DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2019.04.284

Summary
The strategy to employ augmented reality (AR) in teaching mechanical design is presented in this article. Firstly, the AR application areas in industry and teaching are covered with the emphasis on its application in engineering training and mechanical design. Secondly, the experiment to use AR in teaching mechanical design is described, including the design of scenario, choice of AR devices, and environment of the experiment. Finally, the analysis of experiment results is provided considering used devices, students’ motivation and engagement. The authors emphasize that AR enables to show important information on the right time at the right place, visualize the information that cannot be seen (e.g., flows, vector fields). This makes it easier for students to understand the relation between the real systems and its numerical model.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The purpose of the augmented reality is to show required information in the appropriate location. The authors state that augmented reality tools in mechanical design courses can help students to understand physical behavior and interaction of components of complex systems by adding information on different parts of analyzed structure, assisting in analysis, assembling or disassembling, guiding through the tasks of mechanical design. One of the main advantages of the augmented reality in mechanical design courses is that it enables to reduce a gap between reality and analytical model. Another advantage is that students conduct their experiments in a shorter time as clear instructions are provided instantly and related to the actual environment by highlighted needed tools and materials.

Point of Strength
The article demonstrates how augmented reality can be incorporated to teaching mechanical design of complex systems.