sundays
Rigging & Animation — From Human Motion to Robotic Expression
The animation stage transformed raw human movement into the mechanical grace of the Levi’s robot. Our approach focused on preserving the authentic rhythm and spontaneity of the actor’s performance while layering in the controlled precision of robotic motion.
Rigging
The rig was built in Maya, with a custom control hierarchy designed to support both human-like articulation and mechanical restrictions.
We balanced expressive flexibility with physical logic — allowing for realistic servo movement and weight shifts without overcomplicating the setup.
Key rigging features:
- Modular limb structure: separate FK/IK systems for arms and legs to allow layered motion editing.
- Rotational constraints: subtle mechanical limits to prevent overbending or hyperextension.
- Secondary controls: fine-tuning for antenna, neck tilt, LED face panel, and headphone bounce.
- Animation-friendly rig: clean naming convention, zeroed controls, optimized viewport performance.
The rig wasn’t designed for flexibility alone — it was built to move with intent.
Performance & Retargeting
All animation was based on tracked actor motion recorded directly on set.
Using KeenTools GeoTracker, we captured the 3D transformation data of the performer in a green suit, which was then imported into Maya as base animation curves.
Workflow:
- GeoTracker motion export from Nuke as FBX.
- Retargeting to the robot rig using Maya’s HumanIK system, adjusted to match robot proportions.
- Timing refinement to maintain natural weight and rhythm.
- Stylization layer: mechanical delay added to mimic servo inertia and motor reaction.
- Secondary animation: manual passes for LED eyes, head tilts, and small gesture polish.
The key was to let the human drive the motion — but let the robot decide how it executes it.
Result
The final animation achieved the perfect hybrid — human in timing, mechanical in execution. Each movement feels both designed and spontaneous, rooted in the performance yet refined through precision rigging.
He dances like a human. He lands like a machine.
