Israel-based company Vayyar Imaging has developed a new 3D-imaging app for Android smartphones that allows your device to see through walls, revealing everything from pipes and wiring to unwanted pests hiding between rooms.
It's called Walabot DIY and all you need to do is download the app from the Google Play Store, connect the accessory to your smartphone's USB port and place it on a wall.
The sensor can also be magnetically attached to the back of your smartphone, allowing you to use the two devices together, leaving your other hand free. Walabot DIY says it can see up to four inches inside drywall or even cement walls.
The DIY app gives makers and inventors around the world the opportunity to develop content that takes advantage of 3D imaging sensor technology. In addition to using existing apps, they can also create their own apps.
“Walabot Technology is simple and intuitive, so people with any level of experience can use it to better enjoy the world around them,” the company said.
The app uses sophisticated algorithms to detect the emissions and reflections of different objects. It studies the data to understand in real time what kind of object is hidden behind a wall. However, you can't see through metal objects and other types of barriers.
According to Mr. Melamed, CEO and co-founder of Vayyar, the devices can tell you a lot more about what’s behind a wall. In a demonstration to VentureBeat, someone can see what’s behind the wall on their smartphone screen by simply launching the app. The data is presented in a raw format.
Since there are some gaps behind a section of the wall, you'll have to move your phone along the wall slowly. However, you can get a 3D image of an entire room in just a few minutes. Melamed said it would make it much easier to locate a leak in a pipe or simply drill a hole in a wall without fear of damaging a pipe or electrical wire, hang pictures in a gallery, or place shelves.
In addition to the above, Walabot DIY is also considered ideal for workers, home renovators and DIY enthusiasts. Walabot DIY is compatible with all Android smartphones 5.0 and above and comes with USB OTG. After installing the app and completing a short setup process, it can be used to scan walls.
Walabot DIY also features a flexible sensitivity setting for optimal customization for specific renovation and construction projects. It offers two detection modes and can easily capture photos for offline use.
Melamed also showed how Walabot DIY can recognize your breathing pattern. In other words, it has applications for examining your sleep and other uses in the fields of health, safety and quality of life. While the technology is still in its early stages, it could raise the bar for augmented reality applications.
