Augmented reality-based knowledge transfer for facility management : a systematic review

Abstract

Facility management is globally recognized as a critical and knowledge-intensive field. It confronts challenges due to the increasing complexity of facilities and the vast amount of operation and maintenance information. Augmented reality (AR), emerges as a promising technology to address these challenges by enhancing knowledge transfer in facility management through immersive and interactive environments. The objective of this research is to conduct a systematic review of augmented reality applications in facility management, and explore its knowledge transfer capabilities in facility management. The review narrowed the literature by filtering from 618 publications to 107 papers published between 2011 and 2023. A contents analysis based on these articles could gain an insight into current facility management systems as well as augmented reality application domains in a series of facility management activities including facility design/layout, assembly, monitoring, maintenance and renovation. Based on the above analysis, this research discussed the augmented reality capabilities of knowledge transfer in facility management. The findings reveal that augmented reality facilitates knowledge transfer by enabling visualization, interaction, and collaboration among stakeholders. It is influenced by factors including user interfaces and interaction types, as well as vocational training and acceptance level of stakeholders. Challenges remain in terms of tracking, registration, ergonomics, security, and management practices. Finally, this research highlighted future trends focusing on the development of knowledge-driven digital twins, trustworthy knowledge management, and collaborative platforms to further promote augmented reality knowledge transfer in facility management. This research also contributes to deeper understanding of the role of augmented reality within this field and provides insights for stakeholders aiming to utilize this technology.