## 4 Results and Discussions
### Emerging Digital Technologies
#### 4.1.3 Immersive Technologies
Users interact with a projected 2D or 3D image by pointing their device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device like smart glasses, at a specific image, which the system then processes [72]. AR can be divided into immersive experiences using wearable displays like AR glasses for high realism, and non-immersive experiences using screen-based devices like smartphones and tablets [42]. Depending on the hologram visualization technology used, AR can be categorized into mobile, spatial, and wearable forms [31], with AR devices primarily existing as head-mounted displays or handheld devices [59]. AR's capacity to integrate virtual data with real-world environments offers significant applications across various fields, including enhancing human-robot interaction and providing cognitive support. For instance, AR enhances HRC by displaying overlay instructions directly onto real objects, boosting human trust, managing fear during accidents, and easing anxiety in HRC by visually delivering contextual information and enhancing the overall user experience [69; 73]. This is complemented by simulation-based training, which improves the safety of HRC by enhancing training for working alongside robots [67]. Moreover, smart cognitive support tools, such as AR and intelligent interfaces, use AI to deliver real-time adaptive decision support tailored to an operator's cognitive load and task demands [50]. In industrial environments, AR and VR tools facilitate applications such as assisted worker guidance, asset monitoring, visual guidance, and security risk warnings [2; 69]. For instance, an automated guided vehicle may deviate from its expected path [2]. Wearable devices like smart glasses are particularly impactful, enhancing worker efficiency and reducing errors by overlaying real-time information directly onto the user's view, enabling hands-free operation, and making them promising future workplace tools [38; 72]. Extended Reality (XR), encompassing VR, AR, and MR, provides immersive and interactive learning that enhances engagement, retention, and motivation while lowering training costs [43]. These immersive technologies effectively fuse the digital and physical worlds to simulate reality (VR), overlay digital information on the physical world (AR), or create environments where physical and digital objects interact in real time (MR) [12; 54]. According to [66], MR technology has recently been adopted to improve maintenance and production systems. Moreover, XR serves as a powerful tool to overcome the shortcomings of conventional training methods, utilizing VR for full immersion, AR for digital overlays on the real world, and MR for the interactive fusion of virtual and real elements [12]. For example, applications in manufacturing include using devices such as HoloLens for monitoring and controlling CNC milling machines, visualizing spacecraft cable assembly, and employing DT technology for complex product design, simulation, and virtual debugging [14]. A brief overview of the applications and functions of immersive technologies related to OHS in industrial settings is shown in Figure 10. The figure highlights the distinctive yet complementary roles of VR, AR, and XR in industrial training. VR is utilized for immersive safety training, offering realistic 3D simulations that facilitate hazard identification, accident reconstruction, complex task rehearsal, and emergency preparedness. This ultimately supports better decision-making and reduces worker stress. Conversely, AR enhances real-time worker support by overlaying digital information onto the physical environment, guiding tasks, improving perception, enabling human-robot collaboration, and providing cognitive assistance, while also aiding in asset monitoring and security alerts. Finally, XR serves as a holistic immersive learning framework that integrates VR, AR, and MR to deliver engaging and cost-effective training experiences.