FK/IK systems

FK (Forward Kinematics) and IK (Inverse Kinematics) are systems used to control the movement of digital characters or robots. FK involves rotating joints from the base outward to position a limb—like moving your shoulder, then elbow, then wrist to reach a point. IK, on the other hand, starts with the desired hand position and calculates the necessary joint angles to achieve it—similar to how your brain plans to place your hand at a specific spot and figures out how to move your shoulder and elbow accordingly. Both systems help animate realistic, precise movements efficiently.