Implementation and evaluation of an Augmented Reality framework for sustainable practices in Industry 5.0

Industry 5.0 requires practical methods to translate Augmented Reality (AR) concepts into effective shop floor applications, demonstrating their value to operators. This study introduces a framework for implementing and validating Augmented Reality (AR)-based tools designed to enhance sustainability awareness and assist operators in energy management within industrial settings. The approach combines a reference software architecture for rapid AR deployment with a three-part user-experience assessment, measuring usability (System Usability Scale - SUS), technology acceptance (Technology Acceptance Model - TAM), and cognitive workload (NASA-TLX). To test this framework, an AR-based prototype tool was deployed on enterprise smartphones and evaluated in three scenarios: monitoring service-utility energy consumption, monitoring production equipment, and conducting on- and off-the-job training of the operators. Thirty shop floor professionals completed tasks and provided UX feedback. The results showed good usability (mean SUS 78.4/100), with perceived ease of use and contextual relevance driving technology acceptance. Moreover Nasa TLX analysis indicates mental demand as the predominant factor. The findings confirm that the framework enables effective, human-centered AR deployments in modern industry and provides concrete design guidelines for future implementations. • A general-purpose AR framework for sustainable and human-centric operations in Industry 5.0 is proposed. • Successfully implemented and validated in real industrial environments. • Supports both energy data visualization and AR-guided operator training scenarios. • Achieves strong user acceptance, with a System Usability Score (SUS) of 78.4/100. • Enhances situational awareness, learning, and operational efficiency on the shop floor.