Using Pervasive Augmented Reality for Shop Floor Inspection Routines

This paper explores the application of Pervasive Augmented Reality (PAR) to support inspection routines on an industrial facility. Inspection routines are used to assess the condition or compliance of environments, but they often suffer from human error and limited contextual awareness. PAR can address these issues by seamlessly overlaying real-time, context-aware information onto the physical environment. The work presents the creation and implementation of an AR system based on Hololens 2, Unity, and Navmesh (Unity AI Navigation) to enable navigation in an industrial environment. The main objectives were to assess the benefits of PAR in industrial contexts, evaluate their effectiveness in inspection routines, and identify challenges and limitations associated with its deployment. The methodology combines user testing and analysis of qualitative and quantitative metrics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the system's impact. Results indicate that PAR significantly improves inspections efficiency, reduces human errors, and optimizes processes. Moreover, the findings suggest that integrating augmented reality technologies in industrial operations can act as an enabler for digital transformation, driving innovation, and competitiveness. The work offers both practical and theoretical insights into the growing field of augmented reality in industrial contexts.