The Future of Animation Is Here

A groundbreaking AI tool named Cartwheel promises to shake up the animation industry, potentially more so than existing generative video tools like Sora or Runway. Rather than merely generating final animation frames, Cartwheel harnesses AI to control character rigs through text prompts, sending the refined data to programs like Maya for further creativity. As the tool emerges, it beckons a new era for animation and visual effects.

Fueling Growth with Major Backing

Recently, Cartwheel secured a hefty $10 million funding round, with notable investors including Jeffrey Katzenberg, the visionary behind DreamWorks Animation. This financial boost aims to enhance its transformative capabilities in animation.

Inside the Mind of Andrew Carr

In a compelling interview, co-founder Andrew Carr, a former OpenAI scientist, shared his inception story and intent for Cartwheel. Frustrated by limitations in existing AI tools, Carr was motivated to create a platform that allowed for rapid motion creation while maintaining artistic flexibility. His collaborative partnership with Jonathan Jarvis, another industry veteran, sparked the project, targeting the bottleneck of 3D character animation.

Empowering Animators with Control

Unlike traditional models that often produce random outputs, Cartwheel aims to provide tools that empower animators to express their creative vision accurately. Carr explains that their primary focus is on professional animators, addressing the overwhelming demand for animated content, and providing resources to meet that need.

Next-Level Integration and Usability

Cartwheel can be utilized through its web app or exported to established platforms like Maya and Blender. Carr mentions plans for an API which would allow deeper integration with these programs, enhancing usability within current workflows.

Innovative Learning and Motion Capture

The training process for Cartwheel leverages ethically sourced motion capture data while prioritizing the quality and usability of the output. The team, which includes experienced former Pixar animators, is dedicated to ensuring that each generated motion maintains a professional standard.

Cultivating a Vibrant Community

Recognizing the importance of user feedback, Cartwheel plans to hold interactive Zoom sessions for users, where animators can learn and enhance their experience with the tool.

Creating Unique, Engaging Animations

Cartwheel's innovative features include a mixed library of AI-generated and hand-animated motions, along with upcoming functionalities like video reference uploads allowing users to extract 3D motion from their videos.

Addressing Industry Concerns

Amid fears that AI tools may undermine traditional animation jobs, Carr emphasizes that the demand for animation far exceeds current supply. He envisions a future where animation becomes ubiquitous across communications and marketing, shifting the power dynamic back to individual artists.

A World of Possibility Awaits Artists

Looking ahead, Carr hopes to lower the barriers between aspiring and professional animators, allowing for smaller teams and independent creators to thrive. Cartwheel aims to empower artists, enabling them to produce more while transforming the landscape of animation forever.

Join the Revolution in Animation!

As Cartwheel evolves, user interaction remains crucial, welcoming feedback from the community to shape its development. The future of animation could be in your hands—explore Cartwheel and help redefine the creative landscape!