This open access book offers a timely snapshot of Augmented Reality (AR) technology, with an emphasis on its application within the mechanical and manufacturing engineering domains, for both educational and industrial purposes. Reporting on the experience of the authors, the book introduces readers to the principles of product design, with an emphasis on modern strategies and approaches for user-centered design, creativity, and design for manufacturing and sustainability. It guides to the application augmented reality and visualization techniques in the design process. In turn, it describes an AR mobile application developed by the authors to transform 2D drawings into dynamic 3D objects. The book also includes exercises. All in all, this book offers a practice-oriented guide to  Augmented Reality applications in mechanical engineering and education, addressing advanced undergraduate students, lecturers, and professionals in the engineering field. 

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-44641-2

Engineering is a rapidly evolving field, and engineers must continuously update their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. Engineering education should emphasize the importance of lifelong learning, encouraging engineers to pursue professional development opportunities, engage in continuing education, and stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices in their respective fields. Engineering education institutions face several challenges in preparing students for the workforce. These challenges include the evolving nature of the industry, the need to keep up with the latest technological advancements, and the lack of collaboration between industry and academia. To overcome these challenges, engineering education institutions must develop and implement programs focusing on experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, industry partnerships, and innovative teaching tools. Augmented reality (AR) can play a significant role in enhancing the teaching and learning experience for engineering students. AR allows students to visualize and interact with 3D models, simulations, and digital overlays, making understanding complex engineering principles, mechanisms, and structures easier. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. AR provides a hands-on learning experience, allowing students to engage with virtual objects and systems in a simulated environment. They can explore, manipulate, and experiment with virtual components, equipment, and processes, fostering a deeper understanding of engineering principles. AR can simulate experiments, equipment operation, and maintenance procedures, providing a safe and cost-effective way to practice skills and techniques. AR can overlay virtual objects onto the physical environment, enabling students to understand and interact with spatial relationships, design prototypes, and architectural models. It helps students develop critical spatial skills necessary for engineering design and problem-solving. AR can facilitate collaborative learning experiences among engineering students. Multiple users can interact with the same virtual objects simultaneously, enabling group discussions, problem-solving, and teamwork. AR can also support remote collaboration, allowing students to work together on engineering projects regardless of physical location and fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing. AR can provide context-rich learning experiences by overlaying digital information onto real-world objects and environments. Students can see how engineering concepts and principles are applied in real-world scenarios. AR offers an immersive and interactive learning experience that can increase student motivation and engagement. It can spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, encouraging students to explore engineering concepts and applications more deeply. It’s worth noting that while augmented reality offers many benefits, it is not a replacement for traditional teaching methods or practical hands-on experiences.  Instead, it complements existing instructional approaches and provides additional tools and resources to enhance engineering education. In today’s rapidly evolving world, where innovation and efficiency are paramount, exploring new avenues for enhancing engineering education and product design processes has become essential. This book addresses these challenges by focusing on the power of augmented reality, visualization techniques, and their practical applications in engineering.

Chapter 1 delves into the significant challenges in engineering education. The defining engineering education and exploring its pivotal role in shaping the future of industries were described. Understanding the labor market requirements is crucial for preparing engineering students to meet the demands of the industry. Chapter 2 focuses on product design, an integral part of the engineering process. The role of product design and how it aligns with market demands were examined. This chapter provides insights into effective product design strategies, emphasizing user-centered design, innovation, creativity, design for manufacturing, and sustainability. Chapter 3 explores the visualization of engineering products. Visualization plays a vital role in communicating complex engineering concepts and ideas. We discuss traditional methods of visualization and dive into the world of simulations, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). Furthermore, the benefits of visualization technologies in engineering and contemplating the future advancements in this field were outlined. Chapter 4 presents an in-depth exploration of AR mobile applications in engineering education and industry. AR offers a new dimension of interactive learning and practical implementation, enabling users to overlay virtual objects onto the physical environment. We discuss various use cases and potential applications of AR in engineering. Lastly, Chap. 5 provides a range of exercises to reinforce the concepts and techniques discussed throughout the book. These exercises offer hands-on opportunities for readers to apply their knowledge and develop practical skills in AR and visualization technologies.

This book will serve as a valuable resource for engineering students, educators, and industry professionals seeking to harness the power of augmented reality and visualization technologies in their learning, design, and problem-solving endeavors. The book can provide studentswith a comprehensive understanding of augmented reality technology and its applications in engineering. It can serve as a guide to help them grasp complex engineering concepts more effectively through visualizations. The book can help students develop the necessary skills to design engineering solutions by providing practical examples, case studies, and step-by-step instructions. It can empower them to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and enhance their problem-solving abilities. The book can give students a solid foundation in augmented reality technology and its applications, making them more attractive to potential employers.

The book can serve as a resource for industry professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and stay updated on the latest advancements in AR within the engineering domain. It can provide insights into industry best practices, case studies, and practical implementation strategies. The book can inspire professionals to explore and adopt AR solutions in their workflows, leading to increased innovation, improved efficiency, and enhanced productivity. The book can guide industry professionals in integrating augmented reality technologies with existing engineering systems and processes. This knowledge can help them leverage the benefits of AR without disrupting established workflows, ensuring a smooth transition and implementation.