Essential Information at a Glance
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Technology | Smartphone-based 3D scanning app |
| Company/Developer | Marek Simonik |
| First Released | Available on the Apple App Store since at least 2018 (based on App Store history) |
| Still Available? | Yes, available via Apple’s App Store at the time of writing. |
| Website | Heges Official Website |
| App Store | Heges on Apple App Store |
| Platform | iPhone and iPad |
| Compatible Devices | Devices with FaceID (TrueDepth camera) and/or LiDAR sensor. |
| Purpose | General 3D scanning |
| Designed for Human Body? | Partially. Can scan people but was not developed specifically as a medical or anthropometric device. |
| Designed for Objects? | Yes. Objects are a major intended use case. |
| Outputs | STL, OBJ, PLY, USDZ, GLB files. |
| Privacy | Developer states data remain on device unless users choose to share it. |
| Cost | Free download but 3D scanning functionality requires a paid upgrade. Exact pricing may vary by region. |
| Intended Market | Consumers, hobbyists, developers, educators and researchers. |
| Research Validation | Limited evidence specifically for Heges in anthropometry. |
What is Heges?
Heges is a mobile 3D scanning application that turns compatible iPhones and iPads into portable scanners. It uses Apple’s built-in depth-sensing cameras to create three-dimensional digital models of people, objects and environments.
Unlike traditional body scanners that can cost thousands of pounds, Heges uses hardware already present in many modern Apple devices. This makes it one of the most affordable ways to access 3D scanning technology.
The app allows users to export scans into several industry-standard formats which can then be analysed in external software.
Who Created Heges?
Heges was developed by Marek Simonik, an independent software developer. The project originally focused on making use of Apple’s TrueDepth and LiDAR technologies for low-cost 3D scanning. The app became popular because it provided access to 3D scanning without requiring specialist hardware.
How Does Heges Work?
Heges can use two different sensors:
TrueDepth Camera (FaceID): This is the front-facing camera used for FaceID authentication. The Heges developer states that the TrueDepth camera provides the most accurate scans and can capture very fine surface detail.
LiDAR: LiDAR is located on newer iPhone Pro and iPad Pro models.The developer recommends LiDAR for scanning large objects, rooms and spaces rather than highly detailed body measurements. Interestingly, the developer states that TrueDepth is substantially more accurate than LiDAR for fine-detail scanning.
Can Heges Be Used for Anthropometry?
The short answer is yes, but with caution. Heges can create a digital 3D model of the body. From that model it is possible to estimate:
-
- Circumferences
- Lengths
- Breadths
- Body shape
- Surface contours
- Body volume
However, Heges itself does not automatically perform anthropometric analysis. Additional software is usually required. For anthropometrists, Heges should currently be viewed as a 3D capture tool rather than a complete anthropometric assessment platform.
What Does the Research Say?
At present, there appears to be very little peer-reviewed literature specifically evaluating Heges for anthropometric accuracy, validity or reliability.
That means we currently lack evidence showing:
-
- How accurately Heges measures body circumferences
- Whether Heges agrees with ISAK measurements
- Whether Heges agrees with DXA body composition
- Whether different operators obtain similar results
This does not mean Heges is inaccurate. It means the evidence is currently limited.
Strengths
✅ Extremely accessible
✅ Portable
✅ Low equipment costs
✅ Digital record of body shape
✅ Can be used for both people and objects
✅ Multiple export formats
✅ Privacy-focused approach according to developer statements.
Limitations
❌ Not designed specifically for anthropometry
❌ Limited peer-reviewed validation
❌ No published evidence showing ISAK equivalence
❌ No published evidence showing body composition validity
❌ Accuracy affected by movement, posture, clothing and scanning technique
❌ Requires compatible Apple devices.
Tech Spotlight Verdict
Heges is best viewed as an accessible entry point into 3D scanning rather than a replacement for traditional anthropometry or validated body composition methods.
For researchers, students and practitioners interested in exploring digital anthropometry, it offers a low-cost way to experiment with body scanning. However, until more peer-reviewed validation studies become available, measurements obtained through Heges should be interpreted cautiously when used for research or clinical decision-making.
Tech Spotlight Score
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cost Effectiveness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Research Validation | ⭐⭐ |
| Anthropometric Utility | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Body Composition Utility | ⭐⭐ |
| Innovation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Further Information
For future Tech Spotlight articles, I’d recommend using the same comparison table above (history, cost, availability, privacy, evidence, outputs, validation, intended use, anthropometry suitability, body composition suitability, strengths, limitations). It will make the whole series feel consistent and allow readers to compare technologies side-by-side.