German Startup Winobo Uses Realsee Digital Twins to Revamp Half-Timbered Houses & Monuments
German startup Winobo, founded by Henning Kramer, is revolutionizing cultural preservation by creating digital twins and virtual tours of half-timbered houses and monuments using the Galois 3D LiDAR camera and Realsee system.
Pioneering Cultural Preservation
KÖNIGSLUTTER, Germany — A German company is making waves in the cultural preservation and tourism sectors by leveraging cutting-edge technology to digitize historic half-timbered houses and monuments. Winobo, founded by Henning Kramer, is creating highly detailed digital twins and immersive virtual tours to preserve architectural treasures and make them accessible to a global audience, according to an exclusive interview with the entrepreneur.
A Dual Mission for Heritage and Restoration
Winobo’s mission is twofold:
1) to safeguard cultural heritage through precise digital documentation, and
2) to provide critical data for renovation projects.
By scanning structures like the iconic Kaiser Dom in Königslutter, the company is ensuring that these monuments are preserved for future generations while offering a practical resource for restoration work. “Our goal is to create digital twins that not only preserve the essence of these buildings but also serve as a foundation for maintaining their physical integrity,” Kramer explained.
Immersive Virtual Tours for Global Access
The company’s virtual tours go beyond simple 360-degree views, incorporating interactive features such as clickable images and statues that provide detailed information about specific elements within a monument. These tours aim to attract visitors and showcase the beauty of culturally significant buildings, making them accessible to those who cannot visit in person. “We want to bring these spaces to life for a wide audience, whether they’re historians, tourists, or students,” Kramer said.
Choosing the Right Technology
Winobo’s success hinges on its adoption of the Galois 3D LiDAR camera and Realsee system, a choice Kramer made after exploring alternatives like Matterport. Dissatisfied with Matterport’s service and data management, Kramer turned to the Realsee WhatsApp group, where he found a supportive community of users sharing insights and solutions. Encouraged by their positive experiences, he invested in a Galois LiDAR scanner despite being unfamiliar with the technology. “The discussions in the WhatsApp group gave me confidence to try it, and I’ve been very satisfied with the results,” he noted.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
The transition to the new system wasn’t without hurdles. Kramer, a seasoned photographer with 30 years of experience and expertise in virtual tours, faced initial challenges in mastering the Galois 3D LiDAR camera and Realsee platform. Technical issues, such as scanning multi-floor structures, posed early obstacles. However, with guidance from the WhatsApp group and direct support from Realsee’s technical team, Kramer quickly overcame these challenges. “The technical team was incredibly responsive, providing specific answers that helped me navigate the learning curve,” he said.
High-Profile Projects in Action
Currently, Winobo is deploying the Galois camera for high-profile projects, including the digitization of the Kaiser Dom in Königslutter, a Romanesque cathedral renowned for its historical significance. The resulting virtual tours are designed to highlight the architectural splendor of such sites, drawing in visitors and fostering greater appreciation for cultural heritage.
Setting a New Standard
Winobo’s innovative approach is setting a new standard for how historic structures are documented and shared. By combining advanced scanning technology with user-friendly virtual tours, the company is not only preserving the past but also making it accessible in ways that were previously unimaginable. As Winobo continues to expand its portfolio, Kramer’s vision of blending technology with cultural preservation is poised to leave a lasting impact on the field.
