If you’ve come across this article, it’s likely that you’re considering technologies for 3D body scanning with the aim of streamlining measurement taking, reducing margin for error, and improving your customers’ experience.
Physical or laboratory scanners have been used for years in sectors such as custom fashion, sports equipment, health, nutrition, gaming, and aesthetics. However, their high price, maintenance, and the significant obstacles they create for the consumer during the purchasing process, mean that this technology is not accessible for many professionals, nor is it suitable for certain sales processes, such as the online market.
In recent years, 3D body scanning apps have emerged that, through a smartphone, allow you to take measurements more comfortably by identifying body reference points and generating a multitude of measurements that allow their use and integration in online sales.
These tools, which are much more economical and easier to implement, achieve levels of precision that are more than sufficient for countless business applications.
In this article, we review the different options on the market and guide you on price and advantages. Take note!
Problems with manual measurement taking
Manual measurement taking faces multiple challenges due to the dynamic nature of the human body. Breathing, posture, and muscle contraction can easily vary, affecting measurement accuracy.
The traditional methodologies associated with anthropometry require expert measurers and specific tools, such as callipers and measuring tapes. Additionally, there are two key factors that can compromise the thoroughness of measurements:
- Systematic biases introduced by the measurer or the measurement method.
- Significant differences between measurers that can arise, for example, from variations in tape placement technique or the tension applied to the measuring tape.
In online commerce, these differences in measurements are even more pronounced, as inexperienced buyers must provide their own measurements. This considerably increases the margin for error, creating inconsistencies that can negatively affect both customer satisfaction and the company’s brand image.
Fixed scanners
Fixed scanners are stationary devices that use 3D technology to capture the dimensions and shape of the human body. Although they tend to be accurate, they present several significant drawbacks that limit their viability for certain uses:
- One of their main problems is the need for the consumer to travel to a specific location to be scanned, which is inconvenient.
- Additionally, operating these scanners requires the presence of a specialised technician, increasing operating costs and complicating logistics.
- Their large size can be a problem in establishments with limited space.
- Finally, the reliability of measurements can be affected by several factors, such as the scanner’s resolution and accuracy, body balancing during scanning, variations between repeated scans, and the technician’s ability.
- Lastly, these devices require a significant investment, far beyond the capacity of most small and medium-sized businesses.
All these challenges make fixed scanners an impractical solution for many commercial applications, especially regarding e-commerce.
Price of a physical 3D body scanner
The full body 3D scanner price ranges from €40,000 to €50,000.
In addition to the initial cost, these devices require recurring maintenance, which can significantly increase expenses over time. Operating this technology also requires specific training for personnel, with the consequent additional cost in terms of both time and money.
With all these operating costs, it is unsurprising that these devices are primarily used in research environments or large companies. Their size and the need for specialised personnel to operate them make them unviable for use in retail stores or common commercial applications.
Mobile 3D body scanners
Thanks to the large databases created using 3D body scanners, lower-cost technologies based on 3D reconstructions have been developed that can accurately estimate human body measurements through a simple process.
These solutions have much lower hardware requirements than 3D body scanners, so they can run on small portable devices such as phones or tablets. Additionally, they offer numerous additional advantages:
- They allow for the instant generation of body measurements.
- They simplify the size recommendation process.
- They enable buyers to conduct virtual try-ons using avatars.
- They contribute to offering a satisfactory and innovative purchasing process for the customer.
- They significantly reduce return rates.
A clear example of this is 3D Avatar Body, a mobile app with technology developed by the Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (IBV) that uses AI and 3D models based on data to capture body shape with just 2 photos taken with any smartphone.
One of its main advantages is the ease of integration via API, which allows this technological solution to be integrated into the customer’s sales process in just a few days. This is achieved thanks to the resource library provided by Avatar, as well as the personalised technical support that IBV offers throughout the process.
Price of mobile scanners
There are numerous solutions on the market with varying prices – mainly depending on the number of measurements and the accuracy they offer – but something common to all of them is that they have a drastically lower cost than fixed scanners. In fact, the initial investment is up to four times lower, a crucial advantage for newly established businesses.
Solutions such as 3D Avatar Body are among the most highly regarded on the market for their high accuracy, ease of use, and versatility, making the acquisition and maintenance costs worthwhile.
Advantages of Mobile 3D Body Scanners Over Fixed Scanners
Mobile 3D body scanners offer several advantages over fixed scanners, making them ideal for a wide range of commercial applications:
- They facilitate business scalability by eliminating the need for physical facilities and allowing access to a global customer base without geographical limitations.
- They do not require specialised equipment or personnel, as users can easily take their own measurements, reducing operating costs.
- The initial and maintenance costs are notably lower, making them an accessible option for businesses with tight budgets.
- They improve the customer experience by increasing comfort during the process and satisfaction with the final product.
- They streamline the sales process by generating precise, personalised measurements instantly, accelerating the workflow and improving results for customised products.
In conclusion, 3D body scanning technology has advanced in recent years, becoming accessible to any business that needs precise body measurements. Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning processes, 3D scanning applications through smartphones allow for streamlined measurement taking, as well as deeper customisation, size recommendation, or patient/user tracking in healthcare or sports contexts. Thus, investing in a mobile technology-based 3D body scanner becomes a valuable choice for businesses and consumers.
Do you want more information about Avatar 3D technologies? Contact the IBV through the following form.
