SlimeVR Unveils Lightweight Full-Body IMU Trackers
SlimeVR supercharges its motion-tracking ecosystem with sleek new devices that deliver sensational full-body capture without cameras, base stations, or external optical equipment. The highly anticipated Butterfly Trackers are officially up for pre-order through an exciting crowdfunding campaign.
IMUs in the system dynamically detect shifts in orientation and acceleration of the limbs, immediately transforming them into rich movement data. Unlike optical tracking technologies tied to cameras and line-of-sight calibration, these sensors rely on their own powerful internal readings, unlocking truly unrestricted, 360-degree freedom of movement.
The company proudly claims the trackers deliver blazing-fast latency below 15 milliseconds and striking positional accuracy of the body from 0.39 to 1.97 inches. This exceptional performance allows detailed tracking of limb movement, though the sensors are not intended to record extremely fine motion such as subtle finger tremors.
Each tracker weighs less than 0.35 ounces and is thinner than 0.28 inches. Thanks to this ultra-sleek form factor, users can easily attach the units to arms, legs, torsos, or other areas, enjoying exceptional lightness and freedom throughout use.
Obtain seamless motion tracking as trackers wirelessly transmit data to a receiver. These trackers are compatible with PCs, smartphones, and virtual reality headsets, even at distances up to 33 feet. SlimeVR’s server software then dynamically fuses input from multiple sensors into a unified, immersive whole-body motion model.
Most motion-capture systems rely on camera-based triangulation or visual markers, which means obstruction or limited visibility can affect their performance. The Butterfly system avoids these issues by depending exclusively on IMU tracking, enabling steady operation regardless of room layout or lighting conditions. Its self-contained design also reduces the space and equipment requirements generally associated with optical capture setups.
On the software side, the trackers integrate natively with SteamVR. They also support Open Sound Control and Virtual Motion Capture standards, and offer compatibility extensions for 3D tools such as Blender and Godot. The system enables real-time avatar movement and streams motion data to external applications and development workflows.
The company designed battery capacity for extended operation, rating each tracker to run for more than 48 hours on a single charge.
Be among the first to reserve the exciting six-tracker bundle for $279! As with other Crowd Supply projects, manufacturing schedules, production details, and shipment schedules may change.
With these powerful specifications and competitive pricing, the Butterfly system is poised to revolutionise whole-body motion capture, delivering cutting-edge capabilities at a lower cost and with fewer equipment requirements than traditional optical systems.
