CultArm3D, an Automated Robotic Arm That Can Scan Cultural Objects in 3D

Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics (Fraunhofer IGD for short), the leading world’s leading organization for application-oriented research, has developed a mobile 3D scanner called CultArm3D that can produce precise 3D models of exhibits of various sizes at the touch of a button. The product – as the name suggests – is to be used primarily in museums for the digitization of cultural assets. This project was successfully implemented in collaboration with the Danish camera manufacturer Phase One. Digitization of cultural assets is increasingly happening in museums and cultural institutions around the World as a way to allow people to visit with these important artifacts without physically being there. This has become increasingly important as COVID-19 has prevented people from traveling and gathering in public spaces. This advancement will allow museums to continue taking the steps forward into the digitial world, thanks to 3D scanning.

Bildnachweis: Fraunhofer

The head of department at Fraunhofer IGD, Pedro Santos, and his team have been working on the topic of large-scale 3D scanning technologies and digitization of cultural assets for many years. Mr. Santos himself explains why research in this area is so important: “3D models are tremendously important for research and can help improve our understanding of objects and their origins as well as analyze their attributes. They also serve as the basis for visualization in virtual and augmented reality, and when using 3D printing to create true-color physical replicas.” In addition, scientists can examine and compare 3D-printed cultural artifacts at will without living in fear of damaging the original – because original exhibits are often old, fragile and fragile. For this reason, the CultArm3D placed special emphasis on safety precautions to protect the scan objects. For example, the joints of the scan arm immediately lock into place in the event of a power failure. Other features that the 3D scanner also had to meet were: Results of the highest quality and an easy-to-use system.

CultArm3D features

The CultArm3D is equipped with a Phase One iXG 100 megapixel camera and Fraunhofer IGD’s autonomous scanning algorithms and complemented by specially designed ring lights for optimal illumination. This enables autonomous scanning of objects from all angles and high-quality detailed 3D rendering in the shortest possible time. Challenging during development was the fact that no two objects are alike, with objects having challenging surface geometries, such as shiny or reflective objects made of gold and bronze with complex undercuts, being particularly demanding. However, it managed to overcome the challenge, and that even eliminates the need to use matting spray to capture geometry on reflective surfaces. In addition, the use of the CultArm3D minimizes (or eliminates) manual post-processing of 3D models for complex object geometries.