Reality capture on mobile just got a fresh coat of machine learning. With version 3.14 of Kiri Engine, iOS users can now access AI-enhanced Lidar scanning. The photogrammetry app, previously focused on processing photos into 3D models via cloud computing, now integrates Apple’s Lidar sensor with a new AI system that promises faster and cleaner scans.
The AI enhancement isn’t just cosmetic. It automatically aligns Lidar frames into a single mesh, tackles cleanup, and handles occlusions—like fingers or accidental intrusions—without manual touch-ups. Kiri calls this the “AI Scene Construction system.” It’s designed to trim and denoise the point cloud, so users don’t have to babysit every frame.
Depth Map Meshing Joins the Party
Also new in 3.14 is depth map meshing for iOS devices with Face ID. This feature generates 3D meshes based on single-camera depth maps—ideal for devices lacking Lidar sensors. It’s not as robust as full photogrammetry or Lidar, but useful for quick object capture when time (or gear) is tight.
Works Offline—Or With the Cloud
Lidar scans are processed locally on the device, without uploading to Kiri’s servers. That makes it both faster and more private. Depth map scans, however, are still uploaded to the Kiri cloud for processing.
The iOS app supports export in OBJ, FBX, STL, and USDZ—covering most pipelines from 3D modeling to real-time applications. Android users, however, are out of luck on the Lidar and depth map features. These are iOS-only for now.
Still a Cloud-Based Photogrammetry Tool
Despite the AI upgrades, Kiri Engine’s primary function remains cloud photogrammetry: stitch together 40–70 images, get a 3D model. That workflow hasn’t changed. But the AI-assisted Lidar features now offer a quicker, more forgiving route to basic scans—handy for previs, lookdev, or blocking out geometry before committing to a full photogrammetry session.
Pricing and Availability
The Kiri Engine app is available for free on iOS and Android, with in-app purchases and subscriptions. Lidar and depth map features are exclusive to iOS. Details on pricing are available via the Kiri Engine website.
Final Note: Test Before You Commit
AI-assisted Lidar might sound like magic, but don’t swap out your tried-and-true pipeline just yet. Scan fidelity, mesh quality, and occlusion cleanup still depend on real-world lighting, surface texture, and the usual technical suspects. As always: test first, commit later.
