Title: An investigation of acceptance and e-readiness for the application of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies to maintenance training in the manufacturing industry

Authors: Helen Scott; David Baglee; Roger O'Brien; Rita Potts

Addresses: Faculty of Technology, School of Engineering, University of Sunderland, David Goldman Building, St Peters Campus, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 0DD, UK ' Faculty of Technology, School of Engineering, University of Sunderland, David Goldman Building, St Peters Campus, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR6 0DD, UK ' Faculty of Technology, The Institute for Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice, University of Sunderland, Colima Avenue, Sunderland Enterprise Park West, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 3XB, UK ' Faculty of Technology, The Institute for Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice, University of Sunderland, Colima Avenue, Sunderland Enterprise Park West, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 3XB, UK

Abstract: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies offer new ways of providing training in manufacturing maintenance. The adoption of modern maintenance training practices has the potential to create efficiencies in cost and time, while enhancing the quality of learning and maintenance outputs. In order to utilise the potential improvements that VR and AR, it is first important to understand the specific factors associated with VR and AR readiness and user requirement. The paper will describe the results from a number of interviews conducted within a range of manufacturing companies in the North East of England to establish the state of e-technology readiness and acceptance, with specific emphasis on VR and AR applications. The results will identify how VR and AR might be utilised, relative to the company's needs. A new 'model' for maintenance training utilising VR/AR technologies will be described combining cognitive models of decision making and learning.

Keywords: VR; virtual reality; AR; augmented reality; manufacturing maintenance; maintenance training; technology readiness; technology acceptance; cognitive behavioural models.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2020.108310

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2020 Vol.13 No.1, pp.39 - 58

Received: 26 May 2019
Accepted: 11 Sep 2019
Published online: 08 Jul 2020 *

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