About the Challenge

This hackathon invites innovators to design a fully functional and ultra-low-cost 3D laser scanner. The challenge is to build a prototype that balances precision, affordability, manufacturability, and open-source accessibility.

Participants must imagine a device that could make accurate digital scanning available to students, hobbyists, researchers, and small creative studios worldwide.

Bring engineering, design, and prototyping skills together — and create a scanner that could change how accessible 3D technology becomes.

Get Started

  1. Research existing scanning technologies (laser triangulation, structured light, LIDAR, infrared sensing).
  2. Prototype a design optimized for low cost, accuracy, and ease of replication.
  3. Integrate hardware and software elements (sensing, rotation/position control, data capture).
  4. Visualize and document the final workable system from concept to prototype.

What to Build

A functional low-cost 3D laser scanner concept that includes:

  • A physical device design
  • Internal assembly layout
  • A digital workflow for capturing and exporting 3D scan data (any format: .OBJ, .STL, .PLY, etc.)
  • Optional improvements like:
    • modular calibration system
    • open-source software control
    • mobile or PC connectivity
    • sustainability-focused materials

Not required but encouraged – 1) Augmented calibration display, 2) Optional automation features, and 3) AI-assisted scan noise reduction

Requirements

Your submission must include:

Functional or Prototype-Ready Design Files:

  • CAD files of external shell and internal mechanical layout
  • Exploded view of internal hardware geometry
  • 3D print files (STL/STEP) if applicable

Technical Assembly Documentation:

  • Internal component diagram
  • Connection + wiring schematic
  • Calibration methodology

Cost Breakdown & Parts Sourcing:

  • Bill of Materials (BOM)
  • Pricing tiers (Prototype / Mass manufacturing)
  • Sourcing plan from suppliers, open hardware vendors, or recyclables
    (Note: commercial copyrighted hardware designs may not be copied.)

Design Justification (Max 500 Words):

  • Why it’s low-cost
  • Who it benefits
  • Expected accuracy, scan resolution, and potential applications
  • Long-term scalability and user adoption possibilities

Prioritize timelines to align with project milestones and funding cycles, while costing must comprehensively cover external expert services (R&D, design, consultancy, testing) and physical execution (materials, fabrication, and spares).

 

 

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$55 in prizes
Winner
$55 in cash
1 winner

Cash prize straightaway for the winning entry, and post that, a commitment for involvement in the execution would be required too.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Yusuf Usmani

Yusuf Usmani
Stick and Dot

Judging Criteria

  • Ease in execution
    How cost-effective and easy to execute the solution is.
  • Clarity and detailing
    How clear and detailed design/engineering documents are, for the execution.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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