On the effect of using an augmented reality laser projection operator guidance system on cognitive workload and assembly task performance.

Abstract

Augmented Reality offers clear benefits in the workplace: overlaying digital information directly over the real-world has the potential to make tasks easier and increase performance. While augmented reality has found wider adoption in fields like aviation and transportation, its benefits in manufacturing remain all but unexplored. To fill this gap, this study compares the use of an augmented reality laser projection system during a virtual reality-based manufacturing assembly task against more traditional means of operator guidance: video and pictorial. Twenty-five participants completed a block layout assembly task in two cognitive task demand conditions: easy and hard. Cognitive workload was measured via ocular and self-reported metrics; performance in the assembly task was also measured. Relative to video and pictorial guidance, laser projection was associated with the lower cognitive workload and quicker task times in the easy cognitive task demand condition. However, no differences between the three operator guidance systems were found in the hard condition. Findings show the potential for laser projection operator guidance to improve assembly performance and reduce operator's workload in the absence of a secondary task. Future work should further investigate the use of laser projection systems in the real-world.