Adonis 2.1 offers two different versions: AdonisFX and AdonisML. AdonisFX is the digital anatomy toolset: muscle, fat, and skin simulation running natively in Maya and Houdini. AdonisML is new. It contains all of AdonisFX and adds two machine-learning systems, ML Deformer and SmartTissue, that mean you can build high-quality characters that run at interactive speeds. Once built with AdonisML, these AI setups can be run using any Adonis licence.

The ML Deformer lets animators see an accurate version of their character while they animate. It's trained on AdonisFX characters using our own neural network training system, which is fast enough that building a pose-based deformer doesn't become a project in itself. When the asset in the viewport actually looks right, animators get more value out of their iterations and minimise downtime waiting for playblasts.

There's a catch, though, and it applies to every ML deformer out there: training throws away the dynamics. All the secondary motion that makes a character feel alive is gone, and animators need to see that motion to make good decisions. Normally that means waiting around for simulation playblasts. SmartTissue means fewer playblasts, and huge reductions in the time required to get high-quality playblasts.

We put together a demo video that shows the end-to-end process for taking an Adonis character and building the ML Deformer and SmartTissue for it. Marco steps through the process and also talks about the benefits it brings to a production and how it can deliver real value for animators.