Yes, portable versions of foot scanners are now available.
Portable 3D foot scanners often use laser or structured light scanning technology.
Some are even integrated into mobile devices such as smartphones or iPads (for example, using the Face ID module of the iPad Pro for 3D scanning).
Portable foot laser scanners are typically based on one of the following principles:
1. Laser Triangulation
A laser line is projected onto the surface of the foot.
Cameras capture the deformation of the laser line from different angles.
Using triangulation principles, point cloud coordinates are calculated to reconstruct the 3D shape of the foot.
2. Structured Light Scanning
A grid or stripe pattern of laser light is projected onto the foot.
Cameras capture the deformation of the projected pattern, and algorithms compute the 3D geometry.
This method provides high precision and is well-suited for detailed modeling of foot arches and contours.
Advantages of portable models:
Easy to carry, suitable for clinics and retail environments
Fast scanning speed, typically under 20 seconds
Some portable devices remain relatively expensive
Application scenarios:
Clinical foot shape acquisition (e.g., for flat feet or foot deformity assessments)
Custom insole or orthopedic shoe manufacturing
Personalized services in sports, rehabilitation, and footwear retail
Mobile services across regions (e.g., in-home assessments for elderly patients)
