Search Results (88)

The axle box of a railway vehicle is a critical component, and its maintenance involves complex procedures that are difficult to convey with traditional, document-based manuals. To address these challenges, augmented reality (AR)-based educational content was developed to digitize maintenance training and enhance its effectiveness. The content’s implementation was guided by a systematic storyboard, which was based on interviews with skilled staff. It also utilized specialized algorithms to improve the accuracy of mechanical measurement work and the efficiency of User Interface (UI) generation. The user experience of the developed content was comprehensively evaluated using a combination of two methods: a formative evaluation through direct observation of work performance and a post-survey administered to 40 participants. As a result of the evaluation, the mean work success rate was 62.5%, demonstrating the content’s high efficiency as a training tool. The overall mean score from the post-survey was 4.11, indicating high user satisfaction and perceived usefulness. A one-way ANOVA was performed and revealed a statistically significant difference in post-survey scores among the four age groups. The developed content was found to be more effective for younger participants. The results confirm the high potential of AR as a digital educational method for complex maintenance work. Full article

Augmented reality (AR)-based assisted maintenance methods are effective in completing simple equipment maintenance tasks. However, complex equipment typically requires multi-location remote collaboration due to structural complexity, multiple fault states, and high maintenance costs, significantly increasing maintenance difficulty. This paper therefore proposes a remote maintenance support method for complex equipment based on layered-MVC-B/S integrated AR framework (IAR-RMS). First, clearly define the maintenance content and workflow for multi-person remote collaboration and conduct an in-depth analysis of process control within the task workflow to avoid incomplete or unsystematic maintenance guidance information and processes. Second, analyze collaborative management from the perspectives of maintenance role conflicts and maintenance operation conflicts and implement on-demand permission control and operation sequence management to ensure the timeliness and user-friendliness of multi-person collaboration. Then, integrate the layered architecture, MVC, and B/S architecture to construct a remote maintenance support (RMS) model based on an integrated architecture system, ensuring the reliability and timeliness of the model. Finally, demonstrate the main functional modules of the RMS task process, and use power system disassembly and assembly as an experiment to validate the effectiveness and generalizability of the proposed IAR-RMS method. The results indicate that the proposed IAR-RMS method can effectively realize maintenance support tasks in multi-person remote collaboration scenarios. Full article

In response to mounting regulatory and environmental pressures, the maritime sector must urgently improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, conventional operational interfaces often fail to deliver real-time, actionable insights needed for informed decision-making onboard. This work presents an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) interface integrated with an established shipboard data collection system to enhance real-time monitoring and operational decision-making on commercial vessels. The baseline data acquisition infrastructure is currently installed on over 800 vessels across various ship types, providing a robust foundation for this development. To validate the AR interface’s feasibility and performance, a field trial was conducted on a representative dry bulk carrier. Through hands-free AR smart glasses, crew members access real-time overlays of key performance indicators, such as fuel consumption, engine status, emissions levels, and energy load balancing, directly within their field of view. Field evaluations and scenario-based workshops demonstrate significant gains in energy efficiency (up to 28% faster decision-making), predictive maintenance accuracy, and emissions awareness. The system addresses human–machine interaction challenges in high-pressure maritime settings, bridging the gap between complex sensor data and crew responsiveness. By contextualizing IoT data within the physical environment, the AR-IoT platform transforms traditional workflows into proactive, data-driven practices. This study contributes to the emerging paradigm of digitally enabled sustainable operations and offers practical insights for scaling AR-IoT solutions across global fleets. Findings suggest that such convergence of AR and IoT not only enhances vessel performance but also accelerates compliance with decarbonization targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Full article

As manufacturing processes evolve towards greater automation and efficiency, the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies has emerged as a transformative approach that offers innovative solutions to various challenges in manufacturing applications. This comprehensive review explores the recent technological advancements and applications of AR and VR within the context of manufacturing. This review also encompasses the utilization of AR and VR technologies across different stages of the manufacturing process, including design, prototyping, assembly, training, maintenance, and quality control. Furthermore, this review highlights the recent developments in hardware and software components that have facilitated the adoption of AR and VR in manufacturing environments. This comprehensive literature review identifies the emerging technologies that are driving AR and VR technology toward technological maturity for implementation in manufacturing applications. Finally, this review discusses the major difficulties in implementing AR and VR technologies in the manufacturing sectors. Full article

Augmented reality (AR) in industry improves training and technical assistance by overlaying digital information on real environments, facilitating the visualisation and understanding of complex processes. It also enables more effective remote collaboration, optimising problem solving and decision making in real time. This paper proposes a scoping review, using PRISMA guidelines, on the optimisation of industrial processes through the application of AR. The objectives of this study included characterising successful implementations of AR in various industrial processes, comparing different hardware, graphics engines, associated costs, and determining the percentage of optimisation achieved through AR. The databases included were Scopus, SpringerLink, IEEExplore, and MDPI. Eligibility criteria were defined as English-language articles published between 2019 and 2024 that provide significant contributions to AR applications in engineering. The Cochrane method was used to assess bias. The rigorous selection process resulted in the inclusion of 38 articles. Key findings indicate that AR reduces errors and execution times, improves efficiency and productivity, and optimises training and maintenance processes, leading to cost savings and quality improvement. Unity 3D is the most widely used graphics engine for AR applications. The main applications of AR are in maintenance, assembly, training and inspection, with maintenance being the most researched area. Challenges include the learning curve, high initial costs, and hardware limitations. Full article

The highly demanding safety standards adopted in the railway context imply that cutting-edge technologies must limit accidents. This paper presents the human-centered outcomes of the VRAIL project, an industrial research project aiming to use enabling technologies and develop methodologies for operators directly involved in infrastructure management in the railway field. Developing integrated monitoring systems and applications that exploit Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) becomes crucial to support the awareness of planning and maintenance operators required to comply with high-quality standards. This paper addresses the abovementioned issue by proposing the development of two different prototype applications in both AR and VR for railway infrastructure data management. These environments will provide the planning operator with a complete platform to explore, use to plan maintenance interventions, and gather detailed reports to improve the overall safety of the railway line effectively. Full article

The present study proposes adaptive augmented reality (AR) architecture, specifically designed to enhance real-time operator assistance and occupational safety in industrial environments, which is representative of Industry 4.0. The proposed system addresses key challenges in AR adoption, such as the need for dynamic personalisation of instructions based on operator profiles and the mitigation of technical and cognitive barriers. Architecture integrates theoretical modelling, modular design, and real-time adaptability to match instruction complexity with user expertise and environmental conditions. A working prototype was implemented using Microsoft HoloLens 2, Unity 3D, and Vuforia and validated in a controlled industrial scenario involving predictive maintenance and assembly tasks. The experimental results demonstrated statistically significant enhancements in task completion time, error rates, perceived cognitive load, operational efficiency, and safety indicators in comparison with conventional methods. The findings underscore the system’s capacity to enhance both performance and consistency while concomitantly bolstering risk mitigation in intricate operational settings. This study proposes a scalable and modular AR framework with built-in safety and adaptability mechanisms, demonstrating practical benefits for human–machine interaction in Industry 4.0. The present study is subject to certain limitations, including validation in a simulated environment, which limits the direct extrapolation of the results to real industrial scenarios; further evaluation in various operational contexts is required to verify the overall scalability and applicability of the proposed system. It is recommended that future research studies explore the long-term ergonomics, scalability, and integration of emerging technologies in decision support within adaptive AR systems. Full article

Small to medium-sized shipyards play a crucial role in the European naval industry. However, the globalization of technology has increased competition, posing significant challenges to shipyards, particularly in domestic markets for short sea, work, and inland vessels. Many shipyard operations still rely on manual, labor-intensive tasks performed by highly skilled operators. In response, the adoption of new tools is essential to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. This paper presents a methodology for developing a human-centric portfolio of advanced technologies tailored for shipyard environments, covering processes such as shipbuilding, retrofitting, outfitting, and maintenance. The proposed technological solutions, which have achieved high technology readiness levels, include 3D modeling and digitalization, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, and occupational exoskeletons. Key findings from real-scale demonstrations are discussed, along with major development and implementation challenges. Finally, best practices and recommendations are provided to support both technology developers seeking fully tested tools and end users aiming for seamless adoption. Full article

The technologies grouped under the term Extended Reality (XR) are constantly evolving. Only fifty years ago, they were delegated to the science fiction strand and were not feasible except in the distant future; today, they are successfully used for personnel training, diagnostic maintenance, education, and more. This article focuses on one such technology: Augmented Reality (AR). In particular, it aims to present an improvement of a software created to monitor the values of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors for aeronautical applications. The ability to overlay the status of various network-connected smart elements allows the operator to evaluate actual conditions in a highly intuitive and seamless manner, thus accelerating various activities. It was evaluated in a controlled environment to perform strain and temperature measurements of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), where it demonstrated its usefulness. Full article

The field of additive manufacturing increasingly demands innovative solutions to optimize material processing, improve equipment efficiency, and address maintenance challenges in high-utilization environments. This study investigates the operation and management of an FFF 3D printing production line comprising eight remotely controlled printers. The system supports custom manufacturing and educational activities, focusing on processing a range of thermoplastics and composite materials. A key contribution of this work lies in addressing the impact of frequent hardware servicing caused by shared use among users. Augmented reality (AR)-guided assembly and disassembly workflows were developed to ensure uninterrupted operations. These workflows are accessible via smart devices and provide step-by-step guidance tailored to specific material and equipment requirements. The research evaluates the effectiveness of AR-enhanced maintenance in minimizing downtime, extending equipment lifespans, and ensuring consistent material performance during manufacturing processes. Furthermore, it explores the role of AR in maintaining the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of processed materials, ensuring high-quality outputs across diverse applications. This paper highlights the integration of advanced material processing methodologies with emerging technologies like AR, aligning with the focus on enhancing manufacturing schemes. The findings contribute to improving process efficiency and adaptability in additive manufacturing, offering insights into scalable solutions for remote-controlled and multi-user production systems. Full article

In the modern era of industrial digitalization, the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced data analysis, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is significantly transforming various industrial sectors. This research aimed to study and develop a proposal for an integrated system that combines IoT, data analysis, AR and VR for the monitoring and maintenance of industrial equipment. The importance of this research lies in its potential to contribute to the implementation of predictive maintenance solutions, which can significantly reduce machine downtime in an industrial environment and thus reduce or prevent operational failures. The central research question of this work was the following: how can the integration of IoT, data analysis and augmented and virtual reality contribute to optimizing industrial maintenance? We tested the combination of technologies to enable the creation of an effective predictive maintenance system, capable of alerting operators to anomalous conditions and providing detailed visual instructions for maintenance tasks. As a result, a prototype system was developed and tested, and it has shown the potential to evolve into a real system in an industrial environment. Full article

As augmented reality (AR) technologies become increasingly integrated into everyday life, privacy-maintenance concerns about their capacity to capture and process sensitive visual data also increase. Visual data sanitization and obfuscation may effectively increase the privacy protection level. This study examines user perceptions of privacy protection strategies within AR environments. We developed and disseminated a questionnaire to assess users’ preferences, experiences, and concerns related to visual obfuscation techniques, namely masking, pixelation, and blurring. We collected and analyzed the responses using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The results indicate that user perceptions varied based on the AR context and individual preferences. Participants identified blurring as a versatile option that provides the best aesthetic appeal. Users recognized masking as the most secure method but less visually appealing. This study also revealed that demographic factors, such as age, education, and occupation, influenced privacy concerns and the acceptance of obfuscation methods. These findings enhance the understanding of user preferences and the effectiveness of obfuscation techniques in AR. These insights can guide the development of privacy-preserving AR applications tailored to accommodate diverse user needs. Full article

As we progress towards Industry 5.0, technological advancements are converging; this movement is realised by the increasing collaboration between humans and intelligent digital platforms and further enabled by the interactive visualisation modes provided by Metaverse technology. This research examines the practical applications and limitations of Metaverse technology providing insights into the transformative possibilities it offers for the manufacturing sector. Specifically, the research was guided by the core objective to trace the evolution of Metaverse technology within manufacturing. This study provides a comprehensive and state-of-the-art analysis of the adoption and impact of Metaverse technologies in the manufacturing sector. While previous research has explored aspects of Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, this study specifically focuses on human-centric manufacturing (human-in-the-loop) applications of Metaverse technology, including augmented reality, virtual reality, digital twins, and cyber-physical robotic systems. Findings from the systematic literature review indicate that Metaverse technologies, primarily augmented reality and virtual reality, have evolved into powerful tools in manufacturing. They are widely adopted across sectors in the industry, transforming processes such as product design, quality control, and maintenance. Augmented reality and virtual reality offer intuitive ways to visualise data and interact with digital twins, bridging the gap between physical and virtual realms in manufacturing. A roadmap and scenarios for the introduction of Metaverse technology in manufacturing are provided with suggested adoption timespans. Furthermore, the systematic literature review identified barriers hindering the wider adoption of Metaverse technology in manufacturing. Full article

Companies have tried to innovate in their training processes to increase their productivity indicators, reduce equipment maintenance costs, and improve the work environment. The use of Augmented Reality (AR) has been one of the implemented strategies to upgrade training processes, since it optimizes, through User Interface (UI) Design, experiences designed for users (UX) that are focused on education and training contexts. This research describes the definition and implementation of an IT architecture based on the ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010 standard using the Zachman and Kruchten frameworks. The methodological proposal presents an architecture seen from a business perspective, taking into account the strategic and technological components of the organization under a strategic alignment approach. The result is a six-layer architecture: The Government Strategy Layer (1) that accounts for the strategic component; the Business Layer (2) that presents the business management perspective; the Information Layer (4) that defines the metrics system: efficiency through task time, effectiveness through tasks completed, and satisfaction with overall satisfaction. In the Data Layer (4), the data collected with the metrics are structured in an industrial scenario with a cylinder turning process on a Winston Lathe. The experiment was carried out with two groups of 272 participants. In the Systems and Applications Layer (5), two applications were designed: a web client and a mobile application with augmented reality, and finally, the Networks and Infrastructure Layer (6), which delivers the two functional applications. The architecture validation was carried out using the mobile application. The analysis of the results showed a significance value of less than 0.001 in the three indicators: efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction in the Levene test and Student’s t-test. To corroborate the results, a test of equality of means with the Mann–Whitney U was carried out, showing that the three indicators presented significantly different values in the two experimental groups of this study. Thus, the group trained with the application obtained better results in the three indicators. The proposed architecture is adaptable to other training contexts. Information, data, and systems and application layers allowed for the exchange of training processes so that the augmented reality application is updated according to the new requirements. Full article

Extensive studies have demonstrated the advantages of augmented reality (AR) in improving efficiency, thereby fulfilling a quality role in industry. Yet, the corresponding physical strain on individuals poses a significant challenge. This study explores the effects of task difficulty (complex versus simple maintenance activities) and multimedia guidance (e.g., paper-based versus AR via HoloLens) on physical strain, body discomfort ratings, perceived exertion, and mental effort. A 2 × 2 mixed design was employed, involving a total of 28 participants with an average age of 32.12 ± 2.45 years. Physical strain was evaluated by measuring the normalized root mean square (RMS) of electromyography (EMG) indicators, expressed as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) from six muscles (i.e., right flexor carpi radialis (RFCR), right middle deltoid (RMD), right upper trapezius (RUT), right cervical extensor (RCE), and right and left splenius (RSPL and LSPL) muscles. The results indicated that AR instruction, particularly in complex tasks, led to higher physical strain in the neck and shoulder muscles (RCE and RUT) compared with paper-based methods. However, AR significantly reduced strain in the RSPL, LSPL, RMD, and RFCR muscles during both simple and complex tasks. This study highlights that while AR can lower physical strain in certain muscle groups, it also introduces increased strain in the neck and shoulders, particularly during more demanding tasks. This study highlights the need for ergonomic considerations when designing and implementing AR technologies, especially for complex tasks that inherently demand more from the user, both physically and cognitively. Full article