Enabling the adoption of wearable computers in enterprises - Results of analyzing influencing factors and challenges in the industrial sector

Abstract

Wearable computers like smart glasses or smartwatches enable the use of information systems in application scenarios in which information technology has rarely been used until now. The reason for this is, that users are able to interact with the devices hands-free, e.g. by using voice commands. A hands-free use is in particular relevant for enterprises in the industrial sector, as industrial workers often need to perform tasks manually, e.g. in manufacturing or maintenance. However, the technology is currently not used widely in enterprises. Thus, the aim of our research is to identify influencing factors and related challenges of using wearable computers in order to analyze how its adoption can be increased. Based on an empirical interview study within the industrial sector, we identified 11 influencing factors and 25 related challenges which affect the adoption of wearable computers.