The MAD project, Additive Design Metamorphosis, develops design as an integrated process that, starting from the definition of product specifications, extends to the synthesis and optimization of materials and components through additive manufacturing technologies.

The approach goes beyond the traditional view of design as a purely formal dimension, integrating advanced modeling, numerical simulation, and materials engineering. The project addresses, in a systemic way, themes such as ergonomics, sustainability, life cycle, and circular economy, with production processes optimized for additive manufacturing.

AM technologies are integrated with electronic components and control systems to increase the efficiency and functionality of products in the automotive, aerospace, home living, and consumer design sectors.

Within the MAD project, the AVR Lab of the University of Salento developed an Augmented Reality demonstrator aimed at integrating objects produced through Additive Manufacturing with immersive digital environments. The activity focused on the design and implementation of an AR system capable of recognizing a physical reference associated with the product and superimposing, in real time, a dynamic information panel for monitoring technical parameters.

The work involved both the definition of a modular and scalable software architecture and the experimental validation of the tracking system, with particular attention to anchoring stability and spatial coherence between the physical component and the digital overlay. Advanced configuration features, graphical data visualization, and alarm threshold management were developed, with provisions for future integration with real sensors and IoT systems.

Overall, the contribution of the AVR Lab demonstrated the feasibility of extending the additive design process toward an interactive and digital dimension, strengthening the integration between advanced manufacturing and Extended Reality technologies.