{
  "id": 16356425,
  "title": "One Photo In, One .STL Out: A Lazy 3D Maker That Runs Offline",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/one-photo-in-one-stl-out-a-lazy-3d-maker-that-runs-offline",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-24T18:17:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/himanshuyeolecsejpg/one-photo-in-one-stl-out-a-lazy-3d-maker-that-runs-offline-2fn"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This story is about a new website that can turn photos of objects into printable 3D models, all without the need for any accounts, uploads, or external software. The site, called Wukong, uses an AI model called U²-Net to separate the object from its background in a single photo. It then measures the depth of the object and creates a solid 3D shape that can be downloaded as a .glb file for use in games or websites, or as a .stl file for 3D printing. The site is entirely offline, so no internet connection is required once it has been loaded. The website is built with static files and runs entirely in the browser, making it easy to deploy and run locally. The AI model used for depth estimation is called Depth Anything V2 Small, which is bundled with the site. The site also includes a demo of a 3D model of Wukong, which stands on a cliff in the mist with his back to the camera, and viewers can interact with the model by dragging it around to see his face. The website is an example of open innovation, as it allows anyone to create their own 3D models from photos, without the need for expensive software or services.",
  "summary": "This is a submission for the Hacktoberfest Open-Source AI Challenge Week 3: Slow and Steady What I Built A website that starts with a film. Wukong stands on a cliff in the mist with his back to you, tiny beside four giant guardians. The film ends, and he doesn't leave. The video hands over to a real 3D model standing in the same spot at the same size, and you can drag him round to see his face.…",
  "key_points": [
    "Wukong website turns photos into printable 3D models offline",
    "AI model U²-Net separates objects from backgrounds in single photos",
    ".stl file output enables 3D printing of created models"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}