IEEE Spectrum breed · Technologie

Oscar Winner Brings Monsters to Life With His Simulation Software

Jernej Barbič, a professor of computer science at the University of Southern California, has received a 2025 technical achievement Academy Award for his Ziva VFX software system. This technology allows for the creation of realistic muscle, fat, and skin simulations for 3D digital humans and creatures, significantly impacting motion picture production.

Barbič's interest in computer graphics began in his childhood in Slovenia, inspired by the natural beauty around him and a desire to replicate it. His father, an engineer, influenced his pursuit of engineering by showing him how mathematics and physics could be used to build practical applications. His mother, an elementary school teacher, introduced him to computer science when he was eight years old, sparking his early programming endeavors.

After earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics, Barbič pursued a Ph.D. in computer science at Carnegie Mellon, focusing on simulation methods for deformable objects. This research shaped his career, emphasizing not only accuracy but also the practicality of simulations for real-world applications. He later worked as a postdoctoral researcher at MIT before joining USC.

At USC, Barbič developed Vega FEM, an open-source software for animating realistic 3D deformable objects. Recognizing the need for industry-specific tools, he collaborated with visual effects professionals, including James Jacobs from Weta FX. This collaboration highlighted the limitations of existing technology in creating lifelike digital characters, particularly for creatures with complex anatomy.

In 2015, Barbič and Jacobs founded Ziva Dynamics, launching Ziva VFX. The software uses physics-based simulations to model internal anatomy, enabling artists to create characters with underlying muscles, bones, and soft tissues that deform and interact realistically. Ziva VFX has been used in over 60 films, including "Godzilla vs. Kong," for which Barbič expressed particular admiration for the depiction of King Kong's musculature and skin.

Following the acquisition of Ziva Dynamics by Unity Technologies, Barbič continued to contribute to visual effects advancements. His recent research, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, focuses on creating anatomically accurate digital models of the human hand for applications in tool design, prosthetics, and robotics. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and the role of organizations like IEEE in connecting different fields of engineering and computer science.

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