This article is also available in:
French
This article is sponsored by Revopoint. All scans shown were created by the 3DVF.com team using a pre-production unit.
Update : the Kickstarter campaign is now over, but you can check our the official Revopoint website, as well as the Revopoint MIRACO product page, and order your own 3D scanner!
Revopoint has launched a Kickstarter campaign for MIRACO: a standalone 3D scanner capable of digitizing objects ranging from a figurine to a car. It is compact, lightweight, and no computer/smartphone is required during the scan.
The Revopoint MIRACO Kickstarter campaign has already raised over 2.2 million euros.
Why this excitement? The answer is in the video, and in the rest of this article!
A standalone 3D scanner
You probably already know Revopoint, a brand known for their affordable 3D scanners. The company has already launched various scanners for specific uses, like the Revopoint MINI (which we tested here) for very small objects, the RANGE (see our video) for large objects, and the INSPIRE, which is their entry-level product.
Revopoint MIRACO, is their new flagship: an all-in-one scanner that is smarter, more complete, and more versatile.
The fact that it is standalone means you don’t need a computer, smartphone or even a power outlet to scan; you can just grab the scanner, and scan on the go. Sensors, CPU, screen, battery: everything is included in the Revopoint MIRACO.
In other words, you can scan props on set, or scan friends during your vacations. This is also perfect for specialists working on heritage projects, since you can’t always find Wi-Fi or power outlets in museums.
Revopoint asked us to put it to the test and sent us a pre-production unit.
Since this article is sponsored, it’s not a test but a presentation of the scans we created. The scans were processed using Revopoint software, as well as Meshmixer in some cases.
Note that as it is a pre-production sample, the final version may differ in some aspects. The same goes for the software: we have provided feedback and suggestions so that the development team can refine the product for launch.
This explains why you will mainly see non-textured scans here: the pre-production versions are not yet finalized at this level, and our tests would not be representative of the capabilities of the final product.
With these clarifications in place, let’s move on to the product presentation!
A slight cleaning of the model was done with a third-party tool (Autodesk Meshmixer).
The Revopoint MIRACO 3D scanner: an all-in-one solution
Revopoint MIRACO is a structured light scanner (a pattern is projected on the subject in infrared light, cameras are used to determine the shape of the target by measuring the deformations of the pattern).
Lightweight, compact, it captures scans with colors, has a large swivel screen (yes, you can even take 3D selfies!).
Once the scanning session is over, the RAW data can be processed on the scanner, but also on a PC or Mac, with the provided software. The result: 3D models in PLY, OBJ, or STL format, according to your preferences.
That’s MIRACO in a nutshell. The Kickstarter campaign page and the rest of this article will give you more details as well as examples of 3D scans created by us!
Small and large subjects
MIRACO offers two main scanning modes: Near/Far.
The far mode allows scanning of large subjects, while the Near mode is intended for small subjects or situations where maximum detail is wanted. It is possible to switch from one mode to another during a scan: for example, you can quickly scan a statue using Far mode, while having more details on the face thanks to Near mode.
This Near/Far system allows the Revopoint MIRACO to be much more versatile than the brand’s previous scanners, and multiplies its use cases. You end up with two scanners in one.
Continuous scan, single-shot scan: photogrammetry enthusiasts will love it!
While it is possible to scan an object continuously, with up to around 15 frames captured per second, this approach isn’t adequate for all situations. For example, if the subject has very strong contrasts that do not leave time for the device to automatically adjust the infrared exposure, or if the scanning conditions prevent smoothly digitizing the subject.
For such situations, the Revopoint MIRACO offers a Single-Shot mode: you will then work as if you were holding a camera, manually taking successive frames. If you’ve done photogrammetry in the past, even though this is definitely not the same technology, you’ll feel at home.
We found this feature particularly useful for scanning hard-to-reach areas: for example, the sides of a statue against a wall. In such situations, you can even try to capture frames, without looking at the screen, if needed.
Revopoint MIRACO: geometry or markers, choose your tracking mode!
The last of the three main parameters to choose, the tracking mode. During scanning, the scanner progressively reconstructs the object by tracking it: each frame ihas to be placed in the 3D space relative to the previous ones.
Two approaches are available: the first relies on the object’s geometry, and that’s the one we used almost systematically.
The second uses a marker system (available in the form of stickers, a “Magic Mat” with points that can be placed under or besides the object, and a platform that can be placed on the rotating platform).
Markers are useful for subjects with little geometric detail: for example, a mug placed on the rotating platform, or a canister with many flat surfaces.
In addition to the modes mentioned so far, other options are present. For example, a specific capture mode for dark objects, or the possibility of scanning without capturing colors if the project does not require it.
Specs
Behind the scenes, Revopoint MIRACO is an Android-based system, with an ARM A76 8-core CPU, 2.8GHz. Depending on the version you choose on the product page, you will get either 16 or 32GB of RAM. In the latter case, you can capture twice as many frames in the same scan.
Note that all the scans showcased here were done with a 16GB version, and it is possible to merge the geometry of several scans. However, having more RAM will be an additional comfort for large subjects, and all the more so if you scan in color. This will also be useful if you perform post-processing on MIRACO and not on a traditional computer.
Outdoor scanning is possible, subject to favorable weather conditions: direct sunlight is to be avoided, and it is preferable to scan in very cloudy weather.
Another point: since the scanner is calibrated, the models are to scale. You can therefore use the 3D scans to take measurements.
Precision can go up to 0,02mm. Please note that the precision of the final model will depend on scanning conditions and post-processing.
For the rest, the table below will give you more information.
Integrated software and Revo Scan
The Revopoint MIRACO allows you to store your scans into, which will contain one or more scans (you can therefore store the scans of the same session together, or the different parts of an object scanned in several parts).
The 2K, 6-inch screen allows you to preview the data in real-time during the scan. On the left side, you can have a preview of the field of view of the infrared and RGB cameras. Very useful especially if you want to manually adjust the exposure. It should be noted that the MIRACO screen can pivot and be raised: particularly useful for scanning hard-to-reach areas, or simply an object near the ground.
The Revo Scan software, which is used for post-processing, is compatible with Windows 10/11, macOS. It is available for free.
Revo Scan allows you to import and organize your scanning projects, and process them. A one-click reconstruction function is offered, but the advanced approach is recommended: it will allow you to go further and obtain more qualitative results. You will then more finely control the different stages of processing:
- Pre-processing: if necessary, you can edit the raw data and delete individual frames, for example, if tracking dropped during part of the session.
- Fusion and editing of the point cloud: the raw frames are merged to generate a point cloud. At this stage, several tools allow eliminating unnecessary areas and defects, either manually or automatically.
- Creation and editing of the mesh: once the final point cloud is finalized, you can create the mesh, and again apply corrections if needed.
- Texture generation
- Combining scans: to combine several passes.
Note also that if the result does not satisfy you, it is possible to re-fuse the frames, re-generate a mesh after adjusting the settings. This allows you to test several parameters on the same scan.
Storage, battery
The Revopoint MIRACO has 256 GB of built-in storage: enough to store the raw data of many scans, without fearing running out of space.
The 3D scanner uses an internal battery. So the question of lifespan arises: Revopoint told us that it is a LiPo (Lithium) type battery, designed to last at least 5 years. If after several years the battery no longer holds charges, an external power source like a power bank will allow you to continue using it.
Finally, if the device can no longer start, Revopoint tells us that they will “promptly recall and replace it with a new battery”.
The Revopoint MIRACO 3D scanner on Kickstarter: don’t wait!
You can check out the product page to get your MIRACO. Accessories are included, like a charger, a rotating platform for small objects, markers.
The product comes in two models, the Pro version having more RAM, and additional accessories.
To get your hands on the MIRACO, you’ll need to pledge an amount starting from $844, about 790€. By going through Kickstarter, you will get about 30 to 35% off the final public price. Note that additional charges may apply (customs duties, VAT) depending on your location.
Several add-ons are also available depending on your needs. For example, a large rotating platform (very useful to 3D scan humans), more markers, and 3D scanning spray for scanning very dark, reflective, or transparent subjects (alternatives include talcum powder, dry shampoo, or cornstarch).
Revopoint announces shippingwill begin as early as December.
The Revopoint MIRACO 3D scanner campaign is ending soon: don’t delay!
- The official Revopoint website.
- The MIRACO product page.
- Our scans on Sketchfab.
- Our video showcase with additional scans:
