3D scanning technology leader secures €1.7 million from EU’s Horizon 2020 SME instrument programme.
Fuel3D, a leading 3D capture and imaging innovator, today announced it has been awarded funding of €1.7 million (£1.2 million) from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under No. 710384. The funding comes from the “SME instrument” part of the €80bn (£57bn) Horizon 2020 programme.
The Horizon 2020 SME instrument funding is specifically to support Fuel3D’s development of a 3D scanning system that will allow full-face capture from a single scan to provide data to support the provision of customised eyewear. Poor fitting glasses cause discomfort and misalignment of the lenses with the eyes, a problem which can result in dissatisfied customers returning glasses.
Fuel3D’s disruptive technology enables rapid capture of high resolution 3D images to deliver solutions that are both cost-effective and easy-to-use. The company’s proposed eyewear solution combines pre-calibrated stereo cameras with photometric imaging to instantly capture and process a 270-degree 3D scan of a customer’s face to enable accurate measurements to be taken. Capturing 3D data in under 0.1 seconds compensates for movement and blinking.
“We are delighted to have secured Horizon 2020 SME instrument funding for this project, said Stuart Mead, CEO, Fuel3D. “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.”
The first year of the project will see Fuel3D develop a prototype system. The second year will move towards manufacturing the final product and also include work with partners in the eyewear sector to integrate with third-party systems, including those designed to support custom-fitting of eyewear or “virtual try-on” solutions.
To help ensure the success of the project, the company is building an advisory panel of industry experts from opticians to eyewear manufacturers. This panel will be instrumental in providing sector-specific knowledge that will drive the development of the system. Companies and individuals interested in joining the panel should contact Fuel3D’s 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.
Fuel3D develops 3D data capture solutions to help address business challenges and support the introduction of new products and services. The company’s work with partners has led to substantial advancements across a variety of market sectors, ranging from healthcare and academia to security and 3D manufacturing.
