Tier 3 Series 204

204F: The Root Drive

Pilot Record
Student Profile
"If your code moves the object 5 meters, but the animation only takes 2 steps, the character "Ice Skates." A Pilot audits for "Root Motion," letting the animation drive the physics for perfect foot planting."

The Concept: Root Motion

The delta position of the animation is applied to the Transform.

* **OnAnimatorMove:** The callback where you intercept the motion.
* **Coupling:** `NavMeshAgent.velocity = animator.deltaPosition / Time.deltaTime;`
Red Flag Detected

The AI Trap: "The Ice Skater"

You ask the AI: "Move the character forward."

// AI-Generated Code: Desync
void Update() {
    // Audit Fail: Moving the transform manually while an animation plays.
    transform.Translate(Vector3.forward * speed);
}

This is "Foot Sliding." The feet move at a different speed than the floor, breaking immersion.

Elite Telemetry

Research shows "Elite" teams achieve 15% faster lead times by keeping AI on a "very tight leash."

  • Small Batches Solving one problem at a time prevents logic drift.
  • Modular Design Localizing the "blast radius" of AI changes.
  • Tight Loops Rapid iteration with constant code review.

The Pilot's Correction

Corrective Protocol
// Corrected: Coupled Physics
void OnAnimatorMove() {
    agent.velocity = animator.deltaPosition / Time.deltaTime;
}
Your Pilot Command
> A skilled Pilot directs the AI to couple Root Motion. You command: "Enable ApplyRootMotion and transfer the animation data to the Rigidbody or NavMeshAgent in OnAnimatorMove."
Next Mission
The Servo Exam