Slideshow: Cashing In on Virtual Humans

Digitized people aren't just for fun and games -- the motion-capture technology can help companies save on manufacturing and materials costs and enable the military to design combat-safe body armor. By John Hudson.
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Like an iconic video-game hero, the virtual human dubbed Santos began his life in wire-frame.Image: Virtual Soldier Research, College of Engineering, University of Iowa

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Santos takes a shot at modeling gear and weaponry for the U.S. Army.

Image: Virtual Soldier Research, College of Engineering, University of Iowa