Augmented Reality Applications for the Excavation Industry: Locating and Protecting Underground Utilities

The construction industry constantly pursues innovative methods to improve safety, enhance productivity, and reduce costs and project durations. Augmented Reality (AR) is a promising technology, potentially bringing about changes in construction. AR can be useful for visualizing data in construction sites and preventing clashes or accidents. One of its potential applications is in the excavation sector. This research aims to understand the needs, expectations, and challenges associated with adopting AR in the excavation sector. We aim to assess how different AR solutions are perceived and how they would be used. In this work, we draw insights from interviews carried out with 31 professionals in New Zealand's excavation industry. During the interviews, participants interacted with two AR prototypes, which were the same AR application delivered by two AR devices: optical-see-through (OST) and video-see-through (VST). Participants were asked to provide feedback on the implications of AR to the real-world excavation practice and compare the two AR devices. The findings of this study indicate a preference among participants for AR applications compared with traditional paper-based drawings. Participants leaned toward VST among AR devices, given their familiarity with VST devices such as tablets. Further, accessibility emerged as the primary barrier to adopting AR within the excavation industry. As such, this work provides insight for future AR development and prototyping for the excavation industry.