GelSight – Enabling 3D Measurement for Shot-Peened Surface Characterization

Author:  Dr. Kimo Johnson
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 35, Issue 3, Summer 2021
Doc ID:  2021029
Year of Publication:  2021
Abstract:  
GELSIGHT, INC. is a startup commercializing a unique imaging technology invented at MIT. The technology uses an elastomeric pad that conforms to any surface and enables 3D measurement of precise surface topography. Dr. Kimo Johnson, co-founder of the company and co-inventor of the technology, spoke with our team to explain how measurements of 3D surface topography can be used for shot-peened surface characterization. What was the concept or challenge that led to the founding of GelSight? Johnson: The driving concept behind the technology was to turn tactile interaction into an image. Our soft elastomeric pad is similar to human skin in that it deforms when it presses against objects. The early research on the technology demonstrated that it could be used to measure detailed 3D surface geometry of any material, which has broad applications across many industries.