July 8, 2015 | By Simon
Although we may still be a few years off from creating biologically accurate clones of humans, we’re already able to use existing 3D scanning and printing technologies to create physical ‘prints’ based off of an existing human body.
More recently, 3D scanning technologies were put to good use to create a life-size clone of Real Madrid’s own Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The football all-star - who has been rumored to do thousands of sit-ups a day to help sculpt his world-class physique - met his clone in Japan after it was unveiled by Japanese scientists. Although some may mistake the clone for Ronaldo himself, it is actually being used in Tokyo to help promote a pulsing electric muscle stimulator for users hoping to develop their own washboard stomach similar to the thirty-year-old’s.
According to the football superstar, the clone is “perfect” and he approved by giving the clone a big thumbs-up.
To create the life-sized clone, which was made with help from a Hollywood studio, a 3D scan of Ronaldo’s body was taken using over one hundred micro cameras. The resulting imagery was then used both as a reference and as a 3D file to further develop the form for creating the life-size clone. While some news outlets have reported that the entire clone was 3D printed, others have reported that it is made from silicone. At this point in time, neither have been confirmed by the creators.
Due to his extremely heavy workout regime that has led even Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare that he thinks Ronaldo is one of the fittest athletes in the world, the international superstar is the perfect spokesman for the electric muscle stimulator, otherwise known as Sixpad Body Revolution. The system uses localized pads to help stimulate muscle growth and toneage.
Although this may be one of the more unusual product endorsements he has done, it is far from being the first. In addition to the Sixpad Body Revolution, Ronaldo has endorsed products from Armani, Nike, Coca-Cola, Castrol, Konami, Banco Espirito Santo, Motorola, Jacob & Co., Herbalife, KFC, Tag Heuer and Fly Emirates, among others.
In May of 2014, Forbes ranked Ronaldo first in their list of the world's highest paid players, with earnings of $73 million in combined income from salaries, bonuses and off-field earnings for the previous 12 months.
Images: YOSHIKAZU TSUNO / AFP
Needless to say, that could purchase a lot of 3d printers in the case that Ronaldo wants even more clones of himself.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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too bad this page isnt about 3d printing but football fandom. why arent you telling us something about the technology used for this clone.
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