An introduction to Augmented Reality with applications in aeronautical maintenance

Abstract

Augmented Reality is a breakthrough technology that could considerably ease execution of complex operations. Augmented Reality mixes virtual and actual reality, making available to the user new tools to ensure efficiency in the transfer of knowledge for several processes and in several environments. Various solutions based on Augmented Reality have been proposed by the research community: particularly in maintenance operations Augmented Reality tools have offered new perspectives and have promised dramatic improvements. On the other side Augmented Reality is an extremely demanding technology and, at the present day, it is still affected by serious flaws that undermine its implementations in the industrial context. This paper presents examples of Augmented Reality applications and shows the feasibility of Augmented Reality solutions in maintenance tasks, underlining advantages it could introduce. At the same time the principal flaws of Augmented Reality are commented and possible lines of investigation are suggested.

Applying the Technology Acceptance Model to Understand Aviation Students’ Perceptions toward Augmented Reality Maintenance Training Instruction

“…In addition, as Hincapie et al (2011) described, the information in traditional methods can be challenging to locate and extract. Indeed, workers and students -especially if inexperienced -can be led to frustration, poor performance, and potentially costly mistakes when trying to find information in traditional texts and manuals.…”

“…In aviation training and education, AR has been proven as a more effective learning tool than text or video-based methods (Macchiarella & Vincenzi, 2004), and could for instance help reduce training time and costs in maintenance, which typically amount to about 2000 hours (Hincapie et al, 2011). One project conducted by Ong, Yuan, and Nee, has demonstrated that AR is more effective than other forms of instructions, as it reduces errors and makes tasks easier (Ong, Yuan, & Nee, 2008).…”

A Fuzzy Logic based system for Mixed Reality assistance of remote workforce

“…Training specialized workers represents a considerable overhead in any business. As an example, it takes up to 2000 hours for aeronautic inspectors to complete their training [1]. This creates the need of human-centred assistance systems to support employees in their tasks, and help them to improve their skills.…”

“…AR glasses), although not that common, provide similar sensing capabilities with a higher level of immersion for the user. AR solutions have been used in different industries such as textile [2], aeronautic [1], medical care [3], manufactory [4] [5], military [6], and architectural construction [7] to support workers in their activities.…”

A New Hybrid Approach for Augmented Reality Maintenance in Scientific Facilities

“…Maintenance is one field where AR can play an important role [11], [12]. Maintenance tasks can be augmented using this technology, thus allowing the worker to carry wearable AR equipment instead of traditional heavy and difficult-to-use manuals.…”