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Dynamic Motion Synthesis is a new approach to 3D character animation. Unlike conventional animation techniques such as keyframing or motion capture, Dynamic Motion Synthesis lets the animator use the CPU to create the character's movements in real-time. This is achieved by fully simulating the 3D character, specifically its motor control system and physical body.

Dynamic Motion Synthesis has two fundamental benefits: 1) it drastically reduces animation asset production time and costs; 2) it produces fully interactive 3D characters.

DMS White Paper (pdf)

Origins

Dynamic Motion Synthesis is originally based on Oxford University's research on the control of human and animal body motions.

The example shown below is of a simple biped which learns how to walk using artificial evolution.

The process starts with random walkers, none of which can walk properly. The best ones (those that make at least one step without falling over) are allowed to produce offspring, which are again selected according to how far they walk. This selection is repeated over a number of generations. At the end of process the biped can walk without falling over.

NaturalMotion's Dynamic Motion Synthesis technology has moved beyond this original research, but the basic principle remains: interactive 3D characters through AI controlling muscles in a simulated body.