3DOF

3DOF, or three degrees of freedom, is a term used in engineering and physics to describe a system that can be specified by three independent coordinates in space. In three-dimensional space, these coordinates may be either rotational or translational. A 3DOF description can therefore refer to three angles representing orientation (for example, roll, pitch, and yaw) or to three linear coordinates representing position along perpendicular axes (x, y, and z), depending on the application.

In virtual reality and motion tracking, 3DOF commonly denotes rotational tracking only. Such systems capture how an object or user is oriented but do not determine its location in space. By contrast, 6DOF combines three rotational and three translational degrees of freedom to provide full pose, including both orientation and position.

In robotics and automation, 3DOF may describe mechanisms with three independent axes, which could be three rotational axes around a single joint (a rotational gimbal) or three translational axes on a linear stage. The exact meaning depends on whether the design emphasizes orientation, position, or a specific combination.

Advantages of 3DOF include simpler design, lower cost, and reduced computational requirements. Limitations arise from incomplete spatial information, which can restrict interaction and control tasks that require precise positioning.

Common examples include head-orientation tracking in early VR systems, three-axis gimbals for stabilization, and linear stages offering motion along three perpendicular axes. Understanding the context is essential to determine whether 3DOF suffices or 6DOF is needed.