Search Results (191)

Background: In health sciences education and particularly, in healthcare education, nursing education, and medical education, augmented reality is being increasingly used due to the changes and benefits to teaching and learning approaches it can yield. However, as the field advances, it is important to systematically map the current literature and provide an overview of the field. Aim: By analyzing the current literature, this study focuses on examining the use of augmented reality in healthcare, nursing, and medical education and training. Method: The study adopts a systematic mapping review approach and analyzes 156 studies that were published during 2010–2025. Results: The results revealed that augmented reality is an effective educational tool that can support teaching and learning of diverse subjects in the context of health education, as it enables learners to combine their theoretical knowledge with practical applications within interactive and immersive learning environments and simulations without risking patient safety. Increased learning outcomes, including hands-on acquisition of practical skills and clinical competencies, engagement, performance, knowledge gain and retention, as well as their critical thinking and decision-making were observed. The potential of augmented reality to offer realistic and interactive visual representations, to support procedural training, to provide cost-effective solutions, to enhance collaborative learning, and to increase accessibility to education, even in resource-limited settings, was highlighted. Education stakeholders expressed positive attitudes and perspectives toward the adoption and integration of augmented reality into health sciences education. Discussion: The results emphasize the role of augmented reality in supporting and improving health education. Additionally, the study revealed six main topics, identified current research gaps, and provided future research directions. Conclusions: When appropriately applied, augmented reality has the potential to effectively support and enrich nursing, healthcare, and medical education and training. Full article

Augmented reality (AR) in industry improves training and technical assistance by overlaying digital information on real environments, facilitating the visualisation and understanding of complex processes. It also enables more effective remote collaboration, optimising problem solving and decision making in real time. This paper proposes a scoping review, using PRISMA guidelines, on the optimisation of industrial processes through the application of AR. The objectives of this study included characterising successful implementations of AR in various industrial processes, comparing different hardware, graphics engines, associated costs, and determining the percentage of optimisation achieved through AR. The databases included were Scopus, SpringerLink, IEEExplore, and MDPI. Eligibility criteria were defined as English-language articles published between 2019 and 2024 that provide significant contributions to AR applications in engineering. The Cochrane method was used to assess bias. The rigorous selection process resulted in the inclusion of 38 articles. Key findings indicate that AR reduces errors and execution times, improves efficiency and productivity, and optimises training and maintenance processes, leading to cost savings and quality improvement. Unity 3D is the most widely used graphics engine for AR applications. The main applications of AR are in maintenance, assembly, training and inspection, with maintenance being the most researched area. Challenges include the learning curve, high initial costs, and hardware limitations. Full article

The integration of virtual and augmented reality is transforming processes in the field of product design. This study evaluates the usability of immersive digital tools applied to industrial design through a combined market research and empirical case study, using the software ‘Gravity Sketch’ and the immersive headset ‘Meta Quest 3’. An embedded single case study was conducted based on the international standard ISO 9241-11, considering the dimensions of effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction, analysed through nine indicators: tasks completed, time to complete tasks, dimensional accuracy, interoperability, interactivity, fatigue, human error, learning curve, and perceived creativity. The results show a progressive improvement in user–system interaction across the seven Design Units, as users become more familiar with immersive technologies. Effectiveness improves as users gain experience, though it remains sensitive to design complexity. Efficiency shows favourable values even in early stages, reflecting operational fluency despite learning demands. Satisfaction records the greatest improvement, driven by smoother interaction and greater creative freedom. These findings highlight the potential of immersive tools to support design processes while also underlining the need for future research on sustained usability, interface ergonomics, and collaborative workflows in extended reality environments. Full article

Facing the demands of Human–Robot Collaborative (HRC) assembly for complex products under Industry 5.0, this paper proposes an intelligent assembly method that integrates Large Language Model (LLM) reasoning with Augmented Reality (AR) interaction. To address issues such as poor visibility, difficulty in knowledge acquisition, and strong decision dependency in the assembly of complex aerospace products within confined spaces, an assembly task model and structured process information are constructed. Combined with a retrieval-augmented generation mechanism, the method realizes knowledge reasoning and optimization suggestion generation. An improved ORB-SLAM2 algorithm is applied to achieve virtual–real mapping and component tracking, further supporting the development of an enhanced visual interaction system. The proposed approach is validated through a typical aerospace electronic cabin assembly task, demonstrating significant improvements in assembly efficiency, quality, and human–robot interaction experience, thus providing effective support for intelligent HRC assembly. Full article

Artificial intelligence has taken a seat at the executive table and is threatening the fact that human beings are the only ones who should be in a position of power. This article gives conjectures on the future of leadership in which managers will collaborate with learning algorithms in the Neural Adaptive Artificial Intelligence Leadership Model, which is informed by the transformational literature on leadership and socio-technical systems, as well as the literature on algorithmic governance. We assessed the model with thirty in-depth interviews, system-level traces of behavior, and a verified survey, and we explored six hypotheses that relate to algorithmic delegation and ethical oversight, as well as human judgment versus machine insight in terms of agility and performance. We discovered that decisions are made quicker, change is more effective, and interaction is more vivid where agile practices and good digital understanding exist, and statistical tests propose that human flexibility and definite governance augment those benefits as well. It is single-industry research that contains self-reported measures, which causes research to be limited to other industries that contain more objective measures. Practitioners are provided with a practical playbook on how to make algorithmic jobs meaningful, introduce moral fail-safes, and build learning feedback to ensure people and machines are kept in line. Socially, the practice is capable of minimizing bias and establishing inclusion by visualizing accountability in the code and practice. Filling the gap between the theory of leadership and the reality of algorithms, the study provides a model of intelligent systems leading in organizations that can be reproduced. Full article

This study investigates how remote multiplayer gameplay, enabled through Augmented Reality (AR), transforms spatial decision-making and enhances player experience in a location-based augmented reality game (LBARG). A remote multiplayer handheld-based AR game was designed and evaluated on how it influences players’ spatial decision-making strategies, engagement, and gameplay experience. In a user study involving 60 participants, we compared remote gameplay in our AR game with traditional hide-and-seek. We found that AR significantly transforms traditional gameplay by introducing different spatial interactions, which enhanced spatial decision-making and collaboration. Our results also highlight the potential of AR to increase player engagement and social interaction, despite the challenges posed by the added navigation complexities. These findings contribute to the engaging design of future AR games and beyond. Full article

Manual assembly remains essential in modern manufacturing, yet the increasing complexity of customised production imposes significant cognitive burdens and error rates on workers. Existing Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR) systems often operate passively, lacking adaptive interaction, real-time feedback and a control system with gesture. In response, we present Gest-SAR, a SAR framework that integrates a custom MediaPipe-based gesture classification model to deliver adaptive light-guided pick-to-place assembly instructions and real-time error feedback within a closed-loop interaction instance. In a within-subject study, ten participants completed standardised Duplo-based assembly tasks using Gest-SAR, paper-based manuals, and tablet-based instructions; performance was evaluated via assembly cycle time, selection and placement error rates, cognitive workload assessed by NASA-TLX, and usability test by post-experimental questionnaires. Quantitative results demonstrate that Gest-SAR significantly reduces cycle times with an average of 3.95 min compared to Paper (Mean = 7.89 min, p < 0.01) and Tablet (Mean = 6.99 min, p < 0.01). It also achieved 7 times less average error rates while lowering perceived cognitive workload (p < 0.05 for mental demand) compared to conventional modalities. In total, 90% of the users agreed to prefer SAR over paper and tablet modalities. These outcomes indicate that natural hand-gesture interaction coupled with real-time visual feedback enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of manual assembly. By embedding AI-driven gesture recognition and AR projection into a human-centric assistance system, Gest-SAR advances the collaborative interplay between humans and machines, aligning with Industry 5.0 objectives of resilient, sustainable, and intelligent manufacturing. Full article

The evolution of Industry 4.0 and the emerging paradigm of Industry 5.0 have introduced disruptive technologies that are reshaping modern manufacturing environments. Among these, Digital Twin (DT) and Industrial Metaverse (IM) technologies are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). However, a comprehensive understanding of how these technologies integrate to support OHS in manufacturing remains limited. This study systematically explores the transformative role of DT and IM in creating immersive, intelligent, and human-centric safety ecosystems. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of 75 peer-reviewed studies from the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases was conducted. The review identifies key enabling technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Extended Reality (XR), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), and Collaborative Robots (COBOTS), and highlights their applications in real-time monitoring, immersive safety training, and predictive hazard mitigation. A conceptual framework is proposed, illustrating a synergistic digital ecosystem that integrates predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and immersive training to enhance the OHS. The findings highlight both the transformative benefits and the key adoption challenges of these technologies, including technical complexities, data security, privacy, ethical concerns, and organizational resistance. This study provides a foundational framework for future research and practical implementation in Industry 5.0. Full article

The integration of extended reality (XR) technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is transforming forensic investigation by empowering processes such as crime scene reconstruction, evidence analysis, and professional training. This manuscript presents a systematic review of technological advances in XR technologies developed and employed for forensic investigation, their impacts, challenges, and prospects for the future. A systematic review was carried out based on the PRISMA^® methodology and considering articles published in repositories and scientific databases such as SCOPUS, Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, Taylor and Francis, and IEEE Xplore. Two observers carried out the selection of articles and a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 0.7226 (substantial agreement) was evaluated. The results show that XR technologies contribute to improving accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration in forensic investigation processes. In addition, they facilitate the preservation of crime scene data and reduce training costs. Technological limitations, implementation costs, ethical aspects, and challenges persist in the acceptability of these devices. XR technologies have significant transformative potential in forensic investigations, although additional research is required to overcome current barriers and establish standardized protocols that enable their effective integration. Full article

As vital material carriers of human civilization, earthen sites are experiencing continuous surface deterioration under the combined effects of weathering and anthropogenic damage. Traditional surface conservation techniques, due to their poor compatibility and limited reversibility, struggle to address the compound challenges of micro-scale degradation and macro-scale deformation. With the deep integration of digital twin technology, spatial information technologies, intelligent systems, and sustainable concepts, earthen site surface conservation technologies are transitioning from single-point applications to multidimensional integration. However, challenges remain in terms of the insufficient systematization of technology integration and the absence of a comprehensive interdisciplinary theoretical framework. Based on the dual-core databases of Web of Science and Scopus, this study systematically reviews the technological evolution of surface conservation for earthen sites between 2000 and 2025. CiteSpace 6.2 R4 and VOSviewer 1.6 were used for bibliometric visualization analysis, which was innovatively combined with manual close reading of the key literature and GPT-assisted semantic mining (error rate < 5%) to efficiently identify core research themes and infer deeper trends. The results reveal the following: (1) technological evolution follows a three-stage trajectory—from early point-based monitoring technologies, such as remote sensing (RS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS), to spatial modeling technologies, such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and geographic information systems (GIS), and, finally, to today’s integrated intelligent monitoring systems based on multi-source fusion; (2) the key surface technology system comprises GIS-based spatial data management, high-precision modeling via LiDAR, 3D reconstruction using oblique photogrammetry, and building information modeling (BIM) for structural protection, while cutting-edge areas focus on digital twin (DT) and the Internet of Things (IoT) for intelligent monitoring, augmented reality (AR) for immersive visualization, and blockchain technologies for digital authentication; (3) future research is expected to integrate big data and cloud computing to enable multidimensional prediction of surface deterioration, while virtual reality (VR) will overcome spatial–temporal limitations and push conservation paradigms toward automation, intelligence, and sustainability. This study, grounded in the technological evolution of surface protection for earthen sites, constructs a triadic framework of “intelligent monitoring–technological integration–collaborative application,” revealing the integration needs between DT and VR for surface technologies. It provides methodological support for addressing current technical bottlenecks and lays the foundation for dynamic surface protection, solution optimization, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Full article

Advanced three-dimensional extended reality (XR) technologies are highly suitable for cultural heritage research and education. XR tools enable the creation of realistic virtual or augmented reality applications for curating and disseminating information about cultural artifacts and sites. Developing XR applications for cultural heritage requires interdisciplinary collaboration involving strong teamwork and soft skills to manage user requirements, system specifications, and design cycles. Given the diverse end-users, achieving high precision, accuracy, and efficiency in information management and user experience is crucial. Human–computer interaction (HCI) design and evaluation methods are essential for ensuring usability and return on investment. This article presents ten case studies of cultural heritage software projects, illustrating the interdisciplinary work between computer science and HCI design. Students from institutions such as the State University of New York (USA), Glasgow School of Art (UK), University of Granada (Spain), University of Málaga (Spain), Duy Tan University (Vietnam), Imperial College London (UK), Research University Institute of Communication & Computer Systems (Greece), Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), and Indiana University (USA) contributed to creating, assessing, and improving the usability of these diverse cultural heritage applications. The results include a structured typology of CH XR application scenarios, detailed insights into design and evaluation practices across ten international use cases, and a development framework that supports interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder integration in phygital cultural heritage projects. Full article

This research aims to understand the evolving role of academic libraries, focusing on student perceptions of current services and their vision for the future. Data was collected using a survey at a midwestern research university in the United States. The survey contained both quantitative and qualitative questions. The objective of the survey was to understand the current utilization of library services and students’ future visions for academic libraries. Qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques were utilized as part of the study. Thematic analysis was employed as part of the qualitative analysis, while descriptive and inferential analysis techniques were utilized in the quantitative analysis. The findings reveal that many students use libraries for traditional functions such as studying and accessing resources. There is also an inclination toward digitalization due to convenience, accessibility, and environmental sustainability; however, print materials remain relevant as well. Another finding was a lack of awareness among some students regarding available library services, indicating a need for better marketing and communication strategies. Students envision future libraries as technology-driven spaces integrating artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and innovative collaborative environments. Ethical considerations surrounding AI, including privacy, bias, and transparency, are crucial factors that must be addressed. Some of the actionable recommendations include integrating ethical AI, implementing digital literacy initiatives, conducting ongoing usability and user experience (UX) research within the library, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance library services and student learning. Full article

Augmented Reality (AR) is an innovative tool in education, enhancing learning experiences across multiple domains. This literature review explores the application of AR in education, with a particular focus on geographical learning. The study begins by tracing the historical development of AR, distinguishing it from Virtual Reality (VR) and highlighting its advantages in an educational context. The integration of AR into learning environments has been shown to improve engagement, comprehension of abstract concepts, and collaboration among students. The use of AR in geographical education through interactive applications, such as GeoAR and AR Sandbox, improves the exploration of spatial relationships, topographic maps, and environmental changes. Studies demonstrate that AR enhances students’ ability to recall information and understand geographical processes more effectively than with traditional methods. Furthermore, AR Sandbox implementations, including Illuminating Clay, SandScape, and AR Sandbox, are analyzed and compared. The paper also discusses future developments in AR for geography education for AR Sandbox, such as the integration of a mobile application for extended learning and improving computing solutions through Raspberry Pi. These advancements aim to make AR systems more accessible and to increase the benefits to both students and professors. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges for the Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) sector, including drastically reduced visitation, constrained funding, and pressure to increase the amount and richness of digital rather than physical interaction. The authors draw upon explorative projects to examine the potential of serious games, augmented and virtual reality, and community-led design to address GLAM sector challenges raised by COVID-19. The initial findings suggest that while digital heritage projects often suffer from limited interactivity and accessibility, participatory game design and low-cost XR (extended reality) tools can enhance engagement and learning. The article concludes that open-ended, collaborative, and context-aware game frameworks offer a promising path for GLAM institutions to sustain relevance, support digital literacy, and adapt to post-pandemic challenges. Full article

Background: Microsurgery is a highly complex and technically demanding field within reconstructive surgery, with outcomes heavily dependent on meticulous planning, precision, and postoperative monitoring. Over the last five years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool across all phases of microsurgical care, offering new capabilities in imaging analysis, intraoperative decision support, and outcome prediction. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to evaluate the peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and May 2025. Multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched using combinations of controlled vocabulary and free-text terms relating to AI and microsurgery. Studies were included if they described AI applications during the preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative phases of microsurgical care in human subjects. Discussion: Using predictive models, AI demonstrated significant utility in preoperative planning through automated perforator mapping, flap design, and individualised risk stratification. AI-enhanced augmented reality and perfusion analysis tools improved precision intraoperatively, while innovative robotic platforms and intraoperative advisors showed early promise. Postoperatively, mobile-based deep learning applications enabled continuous flap monitoring with sensitivities exceeding 90%, and AI models accurately predicted surgical site infections, transfusion needs, and long-term outcomes. Despite these advances, most studies relied on retrospective single-centre data, and large-scale, prospective validation remains limited. Conclusions: AI is poised to enhance microsurgical precision, safety, and efficiency. However, its integration is challenged by data heterogeneity, generalisability concerns, and the need for human oversight in nuanced clinical scenarios. Standardised data collection and multicentre collaboration are vital for robust, equitable AI deployment. With careful validation and implementation, AI holds the potential to redefine microsurgical workflows and improve patient outcomes across diverse clinical settings. Full article