Augmented Reality in Work Environments

Augmented Reality (AR) might help us build faster, but at what cost for safety? We just published a study in the Journal of Industrial Ergonomics exploring how AR impacts workers’ situational awareness during construction tasks. The paper is open access and linked below. In the experiment, participants built a large-scale physical pipe rack using one of three formats of design information: 1. Traditional 2D paper drawings 2. AR with a moderate level of digital design detail 3. AR with a high level of digital design detail The AR information was delivered through a HoloLens, which projected 3D images in a heads-up display that was visible during the construction task. Mid-task, we introduced a change: a bright light on the panel would illuminate, indicating that a nearby system was “pressurized." Participants were instructed to respond immediately by flipping a switch to isolate the system before continuing their task. The results were perhaps unsurprising, but more extreme than we hypothesized: - Participants using AR were significantly less aware of their surroundings - They were slower to detect and respond to the hazard - The effect was more pronounced with higher levels of AR detail - Older participants were the most affected This study shows an important trade-off. While AR can improve productivity, it may also reduce hazard recognition and slow response, especially for certain workers. Is the benefit in productivity worth the loss of awareness? You will have to decide! https://lnkd.in/gMXiNgfw

Found an exciting new study on 3D modeling, AI and robotics. I'll explain the tech, but first... a story: Imagine pointing a camera at your factory floor or a complex assembly line. Instantly, on your screen, you see a live, interactive 3D model of that entire space – not just the machinery, but also your workers moving within it, all updated continuously in real-time. Think of it like having a perfect, living dynamic dollhouse version of your operations that mirrors reality second-by-second. Rather than a recording of something that already happened, it's live spatial understanding. That's what this new research potentially makes possible. It introduces a framework for simultaneously tracking camera movement, estimating human poses, and reconstructing both the human and the surrounding scene in 3D, all in real-time. Using 3D Gaussian Splatting, it efficiently models dynamic elements. This sets a precedent for creating live, detailed digital twins of humans interacting with environments, which will be crucial for advancements in robotics (so they have real-time perception), virtual and/or augmented reality, and human-computer interaction. Eventually, this means a lot of positive knock-on effects: - Smarter Robots: Robots could use this live 3D view to navigate complex, changing environments and work much more safely and effectively alongside your human workforce. - Hyper-Realistic Training: You could drop trainees into virtual or AR simulations that perfectly replicate live operational conditions for unparalleled realism. - Remote Expertise: Remote experts could literally "walk through" the live digital twin to troubleshoot issues or guide on-site staff with complete, real-time context. This will enable bridging the gap between the physical world and digital systems instantly, enabling much smarter automation, collaboration, and analysis. Paper: https://lnkd.in/eH6VmmCg

Just finished a deep dive into how AR and XR are quietly transforming the modern workplace, and I’m convinced this shift is far more than a tech trend. We often hear about automation, AI, and data pipelines. But on the ground, it’s immersive tech that’s helping teams 𝗼𝗻𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿𝘀, and 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 without flying in experts. DHL uses smart glasses to guide warehouse pickers in real time. GE Aerospace trains technicians with AR overlays instead of thick manuals. Coca-Cola HBC connects frontline staff to remote support through wearable devices. The gains? Fewer mistakes, faster execution, more engaged teams. What stood out most: AR/XR isn’t replacing people; it’s making their jobs easier, safer, and smarter. If your org is still stuck on PowerPoint training and in-person troubleshooting, the gap is already growing. Happy to share insights from my write-up if you’re exploring immersive workflows. #DigitalTransformation #AR #XR #FutureOfWork #OperationalExcellence #ImmersiveTech ------------------------     ✅ Follow me on LinkedIn at https://lnkd.in/gU6M_RtF to stay connected with my latest posts.   ✅ Subscribe to my newsletter “𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒚 𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝑰” https://lnkd.in/gF4aaZpG to stay connected with my latest articles.   ✅ Please 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞, Repost, 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 if you find this post insightful.   ✅ Please click the 🔔icon under my profile for notifications!  

Meta at Work! “Anything that my mind can see, I can make that my reality.” As a safety professional, I love the new ad on Meta Quest for working safely. Imagine putting on a pair of VR glasses, and stepping into a real-life training scenario before ever setting foot in the field. That’s the power of VR and AR technology. From confined space entry to electrical hazard awareness, VR simulations are reshaping how we train our workforce. Workers can walk through high risk hazards, understand what controls need to be in place, make decisions, and learn in a safe, immersive environment. • Safer training • Faster skill acquisition • Better muscle memory • Reduced real-world incident rates In high-risk industries the ability to practice failure without consequence can be the difference between a close call and a SIF. Here are really good articles on VR and AR in Safety published by American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) “Virtual Reality Training” (Professional Safety, May 2025) A peer-reviewed study reports that combining emotion-rich videos with VR-enhanced confined-space CBT led to improved knowledge retention and learning transfer—highlighting the potential for VR to reinforce safety training modules. https://lnkd.in/ggtYcfPG “Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality for Hazardous Work Training” A comprehensive overview (likely via ASSP or associated bodies) detailing how VR/AR allows immersive hazard drills in safe simulated environments—ideal for replicating confined-space, lockout/tagout, and radiation scenarios https://lnkd.in/gjnQ-xvF #safetytechnology #ai #safetyai #safetyculture #assp #nsc #bcsp #csp #sms #safetytraining #sif #sifprevention