Art Yukhin (Artec3D): a vision of the future in 3D

Entrepreneur Art Yukhin, CEO of Artec3D, discusses the rapid success of his 3D scanner startup and his decision to locate in Luxembourg. He explains the wide range of sectors in which the scanners can be used and how artificial intelligence is adding to their functionality, particularly in the construction and medical fields.

“Here in Luxembourg, you hire one support engineer, and he speaks five languages.”

Art Yukhin

Can you explain how Artec3D began?

Artec3D invented the concept of the handheld scanner that builds a digital twin with a portable device. In 2009 we were a small startup. Even though we were not even a software startup, but a hardware startup, we achieved profitability in our first year. More than 50% of our sales were in Japan, Asia, and Europe. As we weren't tied to any investors in Silicon Valley, we decided to open our office in Europe. But for startups in particular, the question is where to expand in Europe. Luxembourg was a great choice because it's multicultural. Here in Luxembourg, you hire one support engineer, and he speaks five languages. Most importantly, Luxembourg is positively accepted by all neighboring countries and in Asia.

Can you describe how 3D scanners are used?

We have brought many people to Luxembourg. Out of these 200 people, at least half are engineers. Artec3D’s skill set includes PhDs, AI specialists, mathematicians, and engineers in optics, mechanics, and electronics. Using the best machinery for the most complicated and superior electronics Artec3D produces all its electronics here in Luxembourg: We do not outsource it. The purpose of integrating these skills and superior electronics is to meet the challenge of making 3D scanning easy without needing extensive training. For example, a junior policeman can use 3D scanning to build a digital twin of a crime scene quickly before evidence gets contaminated. In many industries, digital twins are a big part of digital transformation. In infrastructure, for example, digital twins help in refabrication, custom insulation, and more. Artec3D’s scanners are used in car manufacturing, aerospace, furniture making, the food industry, fashion, and other sectors They reduce costs and aid digital transformation.

How does artificial intelligence add to what your products can do?

Applying AI to 3D signals and geometry is our expertise. We fuse data from detailed and long-range scanners which is a big mathematical challenge. In construction, our scanners provide submillimeter precision. AI interprets the data to ensure the construction matches the design. This helps to reduce over-budgeting. In medical fields, our scanners help create perfect prostheses and assistive devices, significantly improving people’s lives. For example, in Rwanda, volunteers use our scanners to create prostheses for children, which fit perfectly and improve their quality of life. This process is efficient and user-friendly, even in remote locations without power generators.