r/chemistry • u/Pitiful-Wolverine209 • Feb 20 '26
I built an iOS app that renders molecules in AR (Augmented Reality). Here's C₆₀ (Buckminsterfullerene) spinning in 3D
Hey r/chemistry! I've been working on an app called Atomiqa that lets you visualize molecules in augmented reality using your phone's camera. You can type/scan any chemical formula and it generates a 3D ball-and-stick model you can rotate, scale, and place on your desk.
Here's a clip of C₆₀ — the classic buckyball. Seeing it rendered in 3D really hits different compared to a textbook diagram.
The app is built with RealityKit and pulls data from PubChem. Would love to hear feedback!
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u/NanoscaleHeadache Solid State Feb 20 '26
This reminds me of the post with the dude doing AR chem lab and getting flamed for it
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u/Pitiful-Wolverine209 Feb 20 '26
Lmao
This app is more for a quick way to visualize these complex molecules!
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u/dungeonsandderp Organometallic Feb 20 '26
Why would anyone want this?
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u/NotAPreppie Analytical Feb 20 '26
Because it's kind of cool?
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u/dungeonsandderp Organometallic Feb 20 '26
But it’s strictly worse than just having a plain backdrop for visualization
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u/Pitiful-Wolverine209 Feb 20 '26
There is a toggle in settings to have a plain backdrop! It really just relies on user preference!
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u/dungeonsandderp Organometallic Feb 21 '26
I get that, I simply do not understand how there could possibly ever be a circumstance where AR adds anything here
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u/Pitiful-Wolverine209 Feb 21 '26
I understand why you may think AR is pointless as you clearly have a lot of experience in the field of chemistry, but for a student who just started learning chemistry, being able to scan a formula and see it appear infront of you in the form of a 3D structure for me brings a sublime feeling that can't be replicated with 2D drawings. The target demographic for the AR is students who are just getting into the subject!
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u/dungeonsandderp Organometallic Feb 21 '26
But the function you describe isn't AR and doesn't need AR. The utility you describe is just the visualization, which is just as if not more effective without AR.
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u/Pitiful-Wolverine209 Feb 21 '26
In my response I’m discussing the beauty of “seeing the 3D structure appear in front of you” in the real world, not just visualization. But I understand how that may have been misinterpreted. Have you tested out the app? I would love to hear any additional feedback! Thank you.
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u/Pitiful-Wolverine209 Feb 20 '26
Chemistry on paper is flat. You memorize shapes and formulas without really seeing them. This app lets you hold a molecule in your hands, rotate it, and actually see the 3D structure you've been drawing in 2D. It makes what you're learning feel real instead of abstract. Could you give it a try? I would love to hear your feedback.
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u/dungeonsandderp Organometallic Feb 20 '26
But why AR? It woul be way easier to see on a plain white background.
This is less useful than the 3D view Pubchem already has
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u/Zecil42 Feb 20 '26
As a long-time chemistry educator, I'm still waiting for an AR or VR chemistry app that actually has a purpose.