Fuel3D to Build 3D Scanning System for Personalised Eyewear

Fuel3D, developer of the handheld 3D Scanner Scanify, has received a funding of € 1.7 million to build a 3D scanning system for the eyewear sector.

The funding has been awarded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Fuel3D will use the funds to develop a system that will allow for full-face capture from a single scan to provide data for customised eyewear.

The new device will enable eyewear providers to take high resolution 3D images of the customer’s face in under 0.1 seconds. Pre-calibrated stereo cameras combined with photometric imaging enable instant capture and processing of a 270 degree 3D scan. The speed is especially important as it compensates for blinking and movement of the customer.

Fuel3D will develop an initial prototype within the first year and then move towards manufacturing the final product. Additionally, they will work with companies in the eyewear sector for the integration into third-party systems such a virtual try-on solutions or solutions to create custom fitted eyewear.

Stuart Mead, CEO of Fuel3D said: “We are delighted to have secured Horizon 2020 SME instrument funding for this project. We believe that the eyewear sector will benefit greatly from the advances we have made in fast, measurable 3D image capture, and we are looking forward to building a system that will help set new fitting standards and revenue models in the industry.”

To help succeed the project, Fuel3D is building an advisory panel of industry experts including opticians and eyewear manufacturers. Companies that are interested in joining the panel can contact project manager Alex McGrath.

“We have already had many interesting conversations with eyewear industry leaders and the formalisation of our advisory panel will help us progress towards defining new standards in both technology and customer service,” said Fuel3D’s McGrath.