Robust Weight Transfer is a free Blender addon created by SentFromSpaceVR that delivers smooth weight transfer results often with just a single click.
It can transfer weights from a source mesh without requiring additional, time-consuming weight painting work or manual smoothing in difficult areas like the armpits, between the legs, or across the chest.
The addon implements an original algorithm for the weights transfer. Initially, weights are transferred similarly to Blender's Data Transfer using Face Interpolated. However, the algorithm improves the results by using constraints such as Max Distance between target and source vertices, and Max Normal Difference, which controls how much the surface orientation of the source and target are allowed to differ.
Additionally, the addon performs “Weight Inpainting” which further enhances the results.
I usually find Blender’s internal weight transfer satisfactory, but if you even need something more “robust”, check out this addon!
The Weight Transfer process operates in two modes: Point and Surface. Point mode is the default because it is generally more robust. It involves internally remeshing the object to allow weights to flow outside of boundaries. With Surface mode, on the other hand, inpainting is more likely to fail.
The addon is based academic work published at SIGGRAPH ASIA 2023.
