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Australian defence industry workers have trialled augmented reality head-mounted displays as part of a new manufacturing technology study.
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The study was part of the program of research conducted under the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC)-funded project Accelerating the Uptake and Diffusion of Innovative Manufacturing Technologies in Australian Shipbuilding and Supply Chain: The Human Factors.
The study was funded by the Department of Industry, Science Energy and Resources (Innovative Manufacturing CRC), in collaboration with BAE Systems Maritime Australia. It took place at the Osborne Naval Shipyard with the support of industry partner BAE Systems Maritime Australia.
High-tech factory workers of the future will rely on training and support from Industry 4.0 technology, such as augmented reality head-mounted display modules (AR-HMD), to manage workflow and remote trouble-shooting, including in the next generation of shipbuilders, according to a Flinders University statement about the study.
“Augmented reality head-mounted displays provide digital information directly to the user and can be used to guide completion of work tasks,” said first author Dr Valerie O’Keeffe, a senior researcher in human factors at Flinders University.
“The Australian Navy Hunter Class Frigate Program provides an opportunity for accelerating technology adoption to improve productivity and workforce skills in a traditional, complex, and vital industry.
“Despite Industry 4.0 technology adoption being promoted to stimulate manufacturing flexibility and competitiveness, Australia has been slow to adopt it.”
To understand shipbuilders’ user experience and workload, the research case study focused on the “AR-HMD Hololens 2” in a simulated manufacturing workflow. This involved multiple tasks (electrical assembly, inspection, and quality assurance) with a collaborative robot fitted with a visual inspection camera.
Trials of such AR-HMD technologies to improve productivity by reducing and correcting errors in advanced manufacturing and assembly will improve software, tracking, and other promising features of such devices, according to the online article “Forming a view: a human factors case study of augmented reality collaboration in assembly” (2024), published in the journal Ergonomics.
O’Keeffe said the study highlights AR-HMD as a potential vehicle for integrating advanced technologies, improving functionality while minimising end-user burden.
“This is valuable for fast-tracking learning and building skill levels in a workforce experiencing skilled labour shortages,” she said.
“Interface design, tracking, gesturing, and device durability were most likely to limit AR-HMD adoption and require improvement to ensure efficient uptake in operations.
“However, our findings suggest encouraging levels of technology acceptance and motivation in the workforce, with potential to promote learning and productivity.
“Findings can inform technology adoption and translating knowledge to heavy industries beyond shipbuilding.”
