In an era where digital marketing dominates and visual presentation can make or break online sales, a French startup named AniML is pioneering a path towards the mainstream adoption of 3D product modeling. With their innovative app, Doly, AniML aims to become for product videos what PhotoRoom has been for product photography—transformative.
The inception of Doly is rooted in a singular vision: to simplify the creation of 3D models and produce professional-quality product videos easily accessible to marketers and entrepreneurs. Typically, generating a 3D model is a complex, resource-intensive task. AniML addresses this challenge by packing the technology into a user-friendly iPhone application, making high-quality 3D modeling a possibility for every e-commerce platform.
How Doly Works:
- User Interaction: Users start by pointing their iPhone camera at the product they wish to model.
- Movement and Capture: The user then physically moves around the product, allowing the camera to capture it from multiple angles.
- Processing: The app takes these images and uploads them to the cloud where AniML’s proprietary technology takes over.
- 3D Reconstruction: Through a method known as Gaussian splatting, the app reconstructs a realistic 3D model from the captured images.
AniML’s approach to 3D modeling diverges from traditional methods that rely heavily on polygon-based graphics. Instead, they employ a neural-based 3D modeling system inspired by advancements in artificial intelligence. Rémi Rousseau, co-founder and CEO of AniML, explains that their technology was spurred by significant research in the field, particularly by teams at Google who explored new frontiers in 3D reconstruction with NeRF (Neural Radiance Fields).
“NeRF introduced a new paradigm where machine learning takes the lead in reconstructing 3D models from 2D images,” Rousseau shared in an interview with TechCrunch. “Our technology, Gaussian splatting, builds on that foundation but advances it further to create more detailed and realistic models.”
Once a 3D model is created, Doly offers a range of post-processing options. Users can select from a library of templates to place their 3D model into different scenes and settings. These templates range from simple rotations on a plain background to more complex, marketing-driven setups that include dynamic camera movements and varied angles, enhancing the visual appeal of the product.
Features and Benefits of Using Doly:
- Ease of Use: Simplifies the complex process of 3D modeling.
- Versatility: Offers various template options for different marketing needs.
- Accessibility: Makes professional-quality videography available to all, without the need for a professional studio.
Rémi Rousseau is no stranger to the tech world, having founded two virtual reality companies previously, including Mimesys, which was acquired by Magic Leap in 2019. His co-founder, Pierre Pontevia, also brings a robust background with past ventures sold to major players like Autodesk and Unity.
To date, AniML has successfully raised $2 million, with Adjacent leading the seed round. The startup has also caught the eye of significant investors during its participation in the AI Grant startup accelerator, with contributions from several notable angel investors including Julien Chaumond of Hugging Face, and others well-known in the tech community.
Investment and Support:
- Investors: Includes Kima Ventures, Adjacent, and several high-profile angel investors.
- Support: Received a significant grant from Bpifrance, bolstering their funding.
It’s anticipated that AniML’s Doly app will attract a broad range of users from big brands to second-hand resellers, all looking to enhance their online presence through innovative 3D product videos. The potential impact of Doly in the e-commerce sector is substantial, as it promises not only to enhance the way products are presented online but also to democratize the use of advanced video technology, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The future looks bright for AniML as they continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital marketing and product presentation. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, AniML is set to lead the charge in transforming e-commerce through advanced technology.
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Featured Image courtesy of DALL-E by ChatGPT