3D Alliance for OpenUSD formed by Pixar, Adobe, Apple, Autodesk & NVIDIA. Driving open standards for 3D content creation. Empowering collaboration & interoperability.

Introduction

In a groundbreaking collaboration, industry giants Pixar, Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, and NVIDIA have come together to establish the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD). This collective effort, in partnership with the Joint Development Foundation (JDF), an affiliate of the Linux Foundation, aims to revolutionize the 3D content creation landscape by promoting open standards through Pixar’s Universal Scene Description technology (OpenUSD). This strategic alliance is poised to shape the future of 3D content creation, enhancing interoperability and collaboration across a wide range of industries.

The Genesis of OpenUSD

OpenUSD, Pixar’s brainchild, represents the pinnacle of 3D scene description technology. Initially developed as the technological foundation for Pixar’s state-of-the-art animation pipeline, OpenUSD has evolved over the years to embrace industries beyond film and visual effects. Recognizing the potential for even broader applications, Pixar open-sourced the project in 2016. Now, with the formation of AOUSD, the technology is set to reach new heights as an international standard.

The Vision Behind AOUSD

The Alliance for OpenUSD seeks to standardize the 3D ecosystem and bolster the capabilities of OpenUSD further. By fostering greater interoperability of 3D tools and data, the alliance aims to empower developers and content creators to describe, compose, and simulate large-scale 3D projects effortlessly. This collaborative effort will undoubtedly pave the way for an extensive range of 3D-enabled products and services.

Advancing 3D Interoperability

The alliance’s primary focus is on developing written specifications that detail the features of OpenUSD, facilitating broader compatibility and adoption across multiple tools and platforms. With this interoperability, the alliance envisions a seamless exchange of data between different software, enabling content creators to harness the full potential of their creative visions without hindrance.

The Role of Linux Foundation’s JDF

For efficient and effective development of OpenUSD specifications, the Linux Foundation’s JDF has been chosen as the host for this project. The JDF’s proven track record in supporting open-source initiatives and its potential to lead to recognition through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) make it an ideal partner for this groundbreaking endeavor.

Collaborative Definition of Enhancements

AOUSD aims to serve as the primary forum for collaborative discussions and the definition of enhancements to OpenUSD by industry professionals. By inviting a broad range of companies and organizations to join and participate in the initiative, the alliance ensures that the technology grows in tandem with the evolving needs of the 3D content creation landscape.

Industry Praise and Contributions

Representatives from the founding companies have expressed their excitement and commitment to AOUSD. Steve May, Chief Technology Officer at Pixar and Chairperson of AOUSD, emphasized the significance of OpenUSD as the foundation of Pixar’s animation pipeline and its increasing influence across various industries.

Guido Quaroni, Senior Director of Engineering, 3D&I at Adobe, highlighted the potential of OpenUSD as a “multiplier” of value, providing artists with flexible and powerful solutions for their creative processes.

Mike Rockwell, Apple’s Vice President of the Vision Products Group, stressed the essential role of OpenUSD in Apple’s visionOS platform and the groundbreaking Reality Composer Pro developer tool.

Gordon Bradley, Fellow, Media & Entertainment, Autodesk, praised the alliance’s efforts in driving 3D interoperability, which aligns with Autodesk’s vision of designing a better world through cutting-edge content creation solutions.

Guy Martin, Director of Open Source and Standards at NVIDIA, emphasized how OpenUSD empowers 3D developers, artists, and designers to tackle industrial and digital content creation with ease.

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Conclusion

The formation of the Alliance for OpenUSD represents a landmark moment in the world of 3D content creation. By leveraging the power and flexibility of OpenUSD, this alliance of industry leaders seeks to drive open standards, greater interoperability, and collaborative innovation. As the technology continues to evolve and gain recognition as an international standard, we can anticipate a future where the creation and sharing of 3D content becomes more accessible, seamless, and dynamic than ever before. The journey has just begun, and the possibilities are truly limitless with AOUSD leading the way.

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