This study accordingly explores the factors impacting the adoption of a metaverse in the manufacturing industry and develops a new model based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance (UTAT). Gender, age, and education were control variables. 235 questionnaire responses from employees of Malaysian manufacturing firms were collected through convenience sampling techniques and analyzed by Smart-PLS software. The findings reveal effort expectancy, perceived risk, and perceived technology accuracy have a significant relationship with intention to use a metaverse. Moreover, attitude to use evidenced mediating with perceived risk, perceived technology accuracy and intention to use a metaverse. The control variables did not evidence any impact on the intention to use a metaverse. This study provides insights to metaverse technology developers and manufacturing practitioners to explore and focus on the factors impacting the adoption of a metaverse in the manufacturing industry, as well as theoretical contributions for academia to progress further.
TopIntroduction
The metaverse, a fully immersive virtual environment where users engage with each other and digital entities, has attracted considerable attention due to its potential to reshape industries (e.g., Smith & Jones, 2023). Manufacturing, a sector poised for significant transformation, has received limited attention in previous research regarding metaverse adoption, particularly in understanding user perceptions. This study addresses this gap by investigating factors influencing metaverse adoption in manufacturing, aiming to contribute to the field by developing a new model based on the Unified Technology Acceptance Theory (UTAT) (Davis et al., 1989).
The metaverse, a term coined by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 science fiction novel “Snow Crash,” has evolved from conceptual origins to a sophisticated virtual environment (Stephenson, 1992). Types of metaverses include social, gaming, and enterprise-oriented, each catering to diverse user needs (Villalonga-Gómez et al., 2023). This evolution is marked by a rich tapestry of activities and applications, spanning entertainment, education, and business (Huang et al., 2021).
Within business, the metaverse facilitates virtual meetings, collaborative product development, and immersive training simulations (Huang et al., 2021). In manufacturing, its potential lies in streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and optimizing supply chain management. These applications underscore the transformative potential of the metaverse in redefining traditional business operations.
Despite its potential, implementing the metaverse in manufacturing poses challenges including technical hurdles, security concerns, and the need for an organizational cultural shift (Yao et al., 2024). Overcoming these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing the intention to use the metaverse in the manufacturing sector. The research domain of metaverse is new and there is a dearth of research on influencing factors on intention to use the metaverse in manufacturing industry and how do these factors drive or affect metaverse adoption attitude.
The implementation of the metaverse in manufacturing faces several technical hurdles that could impact its widespread adoption. One significant challenge is the current limitations in hardware and software for Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies (Smith & Jones, 2023). These technologies may lack the necessary power and affordability to enable immersive experiences and smooth interaction in factory settings (Smith & Jones, 2023).
Additionally, the reliance on reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is crucial for real-time data transmission and low latency within the metaverse. However, deficiencies in existing network infrastructure, particularly in remote areas, pose a potential hindrance to seamless metaverse operation (Gupta & Singh, 2022). The integration of metaverse technologies with existing manufacturing systems and data platforms is vital for efficient workflows. However, complexities in integrating diverse data formats and protocols can create obstacles, leading to information silos (Li & Zhang, 2021). Furthermore, interoperability issues between different metaverse platforms could hinder collaboration between partners and suppliers, especially when using incompatible systems. The lack of standardized protocols may limit the full potential of the metaverse ecosystem (Huang et al., 2021).
Security concerns represent another critical challenge in metaverse implementation within manufacturing. Protecting sensitive manufacturing data and intellectual property is paramount, as data breaches and unauthorized access can have severe consequences (Chen et al., 2022). The susceptibility of virtual environments to cyberattacks, such as malware injection and data manipulation, underscores the need for robust cybersecurity protocols and user authentication systems (Yu & Fang, 2020). Ensuring the physical safety of workers interacting with virtual elements within the manufacturing environment is also crucial, considering potential hazards like collisions with physical objects or virtual reality sickness (Lee et al., 2023).