The Future of 3D Mapping Technology

When the Google Nexus smartphone blasts off into space, it will be taking cutting edge 3D mapping capability with it to help astronauts on the ISS (International Space Station).  A part of Google’s Project Tango, the phone will be fitted out with accelerometers, motion tracking software an Infrared Projector and an Infrared Camera similar to the one used in X-Box Kinect, the phones will be fitted to a device called a SmartSPHERE (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites), capable of mapping a 3D environment and moving throughout the space station with precision.

3D Phase Mapping in the Non Destructive Testing product range is constantly evolving and can now be found in products like the Mentor IQ, expanding the capability of a single device to deliver multiple assessments.  Maybe one day we’ll be able to do a lot more testing from our smart phones.  Check out the video of 3D Mapping in zero gravity: