With the global COVID-19 pandemic upending industries around the world, a growing number of manufacturers, product designers and 3D scanning/3D printing service providers are stepping up to the plate to play their part in fighting the virus and saving lives&mdash;all with the help of 3D measurement technologies. &nbsp;In fact, 3D scanning, and additive manufacturing approaches are helping to accelerate product development, prototyping, quality control and reverse engineering in order to scale up production of protective equipment.One area that is particularly leveraging the power and potential of 3D measurement technologies is the medical equipment sector. Many companies are ramping up the development and production of life-saving masks, mask filters, face shields, respirators, etc.Several of Creaform&rsquo;s partner and industry leaders are leading the way for this ever-growing movement and race against time. We are proud to help them out with their fight against COVID-19. Let&rsquo;s take a closer look at some of their initiatives!<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1588038221741-Geopoints-nl_masks_high-res.jpg">Geopoint 3D scanning a mask&nbsp;<h2>3D scanners: Tools to speed up the development of medical equipment</h2>First, <a href="https://www.geopoints.nl/" target="_blank">Geopoints</a>, a 3D scanning service provider located in the Netherlands, is working with a major client to help <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/geopoints/" target="_blank">produce protective gear for healthcare workers treating patients with COVID-19</a>. The Geopoints team is using the HandySCAN 3D scanner to more quickly develop the moulds for the protective gear, thereby mitigating the traditionally long tooling process. Another compelling example: <a href="https://www.asorcad.es/" target="_blank">AsorCAD</a>, one of Creaform&rsquo;s distributors. This 3D solution and service provider situated in hard-hit Spain, joined the non-profit platform&nbsp;<a href="http://www.3dcovid19.tech/" target="_blank">3DCovid19.org</a>&nbsp;to carry out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Kdtc1KOgp/" target="_blank">3D scanning and reverse engineering of ventilator parts</a>&nbsp;as part of an initiative to put ventilators that were deemed obsolete, due to a lack of connectors, back in service. In fact, AsorCAD is the only company in Spain that is involved in the end-to-end 3D scanning and reverse engineering of these parts. They are also working on projects to scan masks as well as filtration equipment. Many other Spanish companies that specialize in 3D scanning and 3D printing have also gotten on board with the platform &nbsp;to develop other protective gear.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1588038412619-escaneado-respirador-1-256x300.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 788px;"><a href="https://www.stratasys.com/" target="_blank">Stratasys</a>, a major 3D printer that has offices around the world,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stratasys.com/covid-19" target="_blank">responded to the COVID-19 crisis through several key initiatives</a>, including scaling up the 3D printing of re-usable and disposable protective face shields for both healthcare providers and law enforcement. Stratasys is also working with the Massachusetts General Hospital to have its 3D printers get to work on creating as many face masks as possible. Finally, the company is also taking part in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coventchallenge.com/" target="_blank">CoVent-19 Challenge</a>, an open innovation effort to design a rapidly deployable mechanical ventilator.These are just some of the initial&mdash;and creative!&mdash;efforts Creaform&rsquo;s partners and the 3D scanning/3D printing industry have made in the fight against COVID-19. We would like to thank them for their contribution in making the world safer again.<h2>Innovations continue to evolve every day</h2>The situation is changing rapidly and an increasing number of companies are ingeniously trying to support the cause. For example, did you know that even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/uk-other-hospitals-desperate-for-masks-turn-to-d-printing/article_4b6b85d1-fdd4-5dbd-8866-f16d1ca872d5.html" target="_blank">non-destructive evaluation (NDE)</a> service providers, which normally carry out pipeline integrity inspections for the oil and gas industry but have seen much of their work halted, are using 3D scanners to help develop much-needed medical supplies, like full masks?

One area that is particularly leveraging the power and potential of 3D measurement technologies is the medical equipment sector. Many companies are ramping up the development and production of life-saving masks, mask filters, face shields, respirators, etc.

How can 3D measurement technologies be used to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic?

<a href="http://hyperganic.com/" target="_blank">Hyperganic</a>, a company based in Munich, Germany, develops a software platform that uses artificial intelligence for the advanced design and engineering of highly complex components, structures and entire machines. Using artificial intelligence, objects can be created and sent to industrial 3D printers for output. This new manufacturing approach overcomes the limits of traditional product development and production processes.<h2>The project</h2>A bicycle helmet must balance design, comfort and, above all, safety. Mass production methods and traditional tools significantly limit the freedom and capabilities of both designers and production engineers. Since a handful of helmet sizes have to fit the entire spectrum of head shapes and sizes, cyclists often have difficulty finding helmets with the right fit and comfort without sacrificing safety.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1588037786625-02-HyperganicTechnologies_Helmet_Scan_A-1024x811.jpg" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Hyperganic team recently worked with partners to implement a completely new automated workflow and manufacturing process that leveraged AI-based design, 3D scanners and industrial 3D printing to produce customized helmets that could fit specific individuals.Creaform&rsquo;s 3D scanner, the Go!SCAN SPARK, which enables <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/de/messtechnik/tragbare-3d-scanner-goscan-3d" target="_blank">fast and smooth 3D scans of complex surfaces</a>, was used to capture the dimensions of an individual&rsquo;s head shape. With the help of Hyperganic Studio, the team created an app that included input information on the cyclist&rsquo;s head scan, historical data on impact statistics, and an outer helmet shape.Then, the designers got to work for the production of a customized helmet. The central part of the helmet consisted of gyroid structures, which not only helped to enhance the protection and support of the cyclist&rsquo;s head but also optimized air flow for the best possible aerodynamics. For additional shock absorption and comfort, 3D-printed silicone inserts were attached to the inside of the shell.Thanks to working with AI-optimized design software and a 3D scanner, the Hyperganic team was able to 3D print a helmet that perfectly fit the cyclists for maximum safety and comfort.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1588037895448-04-HyperganicTechnologies_Helmet_Infill_Profile_A-1024x683.jpg">All photos: @Hyperganic Technologies AG&nbsp;

Hyperganic, a company based in Munich, Germany, develops a software platform that uses artificial intelligence for the advanced design and engineering of highly complex components, structures and entire machines.

Leveraging 3D scanning, 3D printing and artificial intelligence in product development

Normally, it takes pricey equipment and expertise to create an accurate 3D reconstruction of someone&#39;s face that&#39;s realistic and doesn&#39;t look creepy. Now, Carnegie Mellon University researchers have pulled off the feat using video recorded on an ordinary smartphone.Using a smartphone to shoot a continuous video of the front and sides of the face generates a dense cloud of data. A&nbsp;<a href="https://arxiv.org/pdf/2003.08583.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">two-step process</a> developed by CMU&#39;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ri.cmu.edu/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Robotics Institute</a> uses that data, with some help from deep learning algorithms, to build a digital reconstruction of the face. The team&#39;s experiments show that their method can achieve sub-millimeter accuracy, outperforming other camera-based processes.A digital face might be used to build an avatar for gaming or for virtual or augmented reality, and could be used in animation, biometric identification and even medical procedures. An accurate 3D rendering of the face might also be useful in building customized surgical masks or respirators.<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AH9-eEg7xmQ?&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" style="width: 789px; height: 444px;"></iframe>Normally, it takes pricey equipment and expertise to create an accurate 3D reconstruction of someone&rsquo;s face that&rsquo;s realistic and doesn&rsquo;t look creepy. Now, SCS researchers have pulled off the feat using video recorded on an ordinary smartphone.&nbsp;&quot;Building a 3D reconstruction of the face has been an open problem in computer vision and graphics because people are very sensitive to the look of facial features,&quot; said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ri.cmu.edu/ri-faculty/simon-lucey/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Simon Lucey</a>, an associate research professor in the Robotics Institute. &quot;Even slight anomalies in the reconstructions can make the end result look unrealistic.&quot;Laser scanners, structured light and multicamera studio setups can produce highly accurate scans of the face, but these specialized sensors are prohibitively expensive for most applications. CMU&#39;s method, however, requires only a smartphone.The method, which Lucey developed with master&#39;s students Shubham Agrawal and Anuj Pahuja, was presented in early March at the IEEE Winter Conference on Applications of Computer Vision (WACV) in Snowmass, Colorado. It begins with shooting 15-20 seconds of video. In this case, the researchers used an iPhone X in the slow-motion setting.&quot;The high frame rate of slow motion is one of the key things for our method because it generates a dense point cloud,&quot; Lucey said.The researchers then employ a commonly used technique called visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). Visual SLAM triangulates points on a surface to calculate its shape, while at the same time using that information to determine the position of the camera. This creates an initial geometry of the face, but missing data leave gaps in the model.In the second step of this process, the researchers work to fill in those gaps, first by using deep learning algorithms. Deep learning is used in a limited way, however: it identifies the person&#39;s profile and landmarks such as ears, eyes and nose. Classical computer vision techniques are then used to fill in the gaps.&quot;Deep learning is a powerful tool that we use every day,&quot; Lucey said. &quot;But deep learning has a tendency to memorize solutions,&quot; which works against efforts to include distinguishing details of the face. &quot;If you use these algorithms just to find the landmarks, you can use classical methods to fill in the gaps much more easily.&quot;The method isn&#39;t necessarily quick; it took 30-40 minutes of processing time. But the entire process can be performed on a smartphone.In addition to face reconstructions, the CMU team&#39;s methods might also be employed to capture the geometry of almost any object, Lucey said. Digital reconstructions of those objects can then be incorporated into animations or perhaps transmitted across the internet to sites where the objects could be duplicated with 3D printers.

Carnegie Mellon method foregoes expensive scanners, camera setups, studios

Smartphone Videos Produce Highly Realistic 3D Face Reconstructions

Metrology, including <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/en/metrology-solutions" target="_blank">3D measurement technologies and 3D scanners</a>, is taking the manufacturing, NDT, quality control and educational sectors by storm. For example, according to Zion Market Research, the <a href="https://zmrmarketjournal.com/5416/3d-scanning-market-share-to-reach-approximately-usd-5-06-billion-by-2022/" target="_blank">3D scanning manufacturing market alone will reach 5.06 billion by 2022</a>.And for good reason. 3D scanners, which capture the shape, geometries, textures and colours of objects in the real world, bring that data into the digital realm. As a leader of all types of 3D measurement technologies, including 3D scanners as well as photogrammetry and probing solutions, Creaform has put together some great sources to help you get started in understanding metrology and how our 3D measurement solutions can kickstart your product development, NDT inspections, quality control processes and teaching curricula.<h2>What is the history of 3D measurements?</h2>3D measurements is actually one of the most recent technologies used in metrology, which is the science of measurement and the standardization of measurements. The first measurements date back to the ancient Egyptians to facilitate commerce, build infrastructure and record human activity. Modern metrology, however, gets its roots from the French revolution.Would you like to learn more about the evolution of metrology? Take a look at this <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/blog/the-history-of-metrology-from-galileo-to-optical-systems/" target="_blank">historical timeline of metrology</a> from Galileo to today&rsquo;s optical systems.<h2>How 3D measurement works</h2>There are two main types of 3D measurements processes: contact and non-contact. Contact 3D measurement solutions probe objects through physical touch, such as touch probes, articulated arms and certain coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Non-contact 3D measurement technologies, as the name suggests, provide a means to collect 3D data without touching objects. They include 3D laser scanners, structured light scanners, photogrammetry solutions and optical CMM scanners.3D measurement solutions can be further broken down based on acquisition type.<h2>Types of 3D measurement technologies</h2>There are two main types of 3D measurements processes: contact and non-contact. Contact 3D measurement solutions probe objects through physical touch, such as touch probes, articulated arms and certain coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Non-contact 3D measurement technologies, as the name suggests, provide a means to collect 3D data without touching objects. They include 3D laser scanners, structured light scanners, photogrammetry solutions and optical CMM scanners.3D measurement solutions can be further broken down based on acquisition type.Laser-based 3D scannersThese scanners cast a laser beam upon the object being scanned so that a camera is able to record where the beam and object intersect. The scanner&rsquo;s position in space is determined based on the technology used such as articulated arm or laser trackers. Laser-based scanners can also rely on positioning targets (small stickers provided with the system that can be placed directly on the part) to position the scanner in space in relation to the part being scanned.Advantages: High-end laser-based 3D scanners generate quality data as well as provide excellent speed, resolution and accuracy. Portable laser-based 3D scanners allow users to scan all types of objects, no matter where they are located (in a lab, on the shop floor or on the field).Our HandySCAN 3D and MetraSCAN 3D <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/en/portable-3d-scanners" target="_blank">portable 3D scanners</a> are two examples of laser-based 3D scanners.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNTg1NjUwNTUyODA1LTNEIE1lYXN1cmVtZW50IGFuZCAzRCBTY2FubmluZyBUZWNobm9sb2dpZXMgICBDcmVhZm9ybS5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Structured-light 3D scannersContrary to laser-based scanners, which project one or many laser lines on an object, structured-light (or white-light) scanners project light and shade patterns&mdash;all while taking images with a camera. The scanner detects variations in the pattern and relies on the geometry and texture (color) of the object to position the data. Several images must be acquired from various positions until the mesh is complete.Advantages: Structured-light 3D scanners are fast and require close to no set up time. In addition, handheld structured-light 3D scanners are very convenient as they are portable and can be used to scan objects anywhere and in any position.Interested in learning more about structured-light 3D scanners? Make sure you check out our <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/en/handheld-portable-3d-scanner-goscan-3d" target="_blank">white-light structured-light 3D scanner</a>.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNTg1NjUwNjA2MzUxLUNyZWFmb3JtX0dvU0NBTjNEX0luc3BlY3Rpb25fTWV0cm9sb2d5X0xhYi00LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">PhotogrammetryPhotogrammetry technology uses coded targets and snaps multiple images of an object in different positions. The photogrammetry system then triangulates the points in the images to determine the location of them in a three-dimensional space.Advantages: Again, 3D scanners that use photogrammetry are exceptionally accurate and generate repeatable data for larger-sized objects very quickly. Get more information <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/en/metrology-solutions/optical-measuring-systems-maxshot-3d" target="_blank">photogrammetry solutions</a>.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNTg1NjUwNjQ0OTc0LUNyZWFmb3JtX01heFNIT1QzRC1waG90b2dyYW1tZXRyeS1sYXJnZS1zY2FsZS1wcm9qZWN0LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Contact-based handheld 3D measurement solutionsContact-based handheld 3D solutions, oftentimes called portable optical coordinate measuring machines (PCMMs), physically probe the surfaces of an object, which is held firmly in place to be measured. Because these devices come into contact with objects, they can also effectively measure any rigid surfaces.Advantages: The new generations of contact-based 3D probing devices are much more insensitive to instabilities than their predecessors, legacy CMMs.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNTg1NjUwNjkzMzk3LUNyZWFmb3JtX0hhbmR5UFJPQkVfUENNTV9KaWdfSW5zcGVjdGlvbi5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Other types of 3D scannersThere are other types of 3D scanners, such as time-of-flight scanners, which feature laser pulse technology. These scanners measure how long it takes for a laser or infrared beam to be reflected back to the scanners. These scanning solutions require many scans to complete a single mesh and are mostly used for very large objects, such as buildings or other infrastructure.If you would like to dig deeper into 3D scanning technologies, make sure you download our free ebooks:<ul><li><a data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" href="https://www.creaform3d.com/sites/default/files/assets/technological-fundamentals/ebook1_an_introduction_to_3d_scanning_en_26082014.pdf" target="_blank">An Introduction to 3D Scanning</a></li><li><a data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" href="https://www.creaform3d.com/sites/default/files/assets/technological-fundamentals/ebook2_understanding_portable_3d_scanning_technologies_en_11092014.pdf" target="_blank">Understanding Portable 3D Scanning Technologies</a></li></ul><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNTg1NjUwNzMzODA5LUNyZWFmb3JtX0dvU0NBTjNEX0Nhcl9Cb2R5X1BhcnRfM0Rfc2Nhbm5pbmctMy5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19">White light 3D scanners such as the new Go!SCAN SPARK are great for capturing any kind of medium to large sized objects such as automobile parts, sculptures or furniture, the human body or any parts with rich color patterns or geometries.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNTg1NjUwNzY1MzQ2LUNyZWFmb3JtX0hhbmR5U0NBTjNEX1ZYZWxlbWVudHNfMS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19">HandySCAN 3D and the new HandySCAN BLACK provides consistent and repeatable results on a multitude of surfaces across all work conditions or environments, enabling you to reduce turnaround times and increase profitability.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNTg1NjUwNzk0OTIwLUNyZWFmb3JtX01ldHJhU0NBTjNEX09wdGljYWxfQ01NXzNEX1NjYW5uZXIuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==">With its extendable measuring volume, incredible speed, shop-floor accuracy and impressive capabilities on large parts, the MetraSCAN 3D optical CMM scanners represents the most complete metrology-grade 3D scanner on the market.What are 3D scanning solutions specifically used for?3D scanning solutions can be used in a variety of different industries and for <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/en/applications" target="_blank">many applications</a>. Did you know that 3D scanners can be used in:<ul><li>Aerospace</li><li>Automotive and transportation</li><li>Consumer products</li><li>Manufacturing</li><li>Heavy industries</li><li>Healthcare</li><li>Oil and gas</li><li>Power generation</li><li>Education</li><li>Other 3D scanning sectors</li></ul>There are virtually no limits to what 3D scanners can do! Here are just some of the many applications 3D scanning technology is involved in: accelerating product development, enhancing manufacturing processes, improving quality control and inspections, increasing product quality, reverse engineering, teaching future engineering students about metrology, preserving artefacts, and much more!Recommended reading:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/what-is-the-future-of-reverse-engineering" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What is the Future of Reverse Engineering?</a><h2>Choosing the right 3D scanner</h2>There are many articles and webinars on how to choose the right 3D scanner for your specific applications.It is important, above all, to distinguish between low-cost 3D scanners that are neither professional- nor metrology-grade. Low-cost 3D scanners simply cannot provide the accuracy, resolution and repeatability required for discerning engineers, quality control managers, NDT specialists, professors and other experts who are looking for high-end 3D scanners to get their jobs done.Low-cost 3D scanners that are not metrology- or professional-grade can negatively impact any large-scale or major 3D scanning project. If smaller projects, which depend on accurate results, cannot be relegated to cheap 3D scanning imitations.Need to learn more about metrology- and professional-grade 3D scanners? Take a look at our article on the <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/blog/why-using-low-cost-3d-scanners-in-professional-applications-can-be-a-costly-mistake/" target="_blank">advantages of high-end 3D scanning solutions over low-cost options</a>.<h2>3D scanners and 3D printing</h2>There is sometimes confusion between 3D scanning and 3D printing. However, 3D scanning and 3D printing actually make up a pretty powerful combination for fast prototyping and reverse engineering across all industries. Discover more about the <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/en/applications/other-applications/3d-printing-goscan-3d-scanner" target="_blank">different applications 3D scanning and 3D printing can come in handy</a>.For example, manufacturers will speed up their product development or reverse engineering processes by scanning a part, making changes to the 3D file, and then using a 3D printer to create a physical model of the newly designed part.3D scanning and 3D printing are much easier to carry out than creating prototypes from scratch. The reason? Rather than struggling with adapting physical prototypes based on each design change, users can scan a part, make any modifications, clean up the mesh using <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/en/metrology-solutions/vxmodel-and-goscan-3d-perfect-partner-3d-printers" target="_blank">dedicated 3D scanning software</a>, and send the new model to print! Additive manufacturing workflows have never been this easy!

This article will teach you everything you need to know about 3d scanning. From the history of measurements, types of 3d scanning, and the variety of different industries the technology is used.

Explore 3d scanners and 3d measurement technologies

<h2>The Search for a Universal Algorithm</h2>For robots to keep up with the pace of technological innovation, machine learning has become paramount. While robots are already effective at alleviating the manual operation of routine tasks, an intelligent robot should also be able to process their commands with future actions in mind. Engineers at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/robotechvision/" target="_blank">RoboTech Vision Ltd.</a>, Peter P&aacute;szt&oacute;, PhD., Marian Kľ&uacute;čik, and Martin Smoľ&aacute;k are focused on that pursuit by developing autonomous mobile robots for outdoor environments. This is where Clearpath&rsquo;s <a href="http://bit.ly/2X7wQRW" target="_blank">Husky UGV</a>, a medium sized robotic development platform, fits in.What was RoboTech Vision&rsquo;s goal with this technology collaboration? They wanted to utilize the Husky to debug their location and navigation algorithms. This step would enable them to effectively develop and deploy artificial intelligence on their own mobile robots. Furthermore, they are focused on using Husky for their research on robot learning, voice commanding, and object recognition. Clearpath not only provided a mobile base for their process but also served as a catalyst for their ROS experiences, particularly in the advances of their own algorithms and software resources.<h2>Androver 2: Autonomous Navigation via Mobile Devices</h2>RoboTech Vision&rsquo;s unique approach is implementing the elements of artificial intelligence in addition to autonomous navigation. They believe that this provides better interaction with the user, prediction, and decision making in some situations. The objective is a robot that can understand verbal commands, learn and create logical links to the objects with commands, and use it to perform tasks.<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_ytgnlVJZhw?&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" style="width: 1115px; height: 636px;"></iframe>RoboTech Vision customized Husky (robotic arm&nbsp;<a href="https://store.clearpathrobotics.com/products/universal-robots-ur5" target="_blank">UR5</a>&nbsp;attached) by adding a camera capable of recognizing and following objects without human intervention.&nbsp;Before adopting Husky, RoboTech Vision found that developing their own solution had been overly time-consuming. Clearpath&rsquo;s robotics platform gave them the freedom to divide their team into two parts: 1) Development of algorithms (using Husky) and 2) Development of their own robot, Androver 2. The Androver 2 is a prototype of a four-wheeled mobile robot with a Double-Ackerman kinematic structure, designed primarily for outdoor environments. The versatile and customizable robot uses artificial intelligence for autonomous navigation and performs many different types of tasks. For example, Androver 2 has undergone successful day and night tests at the European Space Agency on the simulated surface of the Moon for their simulated space missions.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1579089626410-Androver-2-on-Istrobot-competition.jpg">Androver 2 at the international competition Istrobot where it won first place. Its task was to move to a specified point as quickly as possible and return to the start. Image source: RoboTech Vision/ Mari&aacute;n T&aacute;rn&iacute;k<h2>Collaborative Force</h2>RoboTech Vision&rsquo;s main motivator for working with Clearpath was that Husky had a different kinematic structure than their own platform, Androver 2. This made it ideal for testing their algorithms on different models during development. &nbsp;The main goal: a universal algorithm that can work on a variety of robots. By adopting the Husky robotic platform, they were able to save time as they did not have to independently develop their own platform for testing and developing their algorithms.RoboTech Vision followed several different steps to make Husky their own:<ul><li>Upgrade of the Husky with a GPU to increase its computing power. This fulfilled their needs of implementing their AI and visual system algorithms. Lastly, this also gave them the ability to use computationally intensive neural networks, which is what is behind recognizing objects or detecting a suitable path.</li><li>Addition of their own Axis camera for visual input.</li><li>Adjustment of the mount for the Novatel GPS to improve reception.</li><li>Creation of a superstructure and extra ventilation to support the Nvidia graphics card</li></ul><h2>Technical Applications</h2>For mapping purposes, RoboTech Vision uses a <a href="https://store.clearpathrobotics.com/products/puck" target="_blank">LiDAR Velodyne Puck</a>. The Velodyne with the Axis camera allows them to both detect obstacles and&nbsp;recognize objects. Their <a href="https://store.clearpathrobotics.com/products/hokuyo-ust-10lx" target="_blank">2D Hokuyo UST-10LX LiDAR</a> is mostly used for area monitoring, as they rely on a 3D scanner to detect obstacles. Finally, the UR5 robotic arm integrated by Clearpath will enable the robot to grasp recognized objects in the future.<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/32LSzpZ0kC0?&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" style="width: 1114px; height: 629px;"></iframe>Here is an example of RoboTech Vision using their Object Tracking Algorithm with Husky. It is able to recognize and follow objects at a safe distance using a camera with a 3D scanner.&nbsp;<h2>The Clearpath Advantage</h2>According to RoboTech Vision, the Husky was effective at helping them progress towards their goal of creating a universal algorithm which would assist with their autonomous mobile robots. They chose Husky as their mobile base because it is &ldquo;well crafted and relatively easy to upgrade&rdquo;. The opportunity to combine both their own technology with that of Clearpath, was extremely attractive to them. Finally, they believe that in terms of engineering and reliability, the Husky platform performs on a higher level than the competition. The Husky&rsquo;s technical specifications alongside Clearpath&rsquo;s focus on cooperation and collaboration made the Husky the best option for them. &nbsp;&nbsp;RoboTech Vision&rsquo;s foray into universal algorithms continues with their research work and alongside Husky they will continue to effectively manage their projects and complement their technology. Beyond the Andover 2, they will look to apply their algorithms to a variety of solutions including robotics, web applications, android development, and hardware development.

RoboTech Vision is a Slovakia based software company that works in the fields of robotics, visual systems, web applications development, custom software, and mobile applications development.  Image source: RoboTech Vision.

For robots to keep up with the pace of technological innovation, machine learning has become paramount. While robots are already effective at alleviating the manual operation of routine tasks, an intelligent robot should also be able to process their commands with future actions in mind.

Developing A Universal Algorithm For Mobile Robots With Husky UGV

3d scanning

Surface roughness can be measured with a profilometer

Measuring surface roughness allows metrologists to establish the roughness of a surface for quality control or other purposes. But how exactly is it done?

Measuring Surface Roughness: A Comprehensive Guide

Point clouds are an important concept in 3D scanning and <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/how-to-make-a-3d-model-for-printing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3D modeling</a>. Sometimes consisting of tens of millions of individual data points, point clouds can represent anything from a tiny piece of jewelry to an entire football stadium.So what exactly are point clouds? Where do they come from and how are they used? This article goes over the essential facts, looking at the basics of 3D scanning, point cloud formats, and point cloud software.<h1 dir="ltr">What is 3D scanning?</h1>Before we get into the nitty gritty of point clouds, we should take a moment to familiarize ourselves with 3D scanning.3D scanning is the process of taking a physical, real-world object — an industrial part, a piece of pottery, a human being… you name it — and collecting data about its 3D shape in order to create a digital 3D model of it.There are a few variations on the 3D scanning process, all of which use slightly different methods to collect data about an object’s shape. Some of the most common 3D scanning technologies include:<ul><li dir="ltr">Laser scanning: A laser is shined at the object, and a sensor measures the distance between the light source and the surface of the object, either by timing how long it takes for the light to return (“time of flight” or Lidar) or by triangulation.</li><li dir="ltr">Structured light scanning: Patterned lines of light are projected onto the object, and cameras are used to analyze how the lines deform over the surface of the object. These deformations indicate the shape of the object.</li><li dir="ltr">Photogrammetry: Photographs are taken of the object from many different angles, and software stitches these images together to figure out the 3D shape of the object.</li></ul>The use cases for 3D scanning are nearly endless. In various industrial disciplines, scanners can be used for reverse engineering: a part can be scanned, turned into a digital 3D model, then reproduced in physical form. Other applications include surveying (in areas like construction and civil engineering) using photogrammetry, building information modeling (BIM), crime scene analysis using handheld 3D laser scanners, capture of real-world objects for animation and video games, and scanning body parts in medicine and dentistry.3D scanning is also widely used in tandem with digital manufacturing techniques like 3D printing and CNC machining, as scan data can be converted into a CAD model or into a mesh format such as STL, which can then be turned into <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/your-guide-to-3d-printing-g-code" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">machine-readable G-code</a>.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjY3OTgwMDkxMjQ5LTNkX3NjYW5uZXIuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="structured light">Structured light scanning for reverse engineering<h1 dir="ltr">What is a point cloud?</h1>A point cloud is the immediate digital output of the 3D scanning process. When you use a 3D scanner to capture the shape of a physical object, the resulting file format is a point cloud.In short, a point cloud is a collection of spatial data points, with each individual point representing a tiny spot on the surface of the scanned object (collected using one of the technologies described above). The point is expressed as a set of X, Y, Z coordinates. Because there are so many of these individual data points, the point cloud as a whole can be used to understand the 3D shape of the scanned object.However, not all point clouds are equal: more data points and a higher-density point cloud means more detail, whereas a point cloud with just a few data points will only give an approximate representation of the real-world object. That being said, high-density point clouds require more computer memory and processing power.So how many individual points does a 3D point cloud contain? This varies by the size of the scanned object and the chosen resolution of the scan, but the number is typically in the millions. This makes the processing of point cloud data fairly CPU-intensive.Depending on the scanning technology, a data point in a point cloud may also contain RGB color (and brightness) information.<h1 dir="ltr">Point cloud file formats</h1>There are a few different file formats for point clouds, which can make the handling of the raw data confusing. However, most formats fall into two categories, and many are similar to one another and therefore easy to convert. Some formats are universal, while others are proprietary and have been developed by 3D scanning hardware manufacturers.<h2 dir="ltr">ASCII</h2>The first major type of point cloud format is ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange), which conveys information using text. Each line of text within an ASCII point cloud represents X, Y, Z spatial coordinates.Common ASCII extensions: XYZ, OBJ, ASC, PTX<h2 dir="ltr">Binary</h2>The other major type of point cloud format is binary, which retains all information in binary code. Although binary data is harder to access and interpret, the files themselves are much smaller than ASCII files.Common binary extensions: LAS, PCD, FLS<h1 dir="ltr">Turning a point cloud into a 3D model</h1>Point clouds are a highly effective way of arranging information about the physical world, but they are not particularly useful for further activity once stored on a computer. Although it is possible to use point cloud datasets directly, many users will ultimately convert the point cloud into one of the following file types:<ul><li dir="ltr">CAD model, allowing the 3D scan data to be modified (reverse engineering etc.)</li><li dir="ltr">NURBS surface model, turning the 3D scan data into a digital 3D object with curved surfaces (on-screen visualization, video game rendering etc.)</li><li dir="ltr">Mesh, turning the 3D scan data into a polygon or triangle mesh (3D printing etc.)</li></ul>The process of turning a point cloud into a 3D model is known as surface reconstruction. This is because a point cloud itself does not contain “surfaces,” only a multitude of discrete coordinates.Of course, the conversion of point cloud data into 3D models is not a simple process. Point cloud processing software must use algorithms to figure out how to represent a collection of points as lines or shapes while determining which data points are genuine and which are outliers. The best software uses deep learning to contextualize point clouds and understand what the data is supposed to represent.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjY3OTgwMTU1MzQ1LXBvbHlnb25hbF9tZXNoLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="mesh">A point cloud can be transformed into a polygonal mesh<h1 dir="ltr">Point cloud processing software</h1>Users may need various types of software to create a smooth 3D scanning workflow. However, one of the most important tools is point cloud processing software. This software is used to manually edit point clouds (to remove outlying data points, for example) and render them visually. Different algorithms can be deployed to automatically filter outlying data points.[1]Functions of point cloud processing software may include:<ul><li dir="ltr">Manual editing of the point cloud</li><li dir="ltr">Automatic cleanup and filtering</li><li dir="ltr">Offloading tasks to the cloud</li><li dir="ltr">Rendering</li><li dir="ltr">Point distance calculation</li><li dir="ltr">Registration</li><li dir="ltr">Conversion to mesh</li><li dir="ltr">Conversation to NURBS</li></ul>Popular point cloud processing software includes CloudCompare (free and open source), Point Cloud Library (free and open source), Leica Cyclone, Faro Scene, Autodesk Recap, and Trimble RealWorks.<h3 dir="ltr">Point cloud registration</h3>For 3D scanning applications like product quality control and <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/3d-scanning-for-inspection-are-3d-scanners-a-smart-choice" target="_blank">inspection</a>, it may be necessary to perform a process known as point cloud registration, otherwise known as point-set registration or scan matching. The process also has numerous uses in computer vision applications.[2]This is when a point cloud is aligned with another point cloud (or a 3D model) that represents the same physical object. Registration serves a few different purposes, including the merging of two or more data points from separate scans to create a more accurate data set (when using two different scanning technologies to capture a single object, for example), and the comparison of one cloud with another in order to note any discrepancies.&nbsp;One application of point cloud registration is in quality control, where a point cloud obtained from a 3D scan of a manufactured part can be compared with a point cloud from the original CAD model for the part. This can show whether the manufactured part is faithful to the CAD model, or whether the manufacturing process has produced defects.<h1 dir="ltr">Making point clouds 3D printable</h1>3D scanning can be used in combination with 3D printing. This combination is useful for applications like fabricating spare and replacement parts: a 3D scanner can be used to capture a physical part; a 3D model can then be created (and modified) before being 3D printed, resulting in a duplicate of the original part.To make point cloud data 3D printable, it needs to be converted into a triangle mesh using mesh processing software such as MeshLab (free and open source). Such software can fix holes in the point cloud and turn it into a format such as STL, the standard format for additive manufacturing.Unlike a point cloud, an STL file describes the surface geometry of a 3D object through interconnected triangles. Such a file can be “sliced” by 3D printer slicing software to turn it into G-code, which instructs the 3D printer how to make the part.Recommended reading: <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/creating-spare-parts-with-3d-scanning-and-3d-printing" target="_blank">Creating Spare Parts with 3D Scanning and 3D Printing</a><h1 dir="ltr">Key takeaways</h1>All 3D scanning technologies produce point clouds. Whether you use a handheld 3D laser scanner, a desktop structured light scanner, or a photogrammetry setup with digital cameras, the digital output of your scans will be a point cloud.Processing the point cloud is not always straightforward, as dense clouds can be very large and CPU-intensive. However, there are good software options, including those packaged with 3D scanning hardware, as well as free applications like CloudCompare. Additionally, most users will need to perform surface reconstruction on their point cloud in order to create a 3D model that isn’t simply a collection of spatial data points.Once you have become familiar with point clouds and how to handle them, the applications are diverse, from 3D city mapping to animation to 3D printing.<h1 dir="ltr">References</h1>[1] Han XF, Jin JS, Wang MJ, Jiang W, Gao L, Xiao L. A review of algorithms for filtering the 3D point cloud. Signal Processing: Image Communication. 2017 Sep 1;57:103-12.[2] Huang X, Mei G, Zhang J, Abbas R. A comprehensive survey on point cloud registration. arXiv preprint arXiv:2103.02690. 2021 Mar 3.

3D scanners produce point clouds of varying densities

Beginners might be surprised to find that their 3D scans turn out not as solid 3D models, but as clusters of spatial data points. So what exactly is a point cloud, and what can you do with it?

3D Scanning

Technical Guides