Augmented Reality Sandbox

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Augmented Reality Sandbox

Prepare to be meserized…

This hands-on exhibit combines a real sandbox with virtual topography using a Microsoft Kinect 3D camera, simulation software, and a data projector. Users create topography models with real sand, augmented by color maps, contour lines, and water simulations in real time. The system teaches geographic and geologic concepts and was designed by scientists at UC-Davis.

Close-up photo of a colorful, interactive Augmented Reality Sandbox table displaying a topographic map. A hand hovers above the table, casting a shadow on the vibrant landscape. The colors range from green and blue for lower elevations to red and brown for higher elevations, creating a vivid representation of terrain features.
Photo of an augmented reality sand table setup. The table features a black frame with a projector mounted on a curved stand above it. The sand within the table displays a colorful topographic map. A control panel labeled 'Augmented Reality Sand Box' with various buttons is attached to the stand.

Features

  • Weather Controls**
    4 buttons to control water/lava, rain/drought
  • Planet Controls**
    Select between an Earth & Mars layout
  • Easy Clean-up
    Features a sand catch for easy clean-up
  • Software
    User-friendly software comes preinstalled & ready to use
  • Plug & Play
    Comes pre calibrated & ready to use out of the box

Included*

  • Microsoft Kinect
    Senses the changes made in the sandbox
  • Projector
    Displays the map
  • Computer
    Comes with keyboard, mouse, and AR software installed
  • Sandbox**
    Where all the magic happens
  • Instructions
    For setting up and re-calibrating your AR sandbox

*Sand not included ( 50+ lbs of Sandtastik recommended)
** Not included in DIY Kit

Specifications

  • Built in the USA
    Designed & manufactured in Santa Cruz, CA
  • Dimensions
    22.5”W • 26”D • 53”H
  • Sandbox* Dimensions
    35”W • 25”D • 6”H
  • Materials
    1″ expanded PVC, acrylic
  • Power Requirements
    120 Volt AC

*Not included in DIY Kit

"Photo of a setup featuring a black computer tower with a rainbow-lit keyboard and mouse, a white projector, a Microsoft Kinect sensor in its box, and a large, curved black structure designed to be an Augmented Reality Sandbox equipment mount, all placed on a light-colored table."

Purchase Augmented Reality Sandbox

Idea Fab Labs offers a fully assembled and calibrated AR Sandbox as well as a DIY Kit

Fully Functional AR Sandbox
$7,995.00

All required components are included and fully calibrated
Minimal, simple assembly

Purchase Now

Watch the assembly video that shows the simple setup

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DIY AR Sandbox

$4,995.00

This DIY Kit has everything needed to build a tabletop AR Sandbox exhibit (besides the sand and sandbox)

Purchase Now

Watch the assembly video that shows the complete assembly

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AR Sandbox Purchase Form

Close-up photo of a colorful, interactive sand table displaying a topographic map. A hand hovers above the table, casting a shadow on the vibrant landscape. The colors range from green and blue for lower elevations to red and brown for higher elevations, creating a vivid representation of terrain features.