Ready for Industrial Use? A User Study of Spatial Augmented Reality in Industrial Assembly

Spatial augmented reality (SAR) allows embedding instructions in the operator's field of view in manufacturing processes while hands-free working is possible. In this paper, we present the results of a field study in manufacturing to evaluate on the industrial readiness of SAR. We compared a worker assistance system via a tablet with a spatial augmented reality projection in a user study with skilled workers and students when assembling and wiring an industrial control panel. Human factors and process indicators are evaluated, qualitative feedback is summarized, and potential improvements are discussed.