Audio visual specialist PSP has joined forces with multimedia company Writemedia to launch Animotion, a fully interactive animated character system.

Aimed at live events, visitor attractions and theme parks, Animotion uses a motion capture system based on an actor wearing fibre optic sensing devices that capture the actor's each movement.

The movements can then be projected in 3D format to create an interactive, walking, talking character controlled by the actor.

Facial and voice capture is achieved using phonetic driven real time voice capture to eliminate lip-sync issues – and to provide full facial expressions and movement.

According to David Woodcock, account manager at PSP, the main target for the new product will be the live event sector –including sporting events and product launches – but the company is also hoping to enter the visitor attractions industry.

“The product has been in development for over a year and the results we are achieving are exceptional," said Woodcock.

"Although motion capture has been around for a while, we have really pushed the boundaries in terms of making all the elements work seamlessly together in real time."

The system made its debut at an event at the IMAX cinema in central London with Apple Macintosh co-founder Steve Wozniak, who was interviewed by a virtual "frog humanoid".

"The actor's movements can be portrayed by any character – from a frog to a monster or even one created specifically for the client, such as a cartoon character," added Woodcock.