a6d9a)

![mvn_analyze_in_page_featured_hero](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/mvn_analyze_in_page_featured_hero.jpg)

### MVN Analyze

When you’re an expert in ergonomics, rehabilitation, biomechanics, or sports science, the reliability and accuracy of your data is crucial.

[![Learn more about Xsens Analyze →](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3446270/00fa3f6a-adf6-4180-bece-6a49b49c0065.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3446270/00fa3f6a-adf6-4180-bece-6a49b49c0065)

### Xsens motion capture products

From filmmakers to producers of live entertainment to game developers, the creative explosion that Movella's Xsens sensor fusion technologies enables is known to artists across the globe.

[![Motion Capture](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/xsens-wearing-woman.jpg?width=1180&height=1000&name=xsens-wearing-woman.jpg)

 Xsens Motion Capture Xsens Link

The top-of-the-line MVN Link is a motion capture Lycra® suit. It's the flagship product in Xsens motion capture portfolio.

](https://www.movella.com/products/motion-capture/xsens-mvn-link) [![Motion Capture](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Awinda-edited.png?width=1796&height=1440&name=Awinda-edited.png)

 Xsens Motion Capture Xsens Awinda

An affordable and easy-to-wear wireless Xsens motion capture system for real-time applications.

](https://www.movella.com/products/motion-capture/xsens-mvn-awinda) [![Xsens Metaglove](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/xsens-gloves-by-manus-590x400.jpg?width=590&height=400&name=xsens-gloves-by-manus-590x400.jpg)

 Xsens Motion Capture Xsens Metagloves by Manus

The Xsens Metaglove by Manus uses high-fidelity finger tracking using sub-millimeter accurate fingertip tracking sensors and can be seamlessly added to your Xsens mocap system.

](https://www.movella.com/products/motion-capture/xsens-metagloves-by-manus) [![Xsens Animate](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Animate%202025%20software%20(fight)%20compressed.png?width=2559&height=1387&name=Animate%202025%20software%20(fight)%20compressed.png)

 Xsens Motion Capture Xsens Animate

Xsens Animate proprietary motion capture software streams or exports all your motion captured data to your 3D package.

](https://www.movella.com/products/motion-capture/xsens-mvn-animate) [![Xsens Analyze](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Analyze%202025%20dark%20mode%20plain_two%20avatars_New%20avatar_14Apr2025-1.png?width=2559&height=1387&name=Analyze%202025%20dark%20mode%20plain_two%20avatars_New%20avatar_14Apr2025-1.png)

 Xsens Motion Capture Xsens Analyze

MVN Analyze is specialized software adjusted for human motion analysis. It features a scalable biomechanical model, allows up to four hardware setups, and supports different calibration routines.

](https://www.movella.com/products/xsens/motion-capture/mvn-analyze) [![MotionCloud](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MVN-Animate---Kick-edited.jpg?width=1180&height=1000&name=MVN-Animate---Kick-edited.jpg)

 Xsens Motion Capture MotionCloud

Xsens MotionCloud lets you manage multiple files without compromising local processing power by using the installed software.  With MotionCloud subscriptions no additional software licenses required.

](https://www.movella.com/products/motion-capture/xsens-motioncloud) [![MTi-1](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Imported_Blog_Media/MTi-1-1.jpg?width=7360&height=4912&name=MTi-1-1.jpg)

 Xsens Sensor Modules MTi-1 IMU

The MTi-1 is a very small IMU that provides calibrated data on the rate of turn, the acceleration and the magnetic field.

](https://www.movella.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-1-imu) [![MTi-2](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Movella%20Website%20Images/MTi-2-1.jpeg?width=1651&height=1101&name=MTi-2-1.jpeg)

 Xsens Sensor Modules MTi-2 VRU

The MTi-2 is a very small VRU featuring sensors and sensor algorithm that provide drift-free roll, pitch, and accurate, unreferenced yaw.

](https://www.movella.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-2-vru) [![MTi-3](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MTi-1-series-a-Large_edited.jpg?width=1180&height=1000&name=MTi-1-series-a-Large_edited.jpg)

 Xsens Sensor Modules MTi-3 AHRS

The MTi-3 is a very small AHRS AHRS that delivers true-north-referenced yaw, or heading.

](https://www.movella.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-3-ahrs) [![MTi-7](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MTi-1-series-a-Large_edited.jpg?width=1180&height=1000&name=MTi-1-series-a-Large_edited.jpg)

 Xsens Sensor Modules MTi-7 GNSS-INS

The MTi-7 is a very small GNSS/INS which can synchronize the inputs from its accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer with data from an external GNSS receiver.

](https://www.movella.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-7-gnss-ins)

### Newsletter

 Sign up here for the Movella newsletter and stay up to date about everything Movella has to offer.

![Footer image](https://www.xsens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Content-3.png?width=1184&height=620&name=Content-3.png)

![MovellaTM Logo](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/Movella_Nov2021/images/MovellaTM-Logo-RGB-Reverse.svg)

[![Linkedin](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/movella_june2022/Linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/movellainc) [![Youtube](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/movella_june2022/Youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNToVZwi3CfvRncQW_mknDg) [![Twitter](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/movella_june2022/Twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/movellainc) [![Facebook](https://www.xsens.com/hubfs/movella_june2022/Facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/movellainc/)

- Application 
    - [Entertainment](https://www.xsens.com/entertainment)
    - [Automation & Mobility](https://www.xsens.com/automation-mobility)
    - [Health & Sports](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports)
    - [Research & Education](https://www.xsens.com/health-sports/research-education)
- Product 
    - [Xsens Sensor Modules](https://www.xsens.com/sensor-modules)
    - [Xsens Analyze](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/mvn-analyze)
    - [Xsens Animate](https://www.xsens.com/motion-capture/xsens-mvn-animate)
    - [Wearables](https://www.xsens.com/products/wearables)
- Support 
    - [Support request](https://www.xsens.com/support/request-support)
    - [Resources](https://www.xsens.com/resources)
- Company 
    - [About Us](https://www.xsens.com/company/about-us)
    - [Collaborations](https://www.xsens.com/research-and-collaborations)
    - [Channel Partners](https://www.xsens.com/channel-partners)
    - [Careers](https://www.xsens.com/company/careers)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.xsens.com/contact-us)
- Policy 
    - [Cookie Policy](https://www.xsens.com/cookie-policy)
    - [Privacy Policy](https://www.xsens.com/privacy-policy)
    - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.xsens.com/terms-conditions)
    - [Terms & Conditions Website](https://www.xsens.com/conditions-use-website)
    - [Feedback](https://www.xsens.com/policies/feedback)

 400 N. Continental Blvd, Suite 300, El Segundo, California, 90245 US

[T +1 310-481-1800](tel:+1%20310-481-1800)

 © 2026 by Movella Inc. All rights reserved.

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "Organization",
  "alternateName" : "Movella",
  "name" : "Xsens",
  "sameAs" : [ "https://www.movella.com" ],
  "url" : "https://www.xsens.com/"
}
```