Mechatronics
3D LiDAR ScanBox
Portable, repeatable product scanning with an iPhone
Rapid Robotics × Engineering Solutions at Berkeley · 2024 · 117 words · 1 min read
What
Project scope
A modular scanning unit that synchronizes an arched phone sweep with a turntable to generate detailed 3D models from multiple heights and angles.
How
Technical approach
Onshape · SolidWorks · Laser cutting · 3D printing · Mechanical test
Why
Outcome
A portable, repeatable scan path made iPhone LiDAR capture easier to demonstrate and more consistent for prospective users.
Key evidence
Process 01
Scan path and mechanism layout
I led the design of the arched arm and custom components that hold the iPhone, ring light, and turntable. The phone moves through three heights as the object rotates, collecting overlapping views for Rapid Robotics software to stitch into a model.
The synchronized arch-and-turntable scanning sequence.
Process 02
Design changes after prototyping
The first rack-and-pinion concept proved harder to assemble and introduced avoidable friction. A dual-pulley revision improved motion control, lowered the electronics, and simplified the travel-ready structure. Wood prototypes established geometry before the final acrylic build.
Final acrylic ScanBox prototype.
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