Animators could create more realistic bouncy, stretchy, and squishy characters for movies and video games thanks to a new simulation method developed by researchers at MIT. It allows animators to simulate rubbery and elastic materials preserving the physical properties of the material and avoids pitfalls like instability. The technique simulates elastic objects for animation and other applications, with improved reliability compared to other methods.
In comparison, many existing simulation techniques can produce elastic animations that become erratic or sluggish or can even break down entirely. To achieve this improvement, the MIT researchers uncovered a hidden mathematical structure in equations that capture how elastic materials deform on a computer. By leveraging this property, known as convexity, they designed a method that consistently produces accurate, physically faithful simulations.
More information:
https://news.mit.edu/2025/animation-technique-simulates-squishy-objects-motion-0606