An integrated framework for selecting augmented reality software to enhance occupational safety in the electro-energetic industry

This paper presents an integrated framework for selecting the best-suited among well-known augmented reality (AR) software development kits (SDKs) for the realization of an application to enhance occupational safety during task execution in the electro-energetic industry. The use case is related to tasks performed in transformer stations, which stand for a highly complex and hazardous environment. Occupational safety research indicates that accidents still occur due to violations of safety regulations, highlighting the need for innovative safety-related tools and methods. Therefore, the selection among the four AR SDKs as possible alternatives for creating the appropriate safety tool has been performed by using multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDM) such as Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy AHP. The standard ISO/IEC 25010:2011 quality model is used to define selection criteria in terms of AR SDKs and a given use case in a transformer station. The main contribution of this work is translating the eight quality model characteristics into features of the AR SDK adopted as criteria in this integrated framework. The two criteria were considered as quantitative, such as tracking quality under determined conditions, low light, and occlusions. Accordingly, six qualitative criteria are used to define a software quality model based on AR SDKs features. The pairwise comparison of the criteria is performed to determine their importance by using AR SDK under specific conditions in transformer stations. The ranking of alternatives is used for the identification of the best-suited AR SDK to support occupational safety at transformer stations. Beyond this specific case, the presented approach can be adopted and used in other industries to realize similar analyses and enable management to select the most appropriate AR SDK tailored to their requirements.