The Evolution of Motion Capture Suit Technology: A Review of Industrial Applications

In recent years, motion capture (MoCap) technology has gained significant attention in various industries due to its ability to support innovative solutions in robotics, additive manufacturing, teleworking, and human safety. MoCap sensors, such as camera-based systems and inertial measurement units (IMUs), are increasingly being adopted in industrial settings to improve processes and products.

This review aims to synthesize and evaluate studies investigating the use of MoCap technologies in industry-related research, focusing on primary and secondary industrial applications from 2015 onwards. The results show that camera-based MoCap systems performed better in robotic applications, but camera obstructions caused by workers and machinery were a significant challenge.

Inertial sensors emerged as the first choice for industrial MoCap applications, with construction (30.5%), robotics (15.3%), and automotive (10.2%) being the most researched industry sectors. The majority of studies targeted health and safety (64.4%) and the improvement of industrial processes or products (17%).

The review found that camera-based sensors were used in 40% of the studies, while IMUs were employed in 70%. Furthermore, 21 studies were assessed as being prone to medium risk of bias, while 38 studies were deemed to have low risks.

A total of 1682 records were identified, and 59 studies were included in this review. The quality of the articles was appraised using the AXIS tool, which categorized studies based on type of sensor used, beneficiary industry sector, and type of application.

The rapid technological advancements of Industry 4.0 have opened up new opportunities for novel industrial processes that require advanced sensing solutions for their realization. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of MoCap technology in industrial applications, highlighting its potential to transform various sectors and improve overall efficiency.

Motion capture suit technology