Tablet-Based Augmented Reality in the Factory

Abstract

We investigate whether a user's background in computer programming has an influence on user's mental workload, when using a tablet-based augmented reality robot control interface that visualizes task-based information. For this purpose we conducted a user study, in which participants solved multiple robot control tasks. In the study, the users had to control a Sphero robot ball with the help of a tablet-based augmented reality (AR) interface. The AR interface was used to show task instructions to the user. The results of the study show that users with computer programming background had a higher effort and also report a higher frustration when using the AR interface. Additionally, they rate the usability of the AR interface as "ok", in comparison to naive users without programming background, who gave it a "good" rating. These results suggest that users with a computer programming background need an AR interface that visualizes more technical information.