User Interaction Evolution in the SmartFactoryKL

User Interaction Evolution in the SmartFactoryKL
Gerrit Meixner, Nils Petersen, Holger Kößling
Proceedings of the 24th BCS International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction Human Computer Interaction International Conferences (HCII-2010), September 6-10, Dundee, United Kingdom

Abstract:

In the SmartFactoryKL, the intelligent factory of the future, a con-sortium of companies and research facilities explores intelligent future technologies. Being a development and demonstration center for industrial applications, the SmartFactoryKL is arbitrarily modifiable and expandable (flexible), connects components from multiple manufacturers (networked), enables its components to perform context-related tasks autonomously (self-organizing), and emphasizes user-friendliness (user-oriented). This paper presents the outcomes of research in different user interaction methodologies for industrial environments. Today, in industrial environments most devices have their own stationary user interface directly attached to the device. Therefore users have to learn many different user interfaces and interaction devices from different vendors. To climb the ladder of evolution regarding interaction in future factories a mobile universal interaction device has been developed that is capable of communicating with various field devices and plant modules of an industrial facility via common wireless communication standards. A mobile Human Computer Interface like that has one user interface for all purposes, is non-proprietary and can be designed individually dependent on its owner's needs and desires. Furthermore a first approach on integrating technologies from Augmented Reality (AR) into industrial facilities recognizing natural interaction through an AR-tablet configuration is presented.