This unusual-looking device is the Artec Leo, a handheld 3D scanner billed as the world's first wireless and AI-driven unit.

"Artec Leo is the only wireless and fully standalone professional 3D scanner designed to make scanning as easy and effortless as possible," writes manufacturer Artec3D. "With the new NVIDIA Jetson TX2 processor onboard, 5" HD built-in display and battery, it's the ultimate all-in-one 3D scanning solution for fast, accurate, and high-quality data capture."

Promising point-and-shoot ease of use, the Leo's touchscreen lets you see a real-time visualization of what you're scanning, without the need to tether to a laptop. Users can see exactly what they're capturing, as well as the quality of the capture.

Applications are manifold. Reverse engineering, quality inspection, digitizing priceless objects, scanning people for videogames, creating accurate product models for e-retailers and creating custom prosthetics are all cited by the company.

It does indeed look easy to use:

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In the case study below, a UK company is even using the Leo to create custom aerodynamic skinsuits for cyclists, by scanning the cyclists in their riding positions:

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The Artec Leo will set you back $29,800.