Enhancing technical accessibility: AI-powered conversational assistant and augmented reality-assisted 3D printing software for novice users

The growing popularity of 3D printing technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by enabling manufacturers to produce complex designs and prototypes rapidly and efficiently. However, the complexity of the software user interface and the printing process itself poses significant challenges for novice users like 3D printing enthusiasts, design students, etc. This paper discusses the current challenges in 3D printing and highlights the need for more accessible and user-friendly tools for enhancing 3D technology accessibility. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a software solution that leverages augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to create an interactive and user-friendly software called “3D PrintEasy”. This guides novice users through the 3D printing process and provides real-time feedback to improve their prints. This software also includes a conversational assistant that can answer user questions and provide helpful tips. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on the integration of AI and AR technologies in the manufacturing industry and emphasizes the importance of considering the needs of beginners when designing software solutions for 3D printing technology. The proposed software has the potential to greatly enhance the accessibility and usability of 3D printing technology for beginners and revolutionize the way beginners learn and interact with 3D printing technology.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.F.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Art and Design

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Xu, Shengyang

Contributors dc:contributor

• Weightman, David
• Goldstein, Molly
• Kendall, James

• 3d Printing
• Ar
• Ai
• Tech Accessibility
• Uiux

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2023 Shengyang Xu

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120139

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F120139