Non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) is a computer graphics technique for curve modeling. It's been around in the early days of the first 3D software and helped create precise and detailed illustrations and animations. However, with the rapid development of animated movies, it became more challenging to maintain smoothness for characters in motion. 

Nowadays, 3D artists use this technique for simple geometrical shapes, while such techniques as subdivision surfaces are a better fit for crafting complex organic shapes.