Ensuring the quality of manual labour - Flexible augmented-reality-based assistance for a rework process in the automobile assembly

The paper presents a flexible augmented-reality-based assistance system designed to enhance the quality of manual labour in automobile assembly, specifically focusing on a rework process during car door production at Audi AG. The research addresses the increasing complexity of manufacturing due to diverse vehicle models and customization demands, which complicate assembly tasks and quality control. The proposed digital assistance system automatically makes use of the digital twins of the product and the production system, enabling real-time guidance for the workers. By employing augmented reality visualizations, the system aims to reduce human error and to improve efficiency in manual tasks. The study details the development and implementation of the required modules of the assistance system, including real-time tracking and visualization of components. Preliminary lab tests and first user feedback suggest that the solution has the potential to effectively support workers in the analysed rework tasks. The application of the system is promising improved outcomes and cost savings for the assembly process. Future work will focus on further refinement of the system and validation of the performance assumptions in real production environments.