Here I want to discuss kinematics and artificial life. Kinematics is very heavily used in animation. Kinematics is the branch of mechanics that deals with motion in the abstract without regard to force or mass. Computer animators use kinematics to model how someone would walk, or run. Animators need to program their computers so that their action hero does not hyper extend his or her knee.
Animators try to be as realistic as possible.
They obtain data from real time motion capture devices. The person, or actor, with the motion capture devices performs a series of activities such as running up some stairs, or dancing, which are captured on to a computer. Knowing the coordinates of the actor's head, arms, legs, etc. allows the animator to map that on to an animated figure. The animated figured is then programmed to move its arms and legs just like the actor did. Computer games are now programmed where for example an action figure is programmed to walk across the room while avoiding a low beam.