With the coming of advanced immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), industrial maintenance processes are undergoing a deep transformation, with potential benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy and reduced operational errors. However, the introduction of these tools raises fundamental questions about the impact of cognitive load on operators, such as mental overload which can compromise the safety or quality of performance and mental and physical well-being of personnel. This study proposes a systematic review of the existing literature to investigate the implications of cognitive load generated using AR and VR in industrial environments, with a particular focus on maintenance activities. The objective is to identify the most effective approaches to assess the impact of these technologies on the mental capacity of operators in real time. The analysis shows a wide spread of quantitative tools over qualitative ones, but also a marked heterogeneity in the methodologies adopted, which limits their standardization and comparability between studies. Through a thorough review, the study outlines a structured framework to validate existing methodologies and provide guidelines for sustainable integration of immersive solutions.
Immersive Technologies and Cognitive Load in Maintenance: A Critical Review of Measurement Methodologies
Forcina A.;De Luca C.;Petrillo A.;Zahid A.;De Felice F.
2025-01-01
Abstract
With the coming of advanced immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), industrial maintenance processes are undergoing a deep transformation, with potential benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy and reduced operational errors. However, the introduction of these tools raises fundamental questions about the impact of cognitive load on operators, such as mental overload which can compromise the safety or quality of performance and mental and physical well-being of personnel. This study proposes a systematic review of the existing literature to investigate the implications of cognitive load generated using AR and VR in industrial environments, with a particular focus on maintenance activities. The objective is to identify the most effective approaches to assess the impact of these technologies on the mental capacity of operators in real time. The analysis shows a wide spread of quantitative tools over qualitative ones, but also a marked heterogeneity in the methodologies adopted, which limits their standardization and comparability between studies. Through a thorough review, the study outlines a structured framework to validate existing methodologies and provide guidelines for sustainable integration of immersive solutions.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
