How will augmented reality change warehouse operation?

Imagine yourself in a shopping mall. You picked an interest on a recently-released smartphone but you want to know how the consumers rated it. Glancing on the smartphone using your smart glass, valuable information popped up instantly alongside the device which includes the user ratings, product price range, and supply information, all of which help you weigh the pros and cons before you decide to purchase it. This is augmented reality (AR) - where every object you see could be enriched with additional and valuable information.

What is the Augmented Reality?

AR is defined as a technology that superimposes a computer-generated information on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.

The information in this context could be any kind of virtual object or content, including text, graphics, video, sound, haptic feedback, GPS data, and even smell. But AR is more than a simple displaying technology. It also represents a new type of real-time natural user interface for human interaction with objects and digital devices.

How does AR technology work?

AR is made possible by performing four basic and distinct tasks, and combining the output in a useful way.

1. Scene Capture
2. Scene Identification
3. Scene Processing
4. Scene Visualisation

Today, AR revenues are expected to reach a staggering USD 5.2 billion in 2017.

Where is augmented reality currently in use?

Starting from military, where AR technology used by soldiers to transmit detailed positional information about each wearer to the others, allowing the system to gather, map, and share information and positions in real time on the battlefield and during reconnaissance.

Besides this, there are some awesome smartphone apps which provide really useful information about the real world around you. Some car models use heads-up display (HUD) to project sensory information such as driving speed onto the windshield. Surgeons are using augmented reality technology to superimpose surgical planning data onto the organ to get assistance in critical operation. Some retail shops are using AR wardrobes which replace change room mirror.

Even you probably use augmented reality every day without being aware of it. Have you seen such image before?

Yes, it is an augmented reality. (Recall 4 tasks of AR).

How can AR technology be useful in warehouse operation for logistic industries?

Warehouse operations are estimated to account for about 20 % of all logistics costs.

AR has so far shown the most promise for logistics in warehousing operations. These operations are estimated to account for about 20 % of all logistics costs, and the task of picking accounts for 55 % to 65 % of the total cost of warehousing operations.

The task of picking accounts for 55 % to 65 % of the total cost of warehousing operations.

This indicates that AR has the potential to significantly reduce cost by improving the picking process. It can also help with the training of new and temporary warehouse staff, and with warehouse planning.

The vast majority of warehouses in the developed world still use the pick-by-paper approach. But any paper-based approach is slow and error prone. Furthermore, picking work is often undertaken by temporary workers who usually require cost-intensive training to ensure they pick efficiently and without making errors. The AR supported picking can resolve these problems.

How does AR-supported picking work?

In the AR supported picking process, the worker is equipped with a smart wearable like google glasses. So each worker can see the digital picking list in their field of vision. They also see the best route to pickup the object, it reduces their travel time by efficient path planning.

Using automated barcode scanning capabilities, the system’s image recognition software can check whether the worker has arrived at the right location, and guide the worker to quickly locate the right item on the shelf.

The worker can then scan the item and register this process, simultaneously in the WMS, enabling real-time stock updates. In addition, such systems can reduce the amount of time required to orientate and train new employees, as well as bridge any language barriers with migrant workers.

In Summary, AR technology enables the warehouse worker to...

• Choose the best route from the navigation system (Reduce the search time)
• View a digital picking lists via a smart glass
• Quickly point out the item using the barcode scanning capabilities
• Update stocks in real-time through scanning

What are the advantages of AR-supported picking process?

What are the risks of AR supported picking process?

Every technology has risks associated with it. The Google Glass emits both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radiation. As a body-worn, microwave-emitting device, Google is required by Federal law to test the Specific Absorption Rate or SAR of the Glass. This is a measure of the maximum microwave radiation absorbed by the user in 6 minutes averaged over one gram of tissue. 

"The Google Glass emits more wireless radiation than most cell phones on the market, but unlike cell phone users, Glass users may be wearing this device on their heads for more than 12 hours a day putting their health at risk." - Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley

Although Google did not post the SAR information on its web site, the Glass test reports can be found on the FCC's web site at [https://fccid.io/document.php?id=1910822]. Over the period of time, google glasses are evolving. Hoping for better OH&S regulations to have a healthy workplace.

But it is for sure that the acceptance of the AR technology in warehouse technology is unstoppable.