Even though Artec handheld 3D scanners were designed to fit well in the hand, they can be easily integrated into robotic systems as well.

Norwegian 3D graphics, printing and carving company NorNet demonstrated this type of automated scanning. The engineers recently bought a Spider scanner to digitize museum exhibits, such as woodcarvings and plaster figures, as well as car parts that are no longer available on the market. Then the 3D models of the scanned objects can be reproduced using a 3D printer or CNC machine.

To see if the Spider measured up to their expectations, the engineers put the scanner to the test, mounting it to a robotic arm, Universal Robot 5 (UR5), which, according to the engineers, was quite easy to program and safe for people. For instance, if the robot hits something, it stops.

“I have many things to scan. The idea is to automate the scanning process,” said the head of NorNet, Ben-Tommy Eriksen. “I chose Artec Spider because of the resolution. Spider sees the smallest details on a wooden surface and is therefore perfect for the job.”

To practice automatic scanning, Eriksen used an old motorcycle engine, which has some elaborate curves and holes. The engine was placed on a rotating platform and the Spider was fixed to the robotic arm to move around the scanned object. The scanner identified areas that needed to be rescanned on the go to eliminate holes in the final model and simplify post-processing.