How to create an array of moving objects along a curve/path?

[u/123YooY321]

Hello everyone,
my goal is to create multiple animations of different electrical components. These red balls are supposed to represent electrons. My method of using an array modifier, deforming the array with a curve, and parenting the array to an empty to create movement along the curve has been the closest ive gotten to my desired result, however, whenever theres a bend/corner in the curve, it deforms the individual balls and makes it look strange. I have attempted to use Geometry nodes, but that also hasnt gotten me much further.

I really, really do not want to manually add and animate every single ball, considering i also have to make about 6 or so animations like this. Google has not given me anything useful. Does anyone have any pointers, or a Geo-node setup that does something similar? Thanks in advance.

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[u/C_DRX]

Geometry Nodes it is. Use a mesh as the path, you don't even need a curve.

[u/C_DRX → u/C_DRX]

This setup gives you total control (through keyframing) over the speed and the amount of dots (or any other shape; I used an IcoSphere but feel free to replace it)

[u/123YooY321 → u/C_DRX]

This works perfectly, thank you!!! I do have two question, how to reverse the flow of objects? Turning the speed value negative has strange effects.

[u/C_DRX → u/123YooY321]

Add a Reverse Curve node after the Mesh to Curve node. You can plug it in the Group Input to expose the parameter if you need to keyframe it.

[u/Qualabel]

Typically, the effect of movement is created by having, say, three sets of dots and turning each set on and off sequentially.

[u/123YooY321 → u/Qualabel]

I think i understand what you mean, but im afraid that it wont work in my specific case, because i have to slow the animation down at certain points too.

[u/Saint_modo]

Why not use "Instancing"?

Instead of making an array of your shape, make an array of a single vertex. Then, simply parent the shape you want to the vertex array object, go into the "Object" menu (orange square), and in the Instancing panel, select the "Vertices" option.

Now your object will use the vertices positions of your array as references and won't be affected by the bending or morphing of the Curve modifier.

[u/123YooY321 → u/Saint_modo]

This works well! Im going to try the geometry node option, but this does the job!

[u/Saint_modo → u/123YooY321]

Yeah, Geometry Nodes is more future proof. I should really start learning it myself, I only know the old ways.