Gesture Recognition for Feedback Based Mixed Reality and Robotic Fabrication: A Case Study of the UnLog Tower

TL;DR

This paper explores real-time gesture recognition in mixed reality to enable direct physical interaction, enhancing feedback and control in robotic fabrication and assembly processes, exemplified by the UnLog Tower project.

Contribution

It introduces a novel gesture recognition system for feedback-based MR workflows, allowing seamless interaction between physical objects and digital instructions in construction.

Findings

Enhanced interaction accuracy in MR environments

Improved feedback loop between physical and virtual elements

Successful application in UnLog Tower fabrication process

Abstract

Mixed Reality (MR) platforms enable users to interact with three-dimensional holographic instructions during the assembly and fabrication of highly custom and parametric architectural constructions without the necessity of two-dimensional drawings. Previous MR fabrication projects have primarily relied on digital menus and custom buttons as the interface for user interaction with the MR environment. Despite this approach being widely adopted, it is limited in its ability to allow for direct human interaction with physical objects to modify fabrication instructions within the MR environment. This research integrates user interactions with physical objects through real-time gesture recognition as input to modify, update or generate new digital information enabling reciprocal stimuli between the physical and the virtual environment. Consequently, the digital environment is generative of the user's provided interaction with physical objects to allow seamless feedback in the fabrication process. This research investigates gesture recognition for feedback-based MR workflows for robotic fabrication, human assembly, and quality control in the construction of the UnLog Tower.