Economic evaluation of the use of augmented reality in assembly processes

Assembly is one the key functions to make products. The increasing number of product variants as well as complexity of product puts large demands on the production systems. In this paper an augmented reality (AR) based system is proposed for enhancing assembly tasks. Using the AR system, a worker can see additional graphical information superimposed on his/her view of the real world. Graphical instructions, text/symbols and virtual objects are used for guiding the worker with the assembly tasks. The common question in ICT investment is how much does it cost to have a such a system and also what are the benefits. Key to beginning to understand this issue is to describe cost factors of implementing AR system in a factory. In this paper a cost model is described and benefits are evaluated using user performance tests.