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Experiencing an augmented-reality assisted assembly task autonomy, passive work attitude, and responsibility

Cornelia Gerdenitsch (AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Wien, Austria)
Thomas Meneweger (Center for Human-Computer Interaction, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria)
Christina Stockreiter (Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria)
Paul Butterer (Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria)
Martina Halbwachs (Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria)
Daniel Scheiblhofer (Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria)

Journal of Corporate Real Estate

ISSN: 1463-001X

Article publication date: 17 August 2021

Issue publication date: 3 March 2022

300

Abstract

Purpose

The deployment of assistive technologies affects well-being and productivity at industrial workplaces. Augmented reality (AR) is one of these technologies that has become increasingly deployed in manufacturing facilities to assist employees on the shopfloor. This paper aims to shed light on users’ experiences with AR-based assistance systems, specifically on the sense of autonomy users experience during an AR-assisted assembly task. Based on that, this paper draws implications for the design of future industrial workplaces to improve workers’ health, well-being and productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a laboratory experiment with 117 participants. Within semi-structured interviews, the authors asked the participants about their general experience, as well as their sense of autonomy and responsibility.

Findings

The study results indicate a limited perception of autonomy. Connected to this, the participants took over a passive working attitude and experienced a limited sense of responsibility concerning the output of the AR-assisted assembly task. At the same time, however, the participants still attributed assembly errors internally.

Originality/value

AR-assistance holds both benefits and risks for worker’s health, well-being and productivity. With this study, the author aims to increase the understanding about the perception of autonomy and control at industrial workplaces. Thus, the authors conclude with design implications for developing and implementing assistive technologies in a way that beneficial effects for employees can be achieved.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author thank Yvonne Krivanek for her support during an internship funded by the FemTech program of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency.

Citation

Gerdenitsch, C., Meneweger, T., Stockreiter, C., Butterer, P., Halbwachs, M. and Scheiblhofer, D. (2022), "Experiencing an augmented-reality assisted assembly task autonomy, passive work attitude, and responsibility", Journal of Corporate Real Estate, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 59-72. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-01-2021-0005

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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