Enhancing human-robot collaboration: Augmented reality interfaces for smarter path planning

This chapter explores the challenges and opportunities of human-robot collaboration (HRC) in the context of Industry 4.0. The fourth industrial revolution has brought forth the concept of smart factories, where autonomous and intelligent systems play a vital role. Augmented reality (AR) emerges as a key technology in enhancing HRC, enabling effective interfaces for highly automated and AI–driven collaborative robots. Path planning, a significant activity involving humans and robots sharing physical space, is examined in the context of AR interfaces. The proposed work presents a system architecture for creating these interfaces, considering handheld and wearable AR devices. Usability analysis is conducted using the System Usability Scale, revealing both interfaces as suitable for generating virtual robot paths, with a slight preference for the wearable device. However, further testing is recommended to establish a conclusive comparison. This chapter provides valuable insights into the development of innovative interfaces that enhance HRC while ensuring human safety, addressing the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry in the era of Industry 4.0.