ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses applications of wearable computers and augmented reality to manufacturing. Specifically, the potential impact on manufacturing of an information processing technology that is mobile, always on, and always available to shop floor workers represents the theme of this chapter. The reader should note that this chapter does not present material on immersive virtual environments where observers are completely surrounded by computer simulations of manufacturing facilities or processes. Instead, we are interested in real-world facilities and processes, and the augmentation of these facilities with computer-generated information. Finally, while auditory systems and haptic feedback can form part of a wearable computer system, in this chapter the main focus is on wearable computers using visual displays.
