Redefining reality capture with BLK2GO PULSE

Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has officially announced the Leica BLK2GO PULSE. This innovative first-person laser scanner merges state-of-the-art Lidar sensor technology with the iconic Leica BLK2GO design, representing a paradigm shift in reality capture according to the company.

The Leica BLK2GO PULSE offers users a rapid, user-friendly and intuitive first-person scanning experience, controlled through their smartphone, and delivers full-colour 3D point clouds instantly in the field. Collaborating with Sony Semiconductor Solutions (Sony), a global leader in image sensors, has enabled Leica Geosystems to introduce the world’s first dual time-of-flight (ToF) handheld scanner with the BLK2GO PULSE. The scanner leverages Sony’s advanced ToF image sensors and combines them with Leica Geosystems’ GrandSLAM technology.

The BLK2GO PULSE is scheduled for market release in early 2024 as part of the BLK2GO product family. Tailored primarily for indoor applications, such as generating 3D digital twins and 2D floor plans, it offers a range of features including:

• First-person scanning: captures can be viewed from a first-person perspective, with real-time colourized 3D data streamed to the user’s smartphone screen.
• Instant data accessibility: colourized 3D point clouds and images can be easily viewed and shared directly from the field, as effortlessly as sharing a photo or video.
• Intuitive companion app: paired with a smartphone (compatible with both iOS and Android), the scanner provides access to a streamlined end-to-end reality capture workflow through the BLK Live app.
• Intelligent scanning guidance: in-app notifications provide real-time guidance, ensuring optimal scanning practices.
• Upload to Reality Cloud Studio, powered by HxDR: field scans can be seamlessly uploaded to Hexagon’s cloud application for reality capture data visualization, collaboration and storage.

“With a fast end-to-end workflow that combines the scanner and smartphone app into one reality capture solution, users will benefit from an easy, intuitive user experience and the delivery of complete data instantly,” comments Jürgen Mayer, president of reality capture at Leica Geosystems, a Hexagon company. “The BLK2GO PULSE furthers our mission to democratize reality capture and, when combined with Hexagon’s most recent innovations such as Reality Cloud Studio, it pushes the boundaries of what is achievable in the realm of digital reality, offering even more groundbreaking products,” he adds.