As ecommerce revenues continue to grow, companies are exploring technologies that can provide unique brand experiences in digital spaces. Examples include using 3D product visualization, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) technologies to increase brand engagement and boost sales.
Businesses are also looking for ways to more efficiently create these digital experiences, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can help. Generative AI tools can create text, video, and images (including 3D images) with minimal human labor, freeing up business leaders and design and marketing teams to focus on higher-level creative processes.
Here’s how the technology works and eight tool examples to support your business goals.
What is AI 3D model generation?
AI 3D model generation is the process of using AI tools to create a three-dimensional representation of a physical object. These 3D models are made up of coordinate systems known as point clouds connected by lines, curves, or other shapes.
AI 3D modeling techniques use AI-powered software to streamline the time-consuming process, allowing users to create 3D animations and other digital items at lightning speed.
AI 3D model generation techniques
Here’s an overview of each technique:
Text-to-3D models
Text-to-3D models create 3D models out of natural language text prompts like “orangutan with slingshot” or “Honeycrisp apple.” Text-to-3D model creation is popular with architects and game developers, but it tends to be less useful for creating accurate 3D representations of existing products.
Image-to-3D models
These applications create 3D models out of two-dimensional images. Some systems use images from multiple angles and can create a realistic digital representation of an object in the physical world. Product developers can use this type of tool to support rapid advancements in product design, and ecommerce businesses can use it to help online shoppers make more informed buying decisions.
Video-to-3D models
Video to 3D modeling works a lot like image modeling. The only difference is that you upload a video instead of an image or series of images. Videos that capture an object from multiple angles can be particularly valuable for creating accurate 3D models of products for ecommerce companies.
Best AI 3D model generation tools
AI 3D modeling tools vary by generation technique, use case, price, and technical experience requirements. Here are eight 3D modeling tools to consider:
Spline
Spline is an online 3D modeling and animation software tool. Users can create 3D experiences from a browser window. The application allows collaborative editing and includes collaboration-focused features like individual project or team folders. It also lets users apply real-life physics laws to virtual simulations, making it a popular choice for 3D designers, game developers, and ecommerce businesses interested in creating interactive VR experiences.
Type: Text-to-3D
Features
- Web-based functionality
- Real-time collaborative editing
- Interactivity
- Animation
Pricing
- Basic: Free
- Super: $9/month
- Super Team: $12/month per editor
Masterpiece X
Masterpiece X uses natural language processing (NLP) technology to produce 3D models and animations based on written descriptions. You can select from an existing library of more than 100 model types (including animals, humans, and objects) and specify the style, size, shape, texture, and color details. Users appreciate the tool’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set, which includes animation functions and API integration. Pricing is by credit, and the company offers a 250-credit free trial.
Type: Text-to-3D
Features
- Library of more than 100 customizable models
- User-friendly interface
- Animation functions
- NLP technology
- Custom textures, colors, sizes, and shapes
- 3D API offered
Pricing
- 750 credits: $15
- 750 credits/month: $10.99/month
- 1,500 credits/month: $19.99/month
- 3,000 credits/month: $36.99/month
Meshcapade
German AI-powered modeling company Meshcapade offers several options for creating human figure models. You can upload images, videos, or textual data to customize a 3D avatar based on the company’s skinned multi-person linear model (SMPL), a realistic 3D model of the human body. Users praise Meshcapade’s user-friendly interface, and its high-quality models make it a popular choice for ecommerce applications. The company also offers an API for seamless integration into existing digital systems.
Type: Text-to-3D, image-to-3D, video-to-3D
Features
- User-friendly interface
- Can accept various types of data inputs
- Detailed and accurate human models
- API integration
Pricing
- Free trial available
- Commercial plans start at €5,000/year
- Research and development plans start at €1,500/year
3DFY.ai
3DFY.ai can generate 3D models based on textual descriptions. 3DFY.ai only creates models that fall into specific categories (such as lamps, sofas, dressers, and ottomans) and trains its AI model-generation tool extensively on each type. This approach allows the tool to intelligently fill in missing information and create highly detailed 3D representations out of relatively sparse text inputs. Pricing is based on both images generated and images downloaded; generated images disappear from a user’s online database after 72 hours.
Type: Text-to-3D
Features
- User-friendly interface
- Category-specific product generation
- Creates highly detailed models from limited user inputs
Pricing
- 5 generations, 1 download: $5
- 30 generations, 5 downloads/month: $15/month
- 400 generations, 40 downloads/month: $80/month
- 700 generations, 100 downloads/month: $175/month
Luma AI
Luma AI allows users to create realistic 3D environments and objects. It can also support flythrough videos, which are video clips that provide a video tour of a 3D space. A flythrough video of a planned commercial building, for example, might include an aerial view of a 3D model of the building and a virtual walkthrough tour of the space. Other use cases include gaming, AR and VR, and interactive ecommerce experiences. The tool is accessible online and via a mobile app available on iOS.
Type: Text-to-3D, video-to-3D
Features
- Fly-through videos
- Mobile app available
Pricing
- Free plans available
- 3D-to-video API costs calculated by capture start at $1
NeROIC
NeROIC (which stands for Natural Rending of Objects from Online Image Collections) is a free technology that combines data from multiple images to capture size, shape, and surface properties. It can also use video inputs to render physical spaces. Although the NeROIC modeling software is free to use, the code isn’t collected into a user-friendly application. Instead, it’s available for free download on GitHub along with an installation guide.
Type: Image-to-3D, video-to-3D
Features
- Open-source technology
- Effectively captures surface and material properties
- Renders both objects and spaces
Pricing
- Free and open-source
DPT Depth
DPT Depth is a free AI modeling application provided by the Hugging Face machine learning platform. It uses something known as deep convolutional network architecture to calculate the depth map of an uploaded image, create a point cloud, and generate a 3D model of an environment or object.
Type: Image-to-3D
Features
- Open-source technology
- Renders both objects and spaces
- Creates point cloud
Pricing
- Free
COLMAP
COLMAP is an open-source ecommerce application that models environments based on uploaded 3D images. Users can export a dense point cloud and edit it in a 3D model editor. The technology is free but may be challenging for users with limited technical experience.
Type: Image-to-3D
Features
- Open-source technology
- Effectively captures surface and material properties
- Renders both objects and spaces
Pricing
- Free and open-source
AI 3D model generation FAQ
Is there an AI for generating 3D models?
What is the best AI 3D model generator?
The best AI 3D model generator depends on what you want to model, how you’ll provide input, and how you’ll use your 3D models. Tools like Meshcapade can help you design realistic models of human figures for ecommerce applications, and tools like Luma AI can help you create virtual representations of 3D spaces for use in AR or VR experiences.
How are AI 3D model generation tools used in ecommerce?
AI-supported 3D modeling has the following ecommerce applications:
- Creating 3D product models
- Building augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences
- Creating flythrough videos and virtual tours
- Rapid prototyping and advancements in product design