Virtual Production Bike Platform

2024.5 - 2024.8

Max/MSP controlled tilting platform for motorcycle virtual production

Max/MSP, Unreal Engine, Motion Capture

This project is the system development, and subsequent applications of the platform that are ongoing for interactive installations and virtual production shoots. The hardware is a motion platform powered by 3 actuators with 100mm up/down range of motion. Combined, they can tilt the platform in all directions for 20 degrees max.

A motorcycle can be mounted on the platform with wheel clamps and mounting points. When paired with programmatically generated functions or simulated data from Unreal Engine, the platform can be used to recreate realistic on-road motions like bumps and tilts in a studio setting.

My Work

I was in charge of the entire development of the control system of the platform using Max/MSP, the digital twin of the platform that can precisely mirror platform motion in Unreal Engine using control rig, as well as integrating the platform into virtual production or interactive systems according to client needs.

Design of the Real-Time Control System in Max/MSP

The actuators of the motion platform communicate with the controller computer through serial via LAN, and takes extension length of the actuators as input, which is not intuitive for creative uses. The system uses the real-time data processing capability of Max/MSP to do mathematical calculations and translate the more intuitive Azimuth-tilt or X-Y tilt data input into corresponding serial commands for the platform.

Building a Modular and Versatile System

The control system is designed to be robust, modular, and versatile, ready to meet all kinds of needs from the client with minimal code adjustments. Separate modules can be used to add simulated road bumps with extensive parameter adjustment, or accept TouchOSC, or motion capture systems as input.

Interactive Installation Application with Markerless Motion Capture

Virtual Production Application with Unreal Engine

Enlin Li

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Kanagawa, Japan