AI-Assisted CNC Process Planning Using Computer Vision
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i2376-380Keywords:
CNC machining, computer vision, automated process planning, machine learning Industry 4.0Abstract
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is now an essential component of the modern manufacturing process, contributing to the creation of accurate components in various manufacturing sectors such as automotive and consumer electronics. However, traditional CNC programming remains a skill-intensive activity. Engineers are forced to look through engineering drawings, select the appropriate cutting tools, calculate machining operations, and set tool-paths in CAM packages all of which require time and rely heavily on personal experience. The paper is describing an AI-based system that processes the planning of CNC processes directly on the part drawings bypassing human input. It is capable of extracting machining features on its own drawings with the help of computer vision and image processing. Machine learning then intervenes to determine the appropriate operations, recommend appropriate tools, and compile initial toolpaths. All one does is to input a part image with a handful of critical dimensions and the system does the rest. It was prototyped in Python, with OpenCV on the vision side, and Scikit-learn on the machine learning. Experiments on a synthetic dataset provided good results on both feature recognition and tool suggestion, demonstrating that the idea works in practice. This entire framework is aimed at reducing CNC programming time and decreasing reliance on expert knowledge which is exactly in line with Industry 4.0 objectives. The geometries with complexities are yet a bit of a challenge and actual testing in the real world is another step to be considered.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Prajakta Dadasaheb Veer, Subhankar Sharad Kulkarni, Raj Rupesh Kumar, Rushiprasad Uttam Gorgile

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