Swiss researchers look underground with 3D glasses
If Google Earth allows you to see the planet in minute detail, the subsoil remains inaccessible to the naked eye. A team from Switzerland's University of Geneva is working to change that.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-Keystone/ds
They are developing augmented reality glasses which would allow you to see underground pipelines in 3D.
“It is a holographic visualisation that allows you to add elements to a real image,” explains Dimitri Konstantas, professor at the University of Geneva (UNIGE)External link, in an interview with Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA published on Sunday. “In concrete terms, augmented reality glasses identify where we are, and show in a matter of seconds the underground pipes under our feet.”
The prototype, he adds, has a display accuracy of less than two centimetres. Geolocation is done with the eye.
The user’s eyes work like a cursor on a computer. They allow you to visualise where the pipes would be. These appear in different colours, depending on their use: blue for drinking water, yellow for gas and red for electricity.
Applications
The prototype development required two years of research and development. The pilot project called City 3D is funded by InnosuisseExternal link, the Swiss agency for the promotion of innovation.
The applications of these augmented reality glasses are multiple. For example, site managers can visualise underground pipes before digging, which would considerably reduce the relatively frequent pull-outs of electrical cables or pipes.
Project engineers can see existing networks and add elements more easily, especially for complex projects. Architects have the opportunity to visualise their building and share it with others at the same time.
Swiss centre records over 200 victims of human trafficking
This content was published on
Last year 317 people took part in a protection programme run by the Specialist Unit for Trafficking in Women and Women’s Migration (FIZ) in German-speaking Switzerland.
This content was published on
The Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and partners are opening a field hospital in southern Gaza on Tuesday.
Lack of smartphone sustainability in Switzerland hits environment
This content was published on
Almost half of all Swiss citizens hang on to their old smartphones, tablets and laptops, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Police clear out pro-Palestinian students protesting in Geneva
This content was published on
The police intervened early on Tuesday to dislodge pro-Palestinian students who had been occupying the University of Geneva for almost a week.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
EPFL hosts open campus event to mark 50th anniversary
This content was published on
More than 300 activities will be offered to visitors on September 14 and 15 at its Ecublens campus in canton Vaud. The sweeping programme includes lab visits, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, shows and scientific demonstrations. Highlights include the many stands of the Scientastic Festival and Drone Days, which will introduce the public to these curious unmanned…
This content was published on
These are the findings of the latest annual Swiss Payment MonitorExternal link that asks 1,000 people exactly how they part with their hard-earned money. The results show more people using contactless debit cards – 54% compared with 34% last year. Contactless debit cards were introduced in Switzerland in 2015 and now account for 71% of…
This content was published on
A Swiss agrotech start-up has declared war on food waste with the development of a natural product that fights pathogenic fungi.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.