Two and a half years ago when Knockout Concepts introduced their mobile 3D scanner to the market, there were a lot of unknowns. A stand-alone device was a new concept in a relatively new and rapidly growing industry. And how that technology would translate into real-world applications was bound only by creativity.
CEO Brooks Myers says it was initially, “Let’s explore, let’s show people what we’ve got and let them test it and come back and tell us ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ or ‘hey, this is good or bad for our vertical.'”
Today, Knockout Concepts is honing in on a few different verticals with a product that has improved along the way as well. As the the technology that comes together to create the scanner continues to innovate (depth sensors, cameras), so can their product.
“We take the best of their products and integrate them into our solution for mobile 3D scanning,” Myers says.
Prosthetics and and industries surrounding custom fit are two areas in which Knockout Concept’s 3D scanner is gaining traction.
“I’m proud to say that we have passed clinical trials for use of the scanner in making prosthetics,” Myers says.
In about a minute, the scanner can capture the unique shape of an individual’s amputation point. It’s that concept of mass customization that applies to many of the verticals in which Knockout Concepts finds itself. Custom fit can improve the way something fits or feels in everything from clothing, to sporting equipment, to even a brace for a sprained wrist.
“You can buy a shin guard and it fits you fine, but you’re protected better if it fits you perfectly,” Myers says. “We’re seeing that even in sports customization it is important. It happens all the time, but this is starting to democratize it, make it more accessible.”
Within these verticals, Myers says their speed, cost and ease of use make Knockout Concepts product disruptive. They also play in industry-standard file types that require no special equipment or conversion to work with.
With such a niche product (most 3D scanners are attached to another system and not stand-alone), Myers says there aren’t a lot of competitors just popping up in the marketplace. What they are seeing is business models being built around having a component of 3D capture at the beginning.
“We enable those,” Myers says. “We have a tool that provides the beginning of a business model that can go in many directions.”
For example, the scanner can be used to capture figurines. A cosplayer could get a scan of themselves in costume and have a figurine of themselves printed.
More consumer-facing industries have been slower to break into.
“For many people it’s hard to understand what the function is or what it’s best used for,” Myers explains.
He says to think about digital photography and photo editing and the time it took to build familiarity around those in the general public. Myers sees larger brands starting to play in 3D technologies that could make the industry more consumer-facing.
The 3D scanning and printing industry continues to evolve as more and different ways to use the technology come to the forefront. Knockout’s scanners have made their way to COSI to scan and archive and entire exhibit that could then be recreated or find its way into virtual reality. Education is also looking to 3D technology with focuses on STEM and STEAM.
“3D printing, even as it exists on my desk right here, it exists for rapid prototyping and is trying to transition into products that can go straight into use,” Myers says.
See the technology in action with the video below.
For more information, visit knockoutconcepts.com.
