Ta Da! Now You're Michelangelo

For all you Michelangelo and Rodin wannabes out there, this is the technology for you: Sculpting by Numbers. Okay, there aren't any actual numbers, but the concept is the same.

Here's how it works: a projector/camera pair scans a work in progress then projects multiple forms of guidance onto the object itself, indicating which areas need more material, which need less, and where any ridges, valleys, or depth discontinuities are.

As a result, even novice artists can create an accurate replica of a digital 3D model. The technology was developed by doctoral student Alec Rivers, postdoc Andrew Adams, and Professor Frédo Durand, all from the Computer Graphics Group in the Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. Any material can be used, including cake as the video demonstrates. Another interesting us? Making more realistic Claymation.