Human-Sized Turntable for 3D Scanning The VAR Lab has also been developing a separate human-sized turntable for 3D scanning. Commercial scanning turntables can cost anywhere from around $1,000 to $5,000, so the lab built a custom low-cost version for approximately $200. The turntable was created by repurposing a pig roaster, flipping it 90 degrees, and
Photogrammetry Testing at the VAR Lab The VAR Lab has been testing new photogrammetry workflows to improve how physical objects can be captured and turned into detailed 3D models. This work includes experimenting with cross-polarization, an automatic turntable, and image processing in Agisoft Metashape. Cross-polarization helps reduce glare and reflections during photography, which can lead
Farmstead Scattering Services VR360 Project The VAR Lab created an immersive VR360 experience for Farmstead Scattering Services to help showcase the business and its farmland. The project included filming several 360-degree videos and images across the property, allowing viewers to virtually explore the land used for scattering services. By using immersive media, the project helped
FutureSelf: Smoking Cessation Project The VAR Lab helped support the development of the FutureSelf Smoking Cessation Project in collaboration with researchers at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, through its College of Software Convergence and Department of Immersive Media Engineering. The project uses AI, 3D facial reconstruction, age progression, LLM-powered dialogue, and Unreal Engine
AI Door Greeter The VAR Lab developed an AI Door Greeter, a Python-based application designed to welcome lab members as they arrive. The system can recognize trained lab members, greet them by name, display their title, and play custom intro music of their choice. It also shows useful local information, including the current weather and
Art Installation: Interactive Projection for Gallery Spaces The VAR Lab developed an interactive projector installation for the Spring 2026 Yahn Art Show, using a depth camera and Processing 4 to connect physical artwork with responsive digital information. The installation used custom software to detect when a viewer crossed in front of an artwork. When activated,
Projector Games: Interactive Projection Systems The VAR Lab developed a set of projection-based systems for interactive displays, immersive environments, and responsive floor experiences. The first system uses a projector aimed at four whiteboards, with content projection-mapped to a defined outline. This setup can be used to display information, create “virtual window” scenes, or align digital
VR180 Videos: Immersive Media for Local Experiences The VAR Lab creates immersive VR180 and VR360 video content designed to place viewers directly inside real-world environments and experiences. Using a modified QooCam for VR180 capture and an Insta360 Pro 2 for VR180 and VR360 production, the lab has filmed a variety of immersive videos, including sledding,
Replica Liberty Bell Scan: 3D Digitization for Acoustic Research The VAR Lab used an Artec Eva structured-light scanner to 3D scan the replica of the Liberty Bell located in the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center (AMIC). This project was completed in collaboration with Jon Young at University Park as part of research exploring how the
Shoe Scanning: 3D Digitization for Custom Footwear Through a connection with Innovation Commons at Penn State Behrend, the VAR Lab supported Emily and her dad, Thad, in exploring a more accessible solution for Emily’s custom footwear needs. Because Emily has a leg length difference, she requires custom shoes, which can be expensive to produce. Using
