The future of 3D Scanning: Trends to Watch for in 2025

One of the fastest-evolving domains is 3D scanning; the cause stems from technological advancement and expanded applicability within various fields. Today, we’ll cover several trends likely to revolutionize the future of 3D scanning which have the potential to shake up the industry.

The relentless pursuit of higher accuracy and resolution continues to drive innovation in the 3D scanning industry. Manufacturers are developing advanced hardware solutions, including enhanced sensors, refined algorithms, and AI-powered models, to meet the growing demand for precise and detailed scans. These advancements are paving the way toward achieving sub-micron accuracy.

While Moore’s Law has fueled technological progress for decades, its limits are becoming apparent.  However, breakthroughs in quantum computing and neural network hardware may soon cause new technologies to emerge to increase 3D scanner accuracy once again.

AI models and sophisticated algorithms are also contributing to the evolution of 3D scanning. These tools can generate high-definition models and ultra-detailed scan data, making them invaluable for applications like quality control.  New optimization techniques allow for large complex 3D scan data files to be rendered easier, similar to Unreal Engine 5’s Nanite tool which has already demonstrated ease and efficiency with handling large 3D scan assets.  These innovations not only enhance the fidelity of 3D scans but also solidify 3D scanning as an essential tool for capturing reality and solving critical industrial challenges.

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force across numerous industries, including 3D scanning. Companies like Artec Studio are already leveraging AI models to enhance their photogrammetry workflows, improving both speed and accuracy. 

In the future, we can anticipate AI tools being seamlessly integrated into the latest generation of 3D scanners.  AI tools promise significant advancements to both workflow optimization and intelligent data interpretation.  By automating various aspects of the 3D scanning process, AI can help optimize the workflow and streamline operations, reducing manual processing, and project time.  AI can assist in cleaning and sampling data during the data collection, or scanning step itself.  This intelligent data interpretation capability not only improves raw scan quality, but even real time scanning and meshing’s performance improve. 

With the introduction of the Artec Leo, wireless, self-contained 3D scanners has paved the way towards immense possibility for portable scanning solutions.  Improvements to photogrammetry and LiDAR technologies have led to smaller and more efficient presenting a future of more portable 3D scanners. 

A current application being explored is performing photogrammetry with high-quality cameras on commercially available drones.  From the video footage, detailed photogrammetry 3D models are created from the individual frames.  Not only is this method portable, but scans can be created of objects and buildings which traditional 3D scanning methods may find more challenging to capture.

Different LiDAR technologies have been explored for use in autonomous driving vehicles, and the technology has frequently been becoming more compact, and more efficient.   For instance, the Artec’s Ray II is slightly smaller and more portable than it’s predecessor the Artec Ray I.  The Ray Ii also has smoother scanning operation and faster scanning speeds.

Applications for 3D scanning have expanded across a variety of industries, ranging from engineering and healthcare to historical preservation and entertainment.  As 3D scanning becomes more ubiquitous, look forward towards seeing even further diversification and revolutionizing applications.

In engineering, 3D scanning has been used to modernize legacy products in efficient and time saving ways.  It has proven to be very useful in quality control by allowing engineers to visualize and analyze data without worrying about missing key measurements.  This helps improve efficiency, production time, and accuracy.

In healthcare, each patience is unique and healthcare professionals must tailor their care to best deal with every patient.  By implementing 3D scanning into healthcare workflows, doctors can create 3D models of skeletal features, tumors, and more to help diagnose, monitor, and create personalized treatment plans for a patient.  These 3D models of patient’s internals aid in surgical planning, patient education and more.

History has the tendency to be lost if not properly preserved, and 3D scanning provides a powerful tool to document artifacts and sites before they succumb to natural decay or damage.  Shattered pottery found at archaeological sites can be 3D scanned and digitally reconstruct using AI algorithms.  Experts can analyze artifacts and sites digitally without risk of damage or contamination.  Analyzing aerial LiDAR scans of Central American jungles and forests revealed entire ancient cities lost under the thick foliage.

The entertainment industry has already embraced 3D scanning for creating hyper-realistic set designs of real locations, helping to minimize disruptions during on-location shoots.  Actors are 3D scanned to create a digital double, enabling easy integration with CGI and special effects.  In video games, character models and environments can be based on actual 3D scans, providing high levels of realism and detail.  The latest video game engines like Unreal Engine 5 leverage technologies like Nanite to handle large 3D scans with ease.

As industries continue to explore and adopt this versatile technology, 3D scanning is poised to unlock new possibilities, expanding into markets and applications we have yet to imagine. Its ability to capture reality with precision ensures its ongoing relevance and transformative impact across diverse fields. 

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have been growing in both popularity and usage.  These technologies have been rapidly evolving, and offer a way to bridge the physical and digital worlds.  Integrating 3D scanning creates opportunities to help seamlessly transition between the real and virtual environments.  This can help improve spatial awareness, reduce fatigue, and enhance stability for users visiting alternate and virtual environments.

Using 3D scans of real-world environments allows virtual spaces to mirror physical ones with precision. For instance, scanning the user’s surroundings ensures that virtual representations will align with reality, grounding users within their virtual experiences. This alignment is especially critical for AR applications, where spatial awareness is essential to help users understand their location in relation to the real world. Devices like Apple’s Vision Pro showcase the importance of spatial computing, as accurate user tracking minimizes disorientation and discomfort.  By linking virtual object positions to the 3d scan of the user’s room, they can better maintain their position in space, providing permanence and stability.  By reducing floating or misplaced virtual objects in this way helps users experience less fatigue and dizziness.

As mentioned earlier, 3D scans are already being integrated for quality control inspections in engineering applications.  Software such as PolyWorks have additionally added functionality with HoloLens mixed reality to allow inspectors to have more efficient workflows and have the ability to overlay inspection results directly on the physical part in front of them.

AR and VR tools also allow for virtual tours of museums, historical sites, and ecological areas.  Museums with priceless artifacts can utilize 3D scans to increase engagement and learning as well as host immersive walkthrough environments of historical sites.  For historical locations where high foot traffic could cause ecological or environmental damage, virtual tours can allow users access, while protecting the heritage site.  Already, we see applications like this with some commercially available “walking with dinosaurs” experiences.

Similarly, virtual training environments could allow companies to help train staff in how to operate equipment or how to deal with potentially dangerous situations, all while in a controlled and safe setting.  Scans of the actual equipment and locations could be used to help the trainee become familiar with not only the concept, but also the actual environment they are being trained to work in.  This virtual training can help replace hands-on training, especially for potentially hazardous work environments.  AR and VR can help facilitate remote operations, such as piloting a robot in a hazardous environment utilizing 3D scan technology to map out the exact environment for ease in navigation.

By combining 3D scanning with AR and VR technologies, users can achieve unparalleled levels of immersion, accuracy, and safety. This synergy has the potential to transform industries ranging from education and tourism to industrial training and beyond, making both virtual and augmented experiences more impactful and practical.

As cloud computing and big data analytics continue to advance, they are poised to revolutionize how 3D scanning technologies manage and process increasingly large and complex datasets. The demand for higher resolution scans has grown, but so too has the need for more robust hardware solutions. Cloud infrastructure offers a scalable and efficient answer to these challenges.

Cloud solutions enable the storage and processing of large 3D scan datasets that might overwhelm traditional hardware. With cloud-based computing, scan data can be processed more efficiently, allowing for faster rendering and analysis of even the most intricate models. This capability ensures that cutting-edge 3D scanning technologies can continue to push the boundaries of resolution and accuracy without being constrained by local hardware limitations.

By leveraging cloud platforms, 3D scanning projects can become more collaborative. Teams in different locations can access, edit, and review the same project in real time and foster seamless teamwork. This collaborative capability accelerates decision-making processes and enhances overall project efficiency, as all have instant access to the latest data and updates.

Cloud-based solutions make 3D scanning more accessible to a broader range of users. Smaller companies or teams without access to high-performance local hardware can tap into cloud resources, enabling them to work with large-scale scans and models. Additionally, the scalability of cloud infrastructure means it can adapt to projects of any size, from simple scans to large-scale industrial or architectural endeavors.

As 3D scanning technologies continue to evolve, the integration of cloud solutions and big data analytics will play a crucial role in unlocking their full potential. These innovations will not only make managing large datasets more efficient but will also transform the way teams collaborate, paving the way for new possibilities in industries ranging from engineering to entertainment.

Businesses and industries looking to adopt more sustainable practices have turned towards 3D scanning to improve efficiency and reduce waste.  In this way, they implement greener operations and support long-term ecological goals. 

With 3D scanning, prototypes can be designed and built with greater precision, minimizing the need for multiple iterations and reducing material waste. In quality control, 3D scanning allows for better monitoring and inspection, ensuring fewer defects and decreasing the need for rework. These applications help streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve resource utilization.

In manufacturing and industrial settings, 3D scans of factory layouts can be used to optimize space utilization, especially when dealing with legacy equipment. By identifying and reorganizing wasted space, businesses can enhance operational efficiency and potentially avoid the need for new construction. This reduces both costs and environmental impact.

In the construction industry, 3D scanning enables builders to assess existing structures in detail. This technology facilitates renovations and revitalizations rather than resorting to demolition and rebuilding. By preserving and adapting existing structures, construction projects can significantly reduce their ecological footprint, minimizing the waste and energy consumption associated with new builds.

As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability and green practices, the adoption of 3D scanning is expected to grow across various fields. From reducing material usage in product development to enabling environmentally conscious construction methods, 3D scanning has the potential to be a cornerstone of sustainable innovation.

By leveraging 3D scanning, businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also achieve greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness, demonstrating that technological advancement and sustainability can go hand in hand.

As physical and virtual reality grow ever more intertwined and connected, 3D scanning stands as a key bridge linking these two realities together.  While other technologies, such as additive manufacturing, have made great strides in transforming virtual concepts into tangible products, 3D scanning is poised for rapid growth and innovation. 

For years, the industry has been working to achieve greater accuracy and portability in scanning. Now, the 3D scanning industry has expanded and become more diverse with applications and uses such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). These new possibilities are pushing 3D scanning into exciting new territory. Additionally, cloud computing and big data solutions are ready to support these advancements, ensuring more powerful and efficient workflows.

Beyond technical progress, 3D scanning also aligns with sustainable practices, offering eco-friendly solutions that benefit a wide range of industries. As these trends continue to evolve, 3D scanning is set to become an indispensable tool across sectors, enabling more efficient, accurate, and environmentally conscious work.

Keep an eye on the evolving landscape of 3D scanning—there’s no doubt that new breakthroughs and applications will continue to shape the future.