AI startup Cartwheel has raised $10 million in funding and launched its first character animation tools aimed at transforming the 3D animation industry. The company seeks to address the traditionally slow, costly, and inaccessible process of producing high-quality 3D character animations, which power some of the world's most valuable intellectual properties such as Pixar, Nintendo, and Fortnite. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Cartwheel aims to make professional-grade animation more efficient and accessible, potentially reducing the need for large teams and lengthy production timelines. Industry observers note that AI has shifted the main challenge in animation from technical execution to creative taste and design.