AR as a Tool for Exploring Usage and Potential for the Industrial Division

Abstract

This thesis examines the use of Augmented Reality (AR) as a tool to increase support in industrial settings. With increasing interest in industry 4.0 technologies, AR has emerged as a promising solution to assist operators in environment such as agriculture, warehousing and forestry. The purpose of this study was to identify a meaningful use case, develop a functional AR prototype, and to evaluate its viability, purpose and effectiveness in the industrial context of the real world.

The prototype integrates a live camera feed in its UI with IP address configuration through the XR-compatible virtual keyboard. It was applied using Unity, PTC Vuforia Engine package and tested on a Magic leap 2. Feedback was collected from 12 play-testers with various professional backgrounds including a forklift operator, UI/UX designers and marketing professionals. While some users initially required orientation, most found the system comfortable and suggested many enrichments, such as voice input, better camera hardware and hands-free interaction.

The results demonstrate that AR, when designed keeping in mind the user’s needs and practical obstacles, can improve awareness, reduce cognitive weight, and increase work efficiency in industrial workflows. This study supports the idea that AR is not only a viable tool, but a valuable tool for modern industrial applications.