fraunhofer0419As part of the 3D Living Lab research project, scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Mechanics (IOF) have developed 3D measurement technology and sensors that can be used to record and control complex movements in real time. The result is demonstrated on a wall made of 150 spheres, which three-dimensionally copies every head, arm and hand movement of a person standing in front of it.

The system works with 3D sensors, 3D data processing, image fusion and an actuator system, just the wall with the 150 balls. It responds to the behavior of the person standing in front of it, detects its movements and gives feedback in real time. A new generation of 3D sensors is used, whose data are passed on and processed with very low latencies. This is followed almost immediately by the reaction of the sphere wall, which reflects the movements of the person.

In the industrial environment, for example, the technology can be used to monitor the cooperation between a human and a robot. The machine could react immediately if you give it a component. It is also conceivable, however, a use in assembly assistance and quality control systems or in the monitoring of biometric access.