Training and Assistance in Industrial Environments Using Extended Reality

This study primarily focuses on developing a training and assistance framework that utilizes Extended Reality (XR) technologies, encompassing Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Virtual Reality (VR). The objective is to facilitate intuitive learning of new work methodologies and enhance technical skills through task-oriented strategies in planning, execution, and production. Central to this paper are five VR-based scenarios, which are a subset of 22 diverse use cases explored in a collaborative effort with four Austrian universities. The research methodology entailed a thorough assessment of the existing training practices within participating companies, leading to the creation of tailored, interactive prototypes through a cyclic development process. These prototypes underwent rigorous on-site testing and evaluation by the employees of the industrial partners, employing a comprehensive multi-criteria evaluation model. The feedback gathered was instrumental in gauging the efficacy of these novel training approaches in comparison to conventional methods, and in pinpointing elements of the use cases that could be standardized for future development of training applications. This paper makes a significant contribution to the domain by shedding light on the practical implementation of XR technologies in industrial training environments, and by discussing the potential advantages and challenges inherent in their adoption.