Maintenance applications of augmented reality for the Chinese aerospace industry

Since augmented reality has not reached full maturity in use, it is not widely adopted within the aerospace industry. According to the literature review, minimal research efforts have been conducted to assess the cost-benefit or cost- effectiveness of augmented reality so far. Moreover, to the best of researcher’s knowledge, no research has been carried out to develop a systematic process for selecting and implementing augmented reality within the Chinese aerospace industry. This research will therefore aim to bridge the gaps. The primary aim of this research is to develop a process for selecting and implementing augmented reality to support maintenance within an aerospace company. The following objectives will be fulfilled in this research: 1) Identify different types of AR technologies and their strengths and weaknesses for maintenance; 2) Perform cost-benefit analysis for augmented reality within the maintenance industry; 3) Develop a process for selecting and implementing augmented reality in a range of activities. Data analysis and a questionnaire were employed to achieve these objectives. In the proposed cost benefits analysis framework, the costs of implementing an augmented reality system, both direct and indirect benefits, and the costs incurred by risks have been introduced. A proposed equation on the basis of above variables has been adopted to determine the feasibility of implementing an augmented reality system in terms of money. The proposed implementation framework has introduced a process which can be followed to develop a new augmented reality system. A set of criteria have been established for selecting augmented reality technologies. The two frameworks have been applied to a developed scenario and validated by experts from Cranfield University, as well as engineers from an aerospace company.