The challenge
Capturing human movement at scale
Despite massive investment in AI infrastructure, the unpredictable reality of human movement is still a challenge for wearable and spatial computing tools. One leading technology firm hit this limit while developing its flagship device.
The company’s AI model needed to interpret everything from a subtle wrist flick to a high-intensity push-up in real-time. Without accurate data across diverse body types, the system would essentially be guessing.
The company operated a state-of-the-art motion capture environment featuring a 15-foot curved LED wall and 75+ high-precision cameras. However, the sophisticated hardware was only as effective as the human engine driving it.
Despite the advanced infrastructure, three structural bottlenecks threatened the product launch:
- Capturing diverse data: To build truly inclusive AI, the model required over 32 specific combinations of age, BMI and physical ability. Standard recruiting couldn’t reach these edge case participants.
- Maximizing equipment utilization: In-person data collection typically suffers from a 60% no-show rate. For every missed session, the setup sat idle, stalling the training cycle and raising costs.
- Managing operational complexity: The process required specialists to calibrate hardware, oversee safety protocols and guide participants through immersive environments — expertise that was lacking in-house.
The company partnered with TaskUs to own the end-to-end data collection process, and help meet demanding timelines.
The solution
Driving complex operations
We deployed teams to the client’s facility and implemented a rigorous system that prioritized technical precision, full uptime and participant care.
Delivering the right participants at scale
We leveraged our proprietary crowdsourcing platform, TaskVerse, along with local activation efforts to quickly find hard-to-reach groups that met our strict criteria.
Ensuring uptime
To keep the data capture process running at all times, we created a 200 to 300% capacity model, booking multiple backup participants for every available slot. Consistent, proactive communication ensured high attendance rates and a productive schedule.
Turning moderators into expert technicians
We trained our moderators to master technical protocols and maintain the high level of focus needed for long-form data collection. They were charged with:
- Adaptive coaching: Guiding seniors and participants with mobility or cognitive challenges through complex movements, ensuring both physical safety and high-fidelity data capture
- Real-time QA: Monitoring headset and camera feeds simultaneously to immediately flag anomalies and guarantee 100% quality across all phases
- Full lifecycle ownership: Handling all operations freed the company’s engineers to focus on more technical aspects of development.
We also secured a future-ready contributor pool by prioritizing fast payments and consistent engagement.
Results
The speed and accuracy of our data collection fueled the company’s market breakthrough and fast-tracked the commercial release of its signature wearables.
