Full Body IK with Meta Movement SDK - PART 1

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through setting up a full body inverse kinematics (IK) system using the Meta Movement SDK in Unity. This process allows for realistic character movements that can enhance your VR applications. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a functioning full body IK setup ready for your projects.

Step 1: Download and Install Meta Movement SDK

1. Visit the GitHub repository for the Meta Movement SDK: Meta Movement SDK.
2. Click on the “Code” button and select “Download ZIP” to get the SDK files.
3. Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a convenient location on your computer.
4. Open your Unity project or create a new one.

Import the extracted SDK files into your Unity project

• Go to Assets > Import Package > Custom Package.
• Select the Meta Movement SDK package file and click "Open".
• Ensure all components are selected in the import dialog, then click "Import".

Step 2: Set Up the Character Model

Add your character model to the Unity scene

• Drag the model from the Assets folder into the Hierarchy window.

Ensure the character model has a proper rig

• Verify that the model is humanoid and has a configured Animator component.

Configure the Animator

• Select your character in the Hierarchy.
• In the Inspector, find the Animator component and assign an appropriate Animation Controller if not already done.

Step 3: Integrate Full Body IK

Locate the Meta Movement SDK components

• In the SDK folder, find the Full Body IK scripts.

Attach the Full Body IK script to your character

• Drag the Full Body IK script onto your character in the Hierarchy.

Configure the Full Body IK settings

• In the Inspector, adjust settings such as IK weights and target positions for feet and hands to match your character's rig.

Step 4: Add Input System

Open the Unity Input System

• Navigate to Window > Package Manager and ensure the Unity Input System is installed.

Set up input actions

• Create a new Input Action Asset and define actions for movement, jumping, and other relevant character actions.

Link input actions to the Full Body IK

• In the Full Body IK script, connect the input actions to trigger the IK updates during gameplay.

Step 5: Testing and Tweaking

Enter Play Mode in Unity

• Click the Play button at the top of the Unity interface to test the setup.

Observe character movements

• Ensure the character's limbs respond correctly to your movements.

Adjust settings as needed

• Tweak the IK settings such as weights and targets until you achieve the desired fluidity and responsiveness.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up a full body IK system using the Meta Movement SDK in Unity. This setup will greatly enhance the realism of character movements in your VR applications. For further development, consider exploring additional features of the SDK or integrating more advanced animations. Happy developing!