Nekki has released the 2026.1 update for Cascadeur, their AI-assisted animation tool. This version incorporates two main features. The first is Root Motion, an AI system that automatically generates movement between key poses, being able to use previous animations as a style reference. The second is Collision Penetration Cleaning, which detects and automatically corrects penetrations between model or scene elements.
Workflow automation with pattern learning 🤖
Root Motion works by analyzing the key poses provided by the animator. The AI system infers the trajectory and intermediate movement, automatically generating the frames. The option to use a reference animation allows transferring the movement style, such as the cadence of a run or a specific jump. On the other hand, the collision cleaning tool scans the character's mesh and objects to resolve unwanted intersections, a common issue that consumes time in final adjustments.
The AI that prevents your characters from merging like a T-1000 👾
It's a relief to have a system that prevents an arm from burying into the torso or a character from walking through a wall like a ghost. This tool automates the tedious task of reviewing each frame for penetrations, a job that previously required monk-like patience. Now we just have to hope that the AI doesn't decide that the aesthetically correct solution is for all characters to animate while maintaining a two-meter social distance from each other.