Augmented Reality in Industry

The use of augmented reality in industry holds enormous potential. In particular, the use of smart glasses offers the advantage that both hands remain free for the task at hand, while information is continuously available in the user’s field of vision. In the future, industrial actors will be able to combine virtual and real components and train on virtual objects. Especially complex tasks can initially be tested in a virtual environment. These are just a few of the many possible applications currently being developed. However, beyond challenges in software development, the practical use of smart glasses also faces very tangible issues that should be carefully considered before investing in augmented reality. For example, progressive lenses—which account for roughly a quarter of all glasses worn in Germany—are not always compatible with smart glasses. What level of accuracy is required for a given application? Questions of occupational safety and data protection must also be addressed. Since smart glasses are equipped with cameras, it must be clarified under which conditions their use is acceptable on the shop floor. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Werner Schreiber, who led the research field of Virtual Technologies in corporate research at Volkswagen AG for 15 years, uses this book to strengthen the ability to assess the use of smart glasses, enabling thoughtful and sustainable implementation in industry in the future.