SideFX (Houdini): Houdini 21 offers an ML Volume Upres node that uses a pre-trained machine learning model to upscale low-resolution fire and smoke (pyro) simulations, adding fine detail without changing the overall shape of the simulation. Artists can use SideFX-supplied pre-trained models or train their own. | AI Trace
Productivity AutomationVerified
Houdini 21 offers an ML Volume Upres node that uses a pre-trainedmachine learning model to upscale low-resolution fire and smoke (pyro) simulations, adding fine detail without changing the overall shape of the simulation. Artists can use SideFX-supplied pre-trained models or train their own.
Details
The ML Volume Upres node takes a VDB or native Houdini volume as input and runs ONNX-format model inference to increase the simulation's detail. SideFX updated the built-in 'Sparse Billowy Smoke' shelf tool to use this node by default. The node processes volumes in tiles to manage GPU memory and supports GPU acceleration via CUDA, DirectML, or CoreML depending on the platform. This capability was shipped as part of the Houdini 21 release in August 2025.
