Background:

Kwame "K-Dynamics" Ndlovu is a visionary African filmmaker passionate about bringing high-energy action scenes, stunning VFX, and lifelike animations to the screen. However, professional motion capture rigs cost thousands of dollars—far beyond his budget. Without motion capture, his CGI characters move stiffly, and realistic action sequences require expensive post-production work.

Kwame also runs a weekend film training program for young, aspiring filmmakers in Bulawayo. If he had an affordable, DIY motion capture system, he could teach next-generation creatives how to bring their digital worlds to life.

The Challenge:

Design a low-cost, Raspberry Pi-based motion capture system that can:

1. Track Movement – Capture body and limb movements using low-cost IMUs (inertial measurement units), cameras, or DIY sensor arrays.
2. Process & Visualize – Convert raw movement data into real-time 3D animation or motion capture files that can be used in Blender or other animation software.
3. Stay Accessible – Be affordable, easy to set up, and suitable for both professional filmmaking and student training sessions.

Constraints:

• Use Raspberry Pi 4, Pico, and cost-effective motion sensors.
• Ensure offline functionality for filmmakers in areas with unreliable internet.
• Keep it modular and expandable for future enhancements.

Bonus:

How might your solution allow multiple actors to be captured at once for dynamic group scenes?

Let’s democratize motion capture for African storytellers!

Click here to Register for Hackathon