Hexagon’s SmartScan VR800 3D scanner has been awarded the renowned Red Dot Design Award recognising product design quality
Established in 1955, the Red Dot Design Award is assessed by an international jury of experts. It assesses products on criteria including aesthetics, degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics and sustainability.
The SmartScan VR800 structured light scanner was awarded the prize in the Product Design category, reflecting the quality of the user experience, ergonomics and consistent application of Hexagon’s design language.
An industry first
Traditional structured light scanners require manual recalibration with every lens change, compromising efficiency. Integrating a zoom lens into a 3D scanner’s design presents significant technical challenges, which is why such a solution had not been developed before
The SmartScan VR800 is, however, the manufacturing industry’s first optical 3D scanner featuring a motorized zoom lens to obtain high-resolution scans of inspected parts in a matter of seconds.
It delivers a resolution range from 238 to 49 microns.
Ergonomic design
Setting the SmartScan VR800 apart from many of its predecessors is its integrated controller unit, which provides fast on-device processing and optimisation of scan data.
Traditional scanners have a separate control box that must be set up alongside the scanner. The VR800’s embedded control unit requires just two cables, enhancing portability and freedom of movement. This is complemented by the scanner’s universal quick-mounting interface, which provides stability when mounted onto any robotic arm or tripod.
Matthias Wieser, VP of product design at Hexagon, said: “Our design choices shape the user experience. In order to develop products that are intuitive and efficient to use, we always try to simplify complexity and understand the user’s true needs.
“A cohesive design language was an added consideration to establish the company’s identity in the SmartScan VR800, resulting in a professional and functional product that is both visually appealing and recognisable as Hexagon. Clarity can be beautiful!”
Dirk Rieke-Zapp, senior product manager for structured light and photogrammetry at Hexagon said: “The interdisciplinary nature of Hexagon’s team was crucial in the development of this product. The expertise of our company-wide Innovation Hub researchers allowed for key design features to come to fruition, such as the zoom lens, the carbon fibre frame and an embedded control unit. The expertise of the team allowed us to embrace innovation and fulfil the expectations of our target design.”
