In this study, the
researchers illuminated the positive advantages of incorporating augmented
reality (AR) technology into the daily practices of service engineers working
in an advanced manufacturing environment. AR technology improved the user’s
communication with colleagues and content experts through real-time video
conferencing and brought valuable information directly to the user on a mobile
platform. This effective communication had the potential to reduce the time it
takes to complete a work task, even when the user is in a remote location. However, it could not be assumed that people
would be willing to use this new technology just because it was available. In
order to promote the positive advantages of incorporating AR technology into
the daily practices of service engineers, more research was needed to assess
the user’s perceived value of AR technology and their willingness to accept AR
technology into their daily tasks. The purpose of this research was to
demonstrate the advantages of using augmented reality technology to improve
communication and access to information as well as to assess the acceptance and
use of this technology based on the behavioral intentions of a trained
engineer. Using that information and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use
of Technology including its extensions (UTAUT and UTAUT2) (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, & Davis, 2003; Venkatesh, 2012) this research
determined if AR technology is viable for larger scale adoption.