3D data collaboration is being driven by Stitch3D's innovative technology
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, a new player is making waves - Stitch3D. Originally focused on land surveyors, this innovative company is now collaborating with a diverse range of industries, including law enforcement agencies, insurers, and construction firms.
The long-term vision of Stitch3D is to make 3D data as common as photos and videos, opening up endless possibilities across various sectors. This ambition is well-timed, given the recent advancements in 3D technology, such as the debut of the lidar sensor-equipped iPhone 12 in 2020, which has since led to a decrease in the costs of 3D sensors and related technologies.
Specialized Cloud Platforms for Collaborative 3D Work
Several cloud platforms are supporting 3D file sharing, analysis, and viewing for collaborative purposes. These platforms cater to specific industries, offering tailored solutions for seamless collaboration.
- 3D Cloud Network - Designed for furniture manufacturers and retailers, this platform enables collaborative management and scaling of 3D content. It offers interactive experiences, allowing manufacturers to maintain brand control and retailers to access realistic, QA-approved 3D assets, thereby accelerating 3D content workflows and cost control within the furniture, office, and home improvement sectors.
- BIMcollab - Tailored for Building Information Modeling (BIM) in architecture, this cloud-based issue management system provides centralized integration with 3D models for real-time tracking, coordination, and resolution of design and construction issues. It enhances communication and reduces errors by linking 3D files with project issue management.
- CloudCities and Pelicad - These platforms are popular among urban planners, facilitating real-time cooperation between stakeholders in urban planning, smart city projects, and sustainable development. They support immersive experiences combining cloud collaboration with VR/AR for community engagement.
- Nexprint (by Elegoo) - An open-source platform for the 3D printing community, Nexprint facilitates collaborative model exchange among designers and creators.
- CoCloud (by CHC Navigation) - A cloud-native platform for 3D data processing, management, and collaborative analysis, useful for teams working with 3D geospatial and survey data.
In addition to these specialized platforms, general collaboration tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Slack support some level of 3D file sharing but are not primarily focused on 3D model visualization or analysis.
Stitch3D: A Game-Changer in 3D Data Analysis
Stitch3D aims to help derive business insights from 3D data as large cloud platforms start focusing on 3D data. The company's suite of tools enables collaboration on 3D files and visualization of data on any browser or mobile device. Users can measure distance, height, slope angle, volume, and more using Stitch3D's tools.
In emergency response situations, where quick and detailed data collection is crucial, Stitch3D's technology can revolutionize various industries. For instance, in the U.S. Navy's case, Stitch3D's technology was used to investigate a fire on the USS Bonhomme Richard ship and assess the damage. Officers had no easy way to share the 3D scans with other agencies.
Stitch3D's platform can create 3D models from scans instantly and provide various analytics useful for different industries, such as measurements, satellite imagery integration, and feature visualization. The company recently received funding from The Sandbox to build prototypes and cloud computing services.
A mobile application from Stitch3D, set to release later this year, will allow users to tap into smartphones with light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors. This development promises to make sharing 3D data as easy as sharing a URL link, which can be embedded in emails or social media posts.
Clark Yuan, the founder of Stitch3D, serves as a testament to the power of innovation. Having served in the U.S. Army for seven years until 2019, Yuan was asked to help the Navy with this issue. During his time at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Yuan formulated the idea for a cloud-based 3D sharing system while going through an accelerator with the Navy in 2020. Yuan received guidance, participated in competitions, and received financial support from various organizations at MIT Sloan School of Management while maturing the idea for Stitch3D.
Stitch3D participated in the Industrial Liaison Program's (ILP) Startup Exchange (STEX) accelerator, further propelling the company's growth. As Stitch3D continues to evolve and expand, it is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of 3D data sharing and analysis.
- Stitch3D, with its recent funding from The Sandbox, is developing prototypes and cloud computing services to help derive business insights from 3D data, a move that aligns with the increasing focus of large cloud platforms on 3D data.
- In Stitch3D's suite of tools, users can measure various parameters such as distance, height, slope angle, volume, and more, which can be instrumental in emergency response situations where quick and detailed data collection is crucial.
- The upcoming mobile application from Stitch3D, equipped with lidar sensors, promises to simplify sharing 3D data by making it as easy as sharing a URL link, further expanding the reach of technology in various sectors.
