Aalto University Archives

360 Spins to High Resolution 3D Models

PhotoRobot is a turntable and multi-cam photography system located in Otakaari 1. Quickly capture hundreds of precise images from multiple angles to generate 360 degree spins and animations. A technique called photogrammetry can also be used which align overlapping to create point clouds, these in turn are colorized and textured to reconstruct a 3D model out of the 2D photos. The models are high quality and can have millions of polygons with texture files that are over 100Mb. With level of detail exports the models can be simplified to better fit AR, VR and XR applications. The models can also be used in digital fabrication such as 3D printing and CNC machining.
Unicorn sculpture with various levels of progress in the photogrammetry process.
A sculpture of a Unicorn (1996) being photographed with the PhotoRobot

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3D model of the reconstructed sculpture on Sketchfab.com

You can rotate the object or zoom in to examine it closer. You can also look at in VR. 

Unicorn 3D model generated by Reality Capture on the left; Each rectangular box shows a photograph captured from a different angle. A sample photograph taken from the same viewpoint as the 3d model is shown on the right.
Unicorn 3D model generated by Reality Capture on the left; Each rectangular box shows a photograph captured from a different angle. A sample photograph taken from the same viewpoint as the 3d model is shown on the right.

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In this video clip you can see the various stages of photogrammetic reconstruction, like in the header image. Some real photos used as reference for the reconstruction are seen on the top left and the point cloud is visible on the top right. Below you can see the textured and untextured models.

Some objects captured with the PhotoRobot

The high resolution images are great, but the models uploaded to the 3d model database Sketchfab.com are much more immersive.

Red clay container that is cubic with a slot in between and two rectangular handles on the sides
Clay container (1973)
A hand made clay sculpture without glazing. It looks like a forrest wizzard or creature with a sunhat
Mushroom girl (1974)
ceramic mask
Ceramic mask (1982)
Cup (1982)
Cup (1982)
Bird 1972
Bird (1972)
Jug 1970
Jug 1970

Useful links and resources

If you are interested to learn more about the PhotoRobot, archives or would like to come and use it check out the links below.

Photorobot blog

The Aalto PhotoRobot blog page hosts examples, experiments and new related to the PhotoRobot, photogrammetry, and related digitization tools and methods. There are also guides showing you how to do photogrammetry on your own. 

PhotoRobot – at Aalto University

3D gallery of digitized assets on Sketchfab

Here you can examine some models that have already been digitized. The work is ongoing.

Aalto University Archives (@aaltouniversityarchive) - Sketchfab

Aalto Archives website on Aalto.fi

Over a thousand objects have been photographed from the The Aalto Archives Ceramics Collection from 2020-2021 and they are currently being converted into 3D assets. This represents around 20% of the entire collection which spans back to the 1960's, featuring notable student practice works and exhibition items. The Collection was started by artist and lecturer Kyllikki Salmenhaara and later continued by professors and teachers until the late 90's.

Aalto University Archives | Aalto University

Aalto University Archives is responsible for the long-term preservation, digitisation and information service of documents and audio-visual collections born from learning, research and artistic activities of the University. 

The archives are open to all researchers and are located at Otaniemi campus. Before visiting, please contact: [email protected]

Ceramics archive on Finna.fi

See the digitized archive on Finna.fi

Ceramics and student works in Aalto Archives hosted on Finna.fi

For those interested in seeing the objects in real life contact [email protected]

Specifications of the Photorobot and more

This news article has some more information about the equipment used and how you can book a time to scan an item for yourself. You can also volunteer to better understand what it's all about and see if it's the correct tool for your project.

1-hour photogrammetry and digitization with Aalto's PhotoRobot on Aalto.fi

Reserve a time

The PhotoRobot is available to staff and students every Wednesday. Typically an object takes around 1 hour to capture, though results may vary depending on the object in question. 

Reserve a time here

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