AR technology could change the way roof trusses are installed

Can AR glasses streamline and improve the work environment when assembling roof trusses? This is what PhD student Nicole Tobisková is currently exploring in a research project at University West. The research is a collaboration with the construction company Derome and their roof truss factory where they together have the opportunity to test the technology in practice.

From idea to practical test

used in the assembly of roof trusses, is a company with a strong focus on sustainable solutions in the wood industry. They work with everything from forestry and house production to building materials and industrial construction, where circularity and reduced climate impact are key objectives. By exploring AR glasses, Derome hopes to improve the working environment for its fitters and streamline the production process.

Nicole Tobisková, a PhD student in Production Engineering at University West, is leading the research project testing AR technology in collaboration with Derome. She explains that the way the technology works is that when the fitters put on the glasses, they see a three-dimensional model of the roof truss in front of them.

- The glasses show where to place the parts and offer an interactive interface where the assembler can select files and save positions, Nicole explains.

Adaptations and challenges

Introducing a new technology into an existing production is rarely without challenges. One of the biggest difficulties has been getting the AR glasses to position the model accurately in space.

- "We still have to use the laser as a support when testing, because AR technology has difficulty orienting itself in environments where there are no reference points," says Nicole.

She has therefore had to adjust the software to mimic Derome's existing system, so that installers recognize the user interface. Johan Björklund, technology developer at Derome, confirms that positioning has been a challenge.

- The technology is based on the existence of information in the room that is used to generate a virtual model. In our business, that information is often missing, which makes it difficult to project the roof truss in a satisfactory way," he says.

At the same time, Johan highlights the great potential of AR technology.

- The biggest potential is that we can see the finished product before we even start building it. This gives a clearer picture of what needs to be done in production and can eventually streamline the work.

Positive feedback from installers

Fitters who have tested the AR glasses have been overwhelmingly positive, although the experience has varied depending on computer experience. To make the technology more accessible, the team has introduced manual controls to operate the model, making it easier for users.

- It is clear that the fitters see an improvement compared to the first tests. We have received positive feedback that the technology is developing in the right direction and that it has the potential to make the work more ergonomic," says Nicole.

Johan agrees and emphasizes the importance of adapting technology to work smoothly in production.

- It must be easy to understand how to perform the steps. If the technology creates stress or frustration for the user, it will be difficult to implement on a larger scale."

AR in construction - a technology for the future

Both Nicole and Johan see great potential for AR in the construction industry.

- The technology can be used in more than just the assembly of roof trusses, for example in the manufacture of walls or in combination with BIM, where a lot of information can be visualized depending on the user's needs," says Nicole.

However, Johan predicts that there is still some way to go before AR can be implemented on a full scale.

- The technology is not quite there yet, but we are following developments and want to be ready when it is mature enough to be widely used.

The next step in the project is to conduct tests over a longer period to evaluate how the technology affects ergonomics, work speed and user acceptance over time.

- We want to see if we can reduce the strain on the fitters' bodies and at the same time make assembly more efficient," Nicole concludes.

Part of a larger transition

The AR glasses project is part of a broader development in industry to enable smarter and more sustainable production and is part of the Smart Transition project. Within the framework of initiatives such as Smart Transition, where companies and academia collaborate to strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish industry, this type of technology is becoming increasingly important.

By testing and developing new digital tools, companies such as Derome can be at the forefront and create work environments that are both more ergonomic and resource-efficient. In the long run, this type of technology could contribute to a more circular and sustainable construction industry.

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