Augmented Reality Efficiency in Manufacturing Industry: A Case Study

Human workers are flexible and able to solve problems; hence, their significance in the complex assembly work is important even today. The challenge is to deliver relevant assembly information to the workers about each task at a given time. Augmented Reality (AR) provides new opportunities to enhance assembly work. The rapid development of small-sized low-cost technology such as handheld computers, head-mounted displays and camera phones with enough processing capacity and long lasting batteries has enabled light-weight mobile AR systems. In this study, the usability of augmented reality in assembly is tested by our industrial pilot case that focuses on the assembly of a tractor accessory's power unit at the Finnish tractor manufacturer Valtra Plc. The experiment was performed at the Tampere University of Technology. The task was to assemble parts in correct order in the correct position and as soon as possible. Subjects performed two assembly tasks, one with paper instructions and another with AR instructions that were projected on one lens of a head-mounted display. The completion time of both tasks were measured. Afterwards the users filled the questionnaire about user experience and opinions about augmented reality. The completion times were compared with each other and questionnaire results in both experiments were evaluated. Results are analyzed and discussed.