How to set up a high-precision motion capture lab

Motion capture labs are the epicenter of movement science—the platform where data is captured and translated into meaningful insights, informing academic research, physical therapy, athletic performance, and the development of new products and technologies. Mocap continually opens up new possibilities in research and development, and does so across various industries.

Recently, we spoke about the financial aspect of setting up a mocap lab and gave some tips on writing a strong grant proposal with the potential to interest funders. Now, in this basic guide, we’ll take you through the process of setting up a lab in practice, from choosing the appropriate space and selecting the right technology to calibrating and maintaining your system.

1. Planning your space

Allocating physical space for your mocap lab is a key step in the setup process. While it can be complex, it also offers a valuable opportunity to shape the environment to align with your goals. If your organization or campus doesn’t have suitable real estate options available, consider alternatives—such as renting or partnering with an entity that has the necessary space.

Regardless of location, securing the right environment is crucial. As you evaluate potential facilities—on-site or elsewhere—keep the following key features in mind:

• Ceiling height and floor space – The required lab dimensions will depend on the application and the complexity of movement. Whatever the scenario, it is important to plan for both the capture volume—with sufficient space for the subject to move naturally—and for the equipment setup, as well as workstations.

• Unobstructed visuals – Cameras must be well placed without walls, equipment, or other objects obstructing the line of sight or causing visual interference. Additionally, there needs to be enough space between cameras to allow for proper calibration and full coverage of the capture volume. 

• Stable, even flooring – This is necessary to record accurate force data and to ensure the subject’s safety while performing the required movements.

• Power and connectivity – It is important to consider whether the space is equipped with sufficient and reliable power sources and network infrastructure to support all components of the motion capture system and prevent signal loss.

2. Investing in a mocap system

A mocap system is made up of several interconnected hardware and software components. Although the parts may vary depending on the application, we’ll discuss the most essential ones typically used in biomechanics-focused setups, starting with hardware—and what to consider when choosing which technology to invest in.

2.1. Hardware

The hardware components that typically form part of a mocap system include:

• Camera system – These are high-speed, high-resolution cameras that track the positions of markers placed on the subject or object. Various cameras with different specs are available, so it is important to investigate which would best suit your application. 

Below are a few considerations when choosing cameras for a mocap lab:

• Frame rate and resolution – This depends on the application, with some requiring higher resolution, while others need specific frame rates to capture entire movements.
• Camera coverage – Assess the camera configuration and coverage area to ensure it can adequately capture the movement you need to study.
• System scalability – Choose a camera system that can grow with your needs (for example, adding more cameras or integrating other measurement devices such as force plates, EMGs, etc.).

• Mounts and cables – Cameras are typically set up using precision mounts and pre-labeled cables for simplified installation. 

• Markers – These are passive (reflective) or active (LED) markers that are strategically placed on the body or object to be tracked. It is important to determine which markers would best suit your needs in terms of ease of use, occlusion handling, and data quality.

Generally speaking, in biomechanics-focused mocap research, carefully placed markers are used to define body segments and track joint motion with high precision. Markers are typically positioned on key anatomical landmarks, and the exact placement depends on the physical activity being studied. These markers derive a skeletal model, allowing researchers to calculate joint kinematics (such as angles and velocities) and kinetic variables (such as joint forces and moments) based on the captured motion.

To organize motion capture data effectively, especially in biomechanics, markers are grouped and managed using a marker set. This defines how markers are identified, how body segments are constructed, and how the system interprets motion based on marker positions. Whether you’re working in real time or processing captured data afterward, the marker set serves as the foundation for building accurate models of the subject’s movement.

For more on the components that make up a marker set, read our blog, “How to develop a marker set that meets your needs”.

• Calibration equipment – These tools are used to set up and calibrate the system for optimal data collection.

Before any motion capture project begins, a thorough calibration process must take place. No matter which cameras you use, making sure that they are receptive to markers and synchronized properly has a distinct effect on the accuracy of your captured data. Plus, when the initial basics are completed successfully, it smooths the next stages of using mocap software.

The calibration process typically includes using a fixed-calibration object or L-frame to define the 3D space, followed by a calibration wand to establish a reference point for the cameras and map out the entire capture space.

For a detailed look at the calibration process using our technology, read our blog, “How to do camera calibration for Cortex and BaSix”.

2.2. Software

Putting the hardware to use requires specialized software that captures, processes, and analyzes motion data. It’s important to evaluate the software’s capabilities—such as real-time visualization, data processing, and analysis tools—to make sure it meets your needs.

Check out our “Software buyer’s guide” for more insight on how to select the right software, including what questions you should be asking and the top features you should be looking for.

Other general considerations when choosing a mocap system include:

• Accuracy and precision – Ensure the system can provide the level of spatial and temporal accuracy required for your research or application.
• Expandability and compatibility – Consider the system’s ability to integrate with other equipment, such as force plates or EMG systems, to enable comprehensive biomechanical analysis.
• Cost and maintenance – Determine the total cost of ownership, including the initial purchase, software licenses, installation, training, and ongoing maintenance and technical support.

3. Getting set up

• Installing and configuring the mocap system – Motion capture systems usually include a software suite designed for streamlined installation and configuration on supported workstations. After installation, setup tools help ensure system prerequisites are met and assist in detecting connected cameras. Depending on the system, the software would then typically allow users to define the capture volume and label each camera based on its physical location. Many mocap platforms also support real-time data streaming to third-party analysis tools and offer standard export formats or integrations for broader compatibility.

• Testing, validation, and troubleshooting – Before your first motion capture session, it’s important to test and validate the system to ensure accurate performance. If issues arise—such as marker dropouts, data spikes, or missing camera feeds—check camera focus, exposure, cabling, and potential reflective interference.

4. Maintaining your mocap system

Beyond setting up your mocap lab, it’s important to keep up maintenance for optimal performance from your system. Clean camera lenses and inspect cables and mounts regularly, and be sure to recalibrate after any physical adjustments. In addition, keep your software up to date to benefit from new features, performance enhancements, and bug fixes. If you are a Motion Analysis user and need support, feel free to reach out to our team for support.

Ready to get started?

Explore our cutting-edge technology, from our range of cameras to suit your needs and budget and our motion capture software solutions. Reach out to us for a demo or consultation. Together, let’s drive the future of movement.