Unlocking Human Potential: Psychological Capital’s Influence on Augmented Reality Adoption in Manufacturing Environments

In pursuing human-centric manufacturing, Augmented Reality guidance systems are being adopted to improve human operators' wellbeing and productivity. Despite the potential benefits of AR guidance systems, the adoption and effective use of these technologies hinge on the individual’s intrinsic aspects, such as Psychological Capital (PsyCap). The interplay between PsyCap and Technology Acceptance poses a significant challenge in predicting user behaviour and readiness for adopting AR technologies in manufacturing. This research aims to understand the factors that impact users' behaviour toward AR technologies through understanding their Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and Technology Acceptance. Two experiments were conducted where participants interacted with two separate AR technologies, head-mounted-display AR (n=22) and Spatial AR (n=22). The experiments measured participants' Psychological Capital (Self-efficacy, Hope, Optimism and Resilience) and technology acceptance through Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Perceived usefulness (PU) and Intention of Use. Preliminary data analysis shows that PU and PEU can be predicted through the PsyCapmeasured resources. The results of this study bring an understanding of human behaviour impacting the adoption of the technology to implement a model toward understanding the readiness of the workforce to adopt AR technologies.