All I mean by the automated process is the task of getting the high res. scan data ready to 3D print / realtime app. ready. I don't believe this would be any way to the detriment of the guys on this forum. I just mean it would make the process cost more realistic opening up new markets etc. . I currently have a team of 10 artists all retopologising/zbrushing etc. and it's very expensive for a repetitive task that I believe could eventually be refined. Even if you could stand in a studio, fire the cameras, and a perfect model is exported without any human intervention at all, I don't believe that would affect the industry in any way as it's so expensive and such a specialised task to set up a perfect working rig in its current form, that it's not a mainstream solution anyhow in my opinion. It's that part of the process people are paying for, years of experience, R&D and refinement. If the models we're getting were more like just taking a 3D studio photo it would open up loads of possibilities for the industry. I've not seen an upcoming solution that beats Agisoft either. As you guys say, companies that are using Kinects, and other 3D scanners are okay while 3D printing is in its infancy and a gimmic, but once we have the next generation of printers, and emerging VR etc. there will be a market for Professional high res. 3D content studios I'm sure. The low res. fluffy textured scans where someone has to stand still for a couple of minutes just won't cut it. Well, that what I think anyhow
Good news is it seems the whole industry, Zbrush, Mudbox etc. are all trying to solve this problem.