Improving Construction Work Performance Through Human-Centered Augmented Reality - Fri 12/5 11:00 AM MZ 108

Who: Dr. Paul Goodrum

What: Civil Seminar series, Dr. Goodrum will give his seminar titled, Improving Construction Work Performance Through Human-Centered Augmented Reality.

Where: Marquez Hall 108

When: December 35, 2025 at 11:00 AM MST

Abstract:
Traditionally, design information is provided by architects and engineers to construction craft workers through two-dimensional plans and written specifications. In recent years, the construction industry has begun embracing digital tools like Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manage complex projects, but how these technologies interact with human factors remains less understood. This research explores how AR and AI influence human performance, safety, and trust of information in construction. Through multiple human-subject experiments involving hundreds of craft workers and students performing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) assembly tasks, the study revealed both promise and risk. AR head-mounted displays enhanced task speed and reduced errors, especially for novice workers, yet impaired hazard detection in dynamic environments, particularly among older users. The findings underscore that immersive tools can improve productivity while potentially distracting from safety-critical cues. Further investigations examined trust in AI-generated versus human-generated design information. Participants trusted both sources similarly overall, but confidence in AI declined when errors....