Gino Donato/The Sudbury Star Summer student and drone pilot Syed Shozab Ahmed shows off the drone used in 3D mapping on Thursday.
Scan 3D uses a pivoting 2D laser scanner. It then combines that data with data from a positional sensor to generate 3D maps.
The scanner can be mounted onto a vehicle or aircraft, like a quadcopter or underground mining equipment, for a number of applications including 3D mapping, obstacle avoidance or vehicle positioning.
Clickmox also designed an algorithm dubbed Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) that allows the scanner to calculate its position via pattern recognition to create 3D maps in locations where GPS service is not available -- a feat that Naeem Ahmed, president of Clickmox, said is not available with other 3D scanning systems.
Ahmed said the company is currently focusing on marketing the device to the mining industry, as it would allow workers to map and analyze passages in the mine more accurately and efficiently, as well as reaching areas of the mine that may be dangerous or difficult to traverse.
It's not just those in the mining business who might find Scan 3D an attractive piece of technology. Ahmed said that the price of the technology would allow individuals who are interested in personal projects, such as adding automated obstacle avoidance into a vehicle or quadcopter, a chance to get their hands on a 3D scanner at a more consumer friendly price.
Ahmed said that because the scanner is lightweight, it allows it to be mounted on quadcopters where other scanners currently on the market may be too heavy for the copter to take flight.
The scanners come bundled with a software development kit that allows users to adapt the 3D scan to their specific needs.
Clickmox is currently looking for $30,000 worth of pledges on Kickstarter before September 12.
Three versions of Scan 3D can be purchased via Kickstarter:
A basic model that has a scanning range of six metres ($1,195);
An advanced model with a scanning range of 10 metres ($4,590); and
An ultimate model with a scanning range of 20 metres ($6,590).
Those interested can find Scan 3D on Kickstarter at www.kickstarter.com/projects/1723580316/affordable-3d-laser-scanner-for-drones-and-ground.
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