Implementing AR/MR – Learning factories as protected learning space to rise the acceptance for Mixed and Augmented Reality devices in production

Abstract

When talking about digitization, changes in the way of working are inevitable: The implementation of intelligent machines or dealing with real-time data lead to new tasks supported by new technology. Also digital technologies such as Augmented and Mixed Reality (AR/MR) are pushing the market and setting new standards in collaboration, prototyping or maintenance. The correct handling of AR/MR devices requires a change in the employees’ behavior; changing working routines are followed by a new skill set and a change in the culture. The acceptance of employees can therefore be regarded as a critical success factor for the implementation of such technologies. Thus, the present paper answers the research question ‘what factors influence the employee’s acceptance of AR and MR data glasses in industry’. On the basis of a comprehensive literature analysis, an implementation workshop was developed and validated in cooperation with an industrial partner. The results were transformed into a workshop within the learning and research factory ‘Smart Production Lab’ to give employees and students the opportunity to train the handling of data glasses in a protected learning space in order to increase the acceptance for the technology.