Augmented Reality (AR) uses computer-generated virtual information to enhance the user’s information access. While numerous previous studies have demonstrated the large potential of AR to improve industrial processes by enhancing product quality and reducing production times it is still unclear if and how long term usage of such AR technology produces stress and strain. This paper presents an approach to use the analysis of Heart Rate Variability to objectively measure current user strain during different work tasks. Results of a user study comparing strain during an AR supported and a non-AR supported work task in a laboratory setting are presented and discussed.

The computer-aided support of several tasks is the main focus in a lot of companies. In particular, work scheduling and casting design in foundries is an important area which is responsible for that industry's economic survival in the world market. This paper contains proposals for a better support of the work scheduling and casting design phases with the help of modern computer techniques. First, a review of the research group "Information Fusion" is given. Then, several aspects of work scheduling are explained, like the integrated process of working out offers and scheduling the manufacturing, the incoming and outgoing conditions in the working out of offers, check-lists and databases for technical checks, etc. In order to manage these main points of the work scheduling, a control system , such as a workflow management system, is introduced. This paper presents various solutions in order to support the working out of offers.