Optimization of Digital Animation Through Ethical and Creative Artificial Intelligence in Latin American Contexts (2020-2025)

Abstract

This study, employing a quantitative explanatory approach, analyzes the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the productive efficiency, creativity, and professional ethics of Latin American animators during the 2023-2025 period. Using a non-experimental, cross-sectional design, it administered a structured survey to a purposive sample of industry professionals and students, predominantly from Chile (82 %). The results reveal a dual pattern of technology adoption: While tools such as Toon Boom Harmony and Autodesk Maya maintain their dominance by incorporating AI-based features, a significant gap persists in ethical training, as the majority of respondents report little to no knowledge regarding protocols related to intellectual property and authorship. The study concludes that, although AI optimizes various stages of the workflow –such as rigging (which is the creation of a system of bones and controllers for an animated character) and rotoscoping (which consists of drawing over images from actual video footage, frame by frame, to achieve more realistic movement) – its effective integration relies on a co-creation model in which human oversight and transparency regarding authorship serve as fundamental elements for fostering ethical and sustainable implementation.