Can augmented reality revolutionize industrial training?

Imagine learning a new job by watching an expert right beside you, without boring manuals or lectures. That's what augmented reality (AR) promises through the SELFEX platform. This system allows new workers to learn autonomously by replicating the moves of more experienced colleagues, like in an immersive video game. A study involved 17 participants who tested AR against traditional screen methods. The results? Users found AR more engaging and easier to use, even if it didn't significantly improve immediate performance. AR seems perfect for beginners, but there are still challenges to overcome, such as technical stability and user adoption. In short, augmented reality could be the future of industrial training, but it still needs time to be perfected.

The study on the SELFEX platform used a mixed-methods design, combining a technical analysis of AR's functionality with an empirical evaluation in an industrial setting. Participants completed training tasks using both traditional screens and AR headsets. Subjective measures included satisfaction, perceived usefulness, ease of use, and flow state, while objective metrics assessed performance. Results showed that AR was particularly beneficial for novices, enhancing engagement and ease of learning. However, no statistically significant performance differences were found compared to screen-based training. Correlation analyses revealed strong links between flow, satisfaction, and ease of learning, highlighting the importance of intuitive, well-integrated design. Identified challenges include technical stability and user adoption. These findings position AR as a promising tool for accessible and immersive industrial training, capable of supporting both initial skill acquisition and potential future upskilling.