Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
RUDN University researchers have developed an innovative system, "Chelomer," for creating highly accurate 3D facial models in seconds. The project, supported by the RUDN.VC accelerator, has already entered the early sales stage.
Contactless accuracy in seconds
"Until now, doctors in maxillofacial surgery, neurology, and aesthetic medicine lacked objective tools for monitoring treatment progress. The process often relied on subjective visual assessments and photographs, which do not provide precise metric data. Alternatives—MRI and CT—are not designed for analyzing external geometry, and they are also expensive and inconvenient for frequent monitoring. This complicated the evaluation of treatment effectiveness, surgical planning, and documented patient progress," said project leaders Danila Dryga, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanics and Control Processes at RUDN University, and Alina Kapustina, Associate Professor of the Department of Photogrammetry at MIIGAiK.
Chelomer is a comprehensive solution consisting of a specialized photogrammetric system and software. The system allows:
Conduct a contactless facial scan in seconds; create a 3D metric model with sub-millimeter accuracy; automatically analyze the model: calculate asymmetry angles and volumes, and compare with previous scans; and provide the result as a 3D model, web visualization, or a detailed log with key performance indicators.
Thus, the physician receives objective digital data for making clinical decisions.
Application areas and business model
The technology is in demand in various fields.
Medicine: monitoring treatment of facial nerve neuropathies, rehabilitation after injuries, planning and evaluating the results of maxillofacial and aesthetic surgery. Entertainment: creating digital doubles for films, video games, and VR/AR projects. Science: anthropological research and data archiving. Manufacturing: manufacturing custom orthoses, masks, mouth guards, and busts.
Commercialization of the project involves several areas: selling scanning services, licensing the system to clinics, and integrating it as a "digital impression" service into electronic medical record systems.
The role of an accelerator
The project has already achieved significant results. A scanning system with a hardware and software suite for the rapid, contactless, and highly accurate creation of metric 3D facial models was designed and assembled. Pilot projects with leading medical centers in maxillofacial surgery and neurology, such as Sechenov University, have been successfully completed. The prototype has proven its functionality and accuracy, and an MVP of the analysis software has been developed.
"The project has already reached the early sales stage. We provide paid services to patients at private clinics, which confirms market demand and the viability of the business model, and we have received our first cash inflows. Participating in the accelerator was a turning point for us. The program helped us structure our market offering, shift our focus from technology to solving specific client problems, and receive critical feedback from practicing entrepreneurs and investors, which allowed us to adjust our business model. We were also able to network with like-minded individuals, potential partners, and mentors and prepare the project for investment—from crafting a pitch to working out the legal and financial aspects," said Danila Dryga and Alina Kapustina.
The project's authors plan to further commercialize the technology in three formats:
Selling 3D scanning and analysis services to medical centers; licensing the system and selling the units to specialized clinics; integrating the "Digital Impression" service into the electronic medical record system (for example, under the "Digital Moskvich" brand in Moscow).
"In today's world, where digitalization is permeating every sphere, medicine desperately needs objective, measurable data. Our project is more than just a 3D scanner. It's a bridge between digital precision and human health, a tool that gives doctors the ability to see and measure what was previously only a subjective assessment. We are creating a new standard for medical monitoring, based on data, not assumptions," said Danila Dryga and Alina Kapustina.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
