Augmented Reality, Technical Training, and Workforce Productivity in Engineering Industries

Abstract

The study is a qualitative research, which uses the method to investigate the role of augmented reality in technical training and productivity of engineering industry labor. In-depth interviews with engineers, trainers and the users of the AR system were complemented with structured observations of AR-assisted training sessions and the systematic analysis of training materials. The participants were identified through purposive sampling and consisted of 24 participants who had first-hand, substantive experience with AR-based training applications. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns at the surface level in terms of learning efficiency, skill development, organizational and technical issues for AR implementation and operational productivity. The results show that augmented reality has a significant impact on increasing the speed of learning, decreasing error levels when performing a task, and increasing knowledge retention over traditional training methods. But there are challenges that can hinder the process, such as technology hardware limits, implementation cost, difficulty in developing content, and workforce resistance to technology. The study offers theory-based and action-oriented suggestions for engineering firms interested in using AR as an effective workforce development tool.