Augmented and virtual reality applications in industrial systems: A qualitative review towards the industry 4.0 era

Abstract Over the last few years, manufacturing companies have been facing various challenges particularly related to volatile demand and changing requirements from customers and suppliers, requiring new technological roadmaps and interventions in manufacturing systems. In this proactive context, innovative technologies support the creation of information processes aimed at workers. With this in mind, augmented and virtual (A/V) reality can be adopted for workforce training; they should interact with a human workforce in an efficient way. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct a qualitative literature review in order to investigate the current state of these innovative technologies and their practical application in industrial systems defining their core characteristics.