Programming by Demonstration in Augmented Reality for the Motion Planning of a Three-Axis CNC Dispenser

This study presents a programming by demonstration (PbD) interface in augmented reality for motion planning in a three-axis CNC glue dispenser. The interface assists a human planner to effectively determine dispenser motion in a planning task. An augmented reality application prompts the planner with instructive information in a video of real environment while guiding the machine in 3D space to dispense glue on a work part. The purpose involves facilitating the generation of the dispenser’s motion commands by enhancing individual spatial reasoning between the dispenser’s tip and the work part. CAD models are not required prior to the planning task, thus eliminating the use of motion planning software. Test results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed interface with respect to accelerating the process of the dispenser PbD. The study shows the practical value of augmented reality as a cost-effective interfacing technology for human–machine collaborations in smart manufacturing.