XR for Direct Manipulation of CNC Machines

Background: Desktop CNC machine make their capabilities accessible to a large audience. However, they still require a steep learning curve and pre-planning. In this way, they are detached from a more direct manipulation approach that may be more accessible. This thesis explores whether XR can close that loop by letting a user "paint" carving operations directly onto the physical workpiece, with the machine translating those strokes into real cutting motion.

• Build an XR application that visualizes the inside of a CNC machine and the stock/workpiece
• Allow users to directly "paint" onto the 3D representation to express their intent for next cutting operations
• Integrate with a real physical CNC machine to show the actual state of the stock
• Translate the XR operations into sensible CNC commands (e.g. grbl G-code) that then result in cutting operations
• Evaluate the system from a technical (latency, safety, etc.) and human (usability, UX) perspective.
• Optionally: Extend the systems with more complex operations

• Real-time 3D graphics / XR development expertise (e.g. via Unity)
• Basic understanding of CNC/3D printing concepts and an interest in physical manufacturing and hardware prototyping
• User-Centered Design and Evaluation
• English reading and writing