Artec 3D released a pretty unusual 3D scanner, the Artec Jet.
The Artec Jet isn’t like the typical 3D scanners we use to capture the geometry of an object. Instead, the Artec Jet is intended to capture a very large scene, typically outdoors.
The device’s key technology is LiDAR, where light beams are broadcast and the return times are used to determine the distance to each point in space. By accumulating many of these points, you can perform a 3D reconstruction of the scene. The Artec Jet’s LiDAR range is from 0.5 m all the way to a whopping 300 m distant.
The Artec Jet is quite an impressive device. It can capture up to 1.9 M points per second, although the standard rate is 640 K per second. It’s possible to triple that rate by using their “multi return mode”. This involves additional reflections of scenes containing layers, such as the forest floor under those leaves.
Incredibly, the device can hold up to FOUR HOURS of data collected continuously. This means that you could in theory capture the geometry of massive structures and areas with the Artec Jet.
The data collection rate and storage capacity are so large that it is possible to mount the Artec Jet on vehicles to quickly traverse an entire area. They say that the device can work on a vehicle moving up to 60km/h, and attached to an airborne drone flying up to 18km/h. The device can even work underground, for example mapping the internals of a tunnel, but due to the added structure (the tunnel roof), you have to slow down to only 7km/h.
It’s also waterproof to IP65 rating.
The Artec Jet also is not particularly large, especially considering its capabilities. It weighs only 1.6kg, easily transportable by hand — or by backpack as seen above.
If that wasn’t enough, the Artec Jet can operate in temperatures as low as -10°C, and up to 45°C. Tunnel work in particular would require resistance to higher temperatures, so it seems that Artec 3D has thought through the design carefully.
The versatility of this device is impressive, and I’m also wondering whether that versatility can translate into potential military applications for the Artec Jet. One could imagine combat zones being quickly mapped via drone using the system, for example. That type of application just might translate into considerable sales for Artec 3D.
If you need to capture huge 3D scenes quickly, the Artec Jet might be the device for you.
Via Artec 3D
