Augmented Reality for Technical Operations Field Work: Examining the Development and Effects of Headset Discomfort

Authors

Hamida Khatri, The University of Texas
Brandon Coffey, The University of Texas
Chris Gauthier, The University of Texas
Jeffrey Price, The University of Texas
Braden Tanner, Federal Aviation Administration
Sarah Ligda, Federal Aviation Administration
Jerry Crutchfield, Federal Aviation Administration

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Extended reality (XR) products such as augmented reality (AR) headsets could aidworkers in many aviation-related fields. One area of current interest is the use of XR toassist Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Operations (Tech-ops) specialistsin their work to maintain key pieces of infrastructure in the national aerospace system(NAS). XR solutions could improve performance and efficiency by enabling innovativemaintenance practices like hands-free collaboration with remotely located experts andremote site and equipment inspections. However, such applications may require extendedperiods of AR use in suboptimal conditions. This might cause discomfort orcybersickness, which could hinder performance and limit the viability of using XR forthese purposes. Accordingly, here, we report key findings from a literature review on thelimits of comfortable XR headset wear time. We also discuss current research being doneto inform the safe usage of XR products throughout the NAS.

Comments

Presented at the 23rd International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, May 27-30, 2025, Hosted by Oregon State University

Repository Citation

Khatri, H., Coffey, B., Gauthier, C., Price, J., Tanner, B., Ligda, S., & Crutchfield, J. (2025). Augmented Reality for Technical Operations Field Work: Examining the Development and Effects of Headset Discomfort. Proceedings of the 23rd International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 275-280.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/isap_2025/47