Watch this AI Create a 3D Walking Model from a Still Image

Researchers from the University of Washington and Facebook have announced an algorithm called “Photo Wake-Up” that uses AI to turn a single still image into a 3D Animated Model.

Photo Wake-Up can work with still images such as a photo of a person or even a non-realistic painting.  The algorithm is given the still image, and then the system animates the character in the image. The subject in the photo will step out of it and move forward, giving the appearance it is walking toward you.  The photo is not ruined by the character moving forward either – the background is automatically filled in by the software.

In addition to walking, the algorithm can make the subject in the still image run, sit and jump in 3D as well. Another impressive aspect of the algorithm is the fact that despite the original image only providing a single camera angle, the software can create a complete 3D model that can be viewed from front-to-back and side-to-side. 

Right now the quality will vary based on the original image, but we can only assume that the output this software exports will only improve in quality as researchers continue to improve the algorithm.

Story via DPReview