Popular Mechanics, a leading science and technology publication, has recognized Andrew Tschesnok and Jonathan Rand, executives of Organic Motion, as “Breakthrough Innovators” at the fourth annual Breakthrough Technology Awards. The accolade recognizes life-changing innovations across a range of industries, with previous winners including the makers of the X-Plane, affordable hydrogen fuel researchers at GE, and products like the iPhone. Organic Motion has created advanced computer vision technologies which enable a computer to understand and track the precise movements of the human body. This “markerless” motion capture system, which does not require subjects to wear any special outfits or attached tracking devices, is already being implemented in advanced medical research, sporting goods retail stores, training regimen assessment, and even as user interfaces in large public interactive and gaming installations.
"This year's roster of winners is especially diverse, from high-tech winners such as the 300-mpg Aptera vehicle of the future, to low-tech innovations like rugged wheelchairs for the developing world," said James B. Meigs, editor-in-chief of Popular Mechanics. "With the energy crisis escalating and the increased focus on climate change and the need for conservation, it is especially rewarding to showcase winners who are making breakthrough contributions in these fields. These winners are applying brilliant design and engineering to improve the lives of others."
Organic Motion (view the case study) is a Method Ventures partner. Debuted at SIGGRAPH 2007, Organic Motion was featured in the CES 2008 Keynote presentation with Intel CEO Paul Otellini. Method developed a comprehensive brand system to communicate the value and reach of the breakthrough technology.
A complete report of the Breakthrough Awards will be published in the November issue of Popular Mechanics, on newsstands Oct. 14, 2008. High-resolution images of the winners as well as full conference coverage will be available upon request and at www.popularmechanics.com.
Additional Resources:
* Business Wire: Organic Motion Wins Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Innovator Award
* Gearlog: Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Awards 2008: Astronauts, Spore, Biodiesel, and More
