Mixed reality as a tool supporting programming of the robot

Mixed reality is a term which covers a wide range of computer and real world interaction. This name refers to the picture shown on the display device, which consists of real and virtual elements. These elements are mixed in some proportion, so we may distinguish between augmented reality (where the real world dominates) and augmented virtuality (where the virtual world dominates). In most of cases a flat (2D) live image is processed, which makes this technology available in smartphones, car navigation systems etc. In the engineers’ world the mixed reality is used mainly in simulators and trainers, but also as supporting technology during manufacturing, assembly or maintenance process. This paper discuss different approach: mixed reality as a tool supporting programming of the robot. The main goal was to reproduce a path given by operator in off-line programming software using the visual representation of a real object. The system should be regarded as experimental one, because of early stage of development. It allows defining the coordinates of discrete points or to discretize the path and save this data for further processing. The operator should care the rest of programming task, but the use of the robot is reduced to minimum at this stage. The major disadvantages of the mentioned method are problems with accuracy and the invariable orientation of the tool used by the robot during the process – they may be eliminated by using better video equipment and the specialized image processing routine. This paper presents the main assumptions of the method along with a possible solution of the problem.