The 3D industry is undergoing a real revolution with the advent of AIs that generate 3D models. Of all the AIs I have tested, Rodin promises to transform the way 3D characters and models are created. In this landscape of technological advances, it is crucial to understand how these types of AIs can not only complement but also be enhanced by established tools.
ActorCore and AccuRIG offer a complete and optimised solution for professional 3D content creation. Together with this AI, these tools offer never-before-seen opportunities for artists without 3D skills to work on projects based on three-dimensional environments.
In this article, I will demonstrate how AI streamlines 3D model creation, featuring Rodin and its integration with ActorCore’s 3D motions and AccuRIG, a free auto-rigging tool. With these three all working together, I was able to achieve amazing results.
Rodin
Rodin: a new frontier of 3D AI generation
(Image credit: Reallusion/José Tijerín)
Rodin represents a quantum leap in 3D model generation, using advanced algorithms to create characters with an unprecedented level of detail and realism. This AI is not only capable of generating complex geometries, but also understands and applies textures and materials in a coherent way based on our sketches. Being able to go directly from the conceptual design of a character to the 3D model drastically reduces the time it takes to go from idea to final result.
Rodin, a tool for generating 3D models from images or text, offers artists the opportunity to see their 2D sketches in the form of a three-dimensional model by generating geometry and materials. One of its main distinguishing features is the opportunity to ‘redo’ the model and textures a large number of times in order to find the perfect finish.
It also allows 3D control via Bounding Box, Voxel or Point Cloud to manipulate scale and shape. Finally there is a mesh editor for quick tweaks and advanced options such as adding negative cues and pose control that offer far more control than any other AI today.
(Image credit: Reallusion/José Tijerín)
Rodin stands out for its ability to generate several results based on the same reference, free of charge, from which we can choose the result that best suits what we were looking for. This gives us the control that most of today's AIs can't give us and makes the 3D creation process much more creative.
However, its true strength is revealed when it is integrated with tools that have already proven themselves in the industry. This is where ActorCore and AccuRIG come into play, offering functionality that perfectly complements Rodin's capabilities.
AccuRIG
AccuRIG: the perfect complement to AI-generated models
(Image credit: Reallusion/José Tijerín)
AccuRIG is the best free tool to complement Rodin. Although Rodin can generate complex models, the rigging process remains a crucial stage for these models to be animated effectively. This is where AccuRIG proves its worth, automating rigging with amazing precision, yet also allowing artists to manually adjust the result so that the character skeleton is exactly what we are looking for and the characters can be animated in a coherent way.
AccuRIG's compatibility for rigging a wide variety of models, from humanoid figures to fantastical creatures, makes it the ideal complement to Rodin-generated character designs. This synergy between Rodin and AccuRIG not only streamlines the rigging process but also ensures that models are ready to be animated with ActorCore 3D motions that can then be used in iClone. This way we can go from 2D character design to a fully functional 3D model in an Unreal Engine or Unity project in a matter of minutes.
ActorCore
ActorCore: elevating the potential of AI with 3D animation
(Image credit: Reallusion/José Tijerín)
ActorCore is a platform that has established itself as a great resource for any 3D professional. With its extensive library of high-quality animations, ActorCore not only allows users to take advantage of Rodin-generated creations but also brings them to life with precise and natural movements for any 3D character.
ActorCore's mocap animations, created using advanced motion capture technologies, ensure that any Rodin-generated character moves with impressive fluidity and realism. In addition, ActorCore allows us to visualise these animations directly on our characters in the 3D viewer for free, ensuring that they are perfectly suited to the specific needs of any type of professional project.
This also allows an artist to show their idea to the rest of the team in a much more effective way, instead of just presenting a couple of sketches, now an artist can show a character full of life in a matter of minutes completely free of charge and without any knowledge of 3D modelling or animation.
iClone
iClone: the fastest real-time 3D animation tool
(Image credit: Reallusion/José Tijerín)
To work with the rigged and animated character, there is no better program than iClone. With its tools we can edit the animation and work with the character to adjust it as much as we want to our needs. Thanks to this, we can make our characters fit into the scenarios of our project or make them interact with each other.
When we finish we will see that one of the great advantages of using iClone is its integration with other programs, so we will be able to send our character to Unity or Unreal perfectly configured in less than a minute. So, iClone will save us from having to work with multiple programs and with the toolsets it offers, it will allow us to focus only on what's important.
Integration
Synergistic integration: Rodin, AccuRIG and ActorCore
Rodin's integration with ActorCore and AccuRIG can drive a new era in 3D content production. To have a more detailed look into my process, please read my full article.
While Rodin brings with it the promise of more creatively generated 3D models, ActorCore and AccuRIG ensure that these models are not only visually stunning, but also fully functional and accurately animated. The real power of this combination lies in the ability of these tools to work together, creating a workflow that maximises efficiency while leaving more room for creativity and experimentation.
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José Tijerín is a digital illustrator, 3D sculptor, and the creator of the video game Dear Althea, available on Steam. You can also find his content pack, We're Besties, for purchase in the Reallusion Content Store.
