The National Defense Center of Excellence for Industrial Metrology and 3D Imaging (COEIM3DI) is conducting research to enable the next generation of manufacturing-centric human/instrument/machine interactions. The generalized goal of the COE-IM3DI research is to facilitate the transition of 3D imaging technology from one requiring highly skilled/specialized technicians to a ubiquitous measurement capability available in real-time on the shop floor. This long-term effort requires a detailed examination of the current state-of-the-art in 3D imaging and projected technology development trends over the next ten years.