This Gadget Turns Your iPad Into a Powerful 3D Scanner

3D printing is an incredible technology, although it requires detailed information about the objects you want to print. For most people, this is a big limitation — it's not like every phone or tablet has a 3D imaging camera. Enter Occipital.

The Structure Sensor is an oblong metal object that attaches to an iPad with a special bracket. It works with apps specifically designed to use the sensor to scan and capture 3D information about an object or environment. You can use the sensor for a wide range of tasks — from object capture to augmented-reality games.