Facebook develops new 'invisible' 3D printed AR tags transforming objects into gaming …

Researchers from Facebook Reality Labs and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a means of 3D printing objects that feature ‘invisible’ augmented reality (AR) markers.  By designing parts with built-in gaps, patterned into QR codes, then 3D printing them from infrared (IR)-emitting filament, the team found they were able to create objects capable of AR device interfacing. In doing so, the engineers say that it’s possible to track the movement of these items, and even use them as controllers, potentially allowing makers to 3D print their own gaming inputs at home.  Using their approach, the researchers found they were able to 3D print a steering wheel controller. Photo via MIT/Facebook Reality Labs. Making AR tag integration accessible  Now being used to facilitate everything from the metaverse to surgical training simulators, AR technologies are beginning to well and truly enter the mainstream. Given that 3D printing is also an advanced technology, often heralded as disruptive to traditional approaches, it’s hardly surprising that researchers have started to experiment with combining the two, in an attempt to explore their potential. However, while a number of approaches have been developed with a view to achieving this, the MIT-Facebook team say that limitations…
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