Augmented reality for industrial services provision: the factors influencing a successful adoption in manufacturing companies

Abstract

PurposeThis paper presents a model aiming to identify the factors influencing the adoption of augmented reality (AR) for industrial services.Design/methodology/approachThe study combines a literature analysis with an empirical study conducted exploring how five large industrial companies are introducing AR for supporting the provision of technical assistance and industrial services to their installed base.FindingsThe authors identify four categories (task, workforce, context and technology) that combine 18 factors that manufacturing companies should consider when introducing AR technology to support industrial services.Originality/valueThis paper systematises the fragmented literature on technology adoption and in particular those works related to the factors affecting the adoption of AR in industrial services. Based on literature and empirical evidence, the authors propose a novel framework that can help companies in the selection of AR solution based on their specific applications and situations. This study therefore contributes also to the existing literature on the adoption of I4.0 and digital technologies in industrial services.

Guest editorial: Opportunities and threats in providing remote access to manufacturing-related environments

“…The paper by Aquino et al (2023) scrutinizes the factors to be considered when introducing AR to provide support services. The set of enabling technologies in the context of I4.0, in fact, is very broad, and the adoption of such technologies, even when adequately integrated, must undergo appropriate evaluation.…”

5G supporting digital servitization in manufacturing: An exploratory survey

“…Moreover, 5G technology enables sub‐meter indoor localisation, therefore unleashing the potential of several AR applications depending on the user's location, and by offloading data storage and processing to an edge cloud platform, the hardware on the 5G‐based AR headsets might be reduced. A direct effect of the last modification is the possibility to miniaturise the AR headset's hardware, resulting in lighter and more ergonomic devices [41], able to overcome current challenges about AR applications in service provisions related to wearability [46].…”

Is This Right for You?: The Key Role of Shop Assistants in Promoting Energy-Efficient Household Appliances

“…To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is currently a gap in research regarding the acceptance of augmented reality (AR) technology among shop assistants in the retail field. However, given the characteristics mentioned above and its demonstrated benefits in other workplace settings [52], it has the potential to greatly assist these workers in their role to promote energy-efficient household appliances. AR has been proven to be effective in improving technical skills [53][54][55] and also offers the ability to facilitate knowledge management, which can mitigate knowledge loss [55].…”