The natural evolution of the Voice Picking technology used today is the introduction of Augmented Reality (AR) for Vision Picking. This technology allows a computer-generated image to be superimposed on the user's view of the real world, thus providing the user with a composite view.
With Augmented Reality included in Vision Picking systems, workers can use the right technology for the task at hand and streamline work throughout the distribution center. AR users will wear Smart-Glasses equipped with cameras, microphones and screens that add task information to their field of vision. Rather than having to type in data or operate a handheld device to capture information as they work, AR users will simply provide a voice command to scan the bar code or capture the image they are seeing at that moment.
Augmented Reality with a camera integrated in the glasses will also enable two more important features that can be leveraged by Visual Picking applications. An integrated navigation system allows user locationing for guidance or other uses. The camera can also be used to take pictures and send them to the information system in real time to document exceptions in the warehouse and allow exception handling staff to immediately take action.
In order to better understand how Augmented Reality and Vision Picking will drive the future of Picking applications, we need to take a look at Voice Picking technology, which is prevalent today.
Voice Picking technology was adopted with the intention of increasing the productivity and accuracy of RF picking, as well as shifting to strongly user centric system, allowing users to have more control, more choices or more flexibility than they had in the past, along with better ergonomics. Augmented reality brings us one step closer to this goal. As in Voice Picking, in which the user interacts with the system through hearing and speaking commands, Augmented Reality for Vision Picking will allow the user to interact by leveraging an even more complete and natural user interface through the use of vision.
Even though Voice Picking is currently considered one of the most effective technologies for item and case picking, one of its limitations is the need of a high level of concentration on behalf of the user when he/she receives a command. If the user does not hear or receive the message due to various reasons, such as high noise or people talking or simple inattention, he/she must request the system to repeat the message. This leads to significant time loss. This limitation can be overcome with vision picking technology, as it allows users to see the information needed in order to perform their tasks via a heads-up “see-through” display.
In the constant effort to reduce picking time and improve productivity, warehouse operators have historically concentrated their efforts in reducing the travel time needed to get to the picking location. This was done by re-engineering and optimizing the location/slot layout and path in the warehouse. Although “re-engineering” has helped organize the warehouse, it does very little to reduce the time the picker actually spends in the process of grasping and handling an item in front of the actual picking location. This is where Vision Picking technology comes in: no need to look at a screen to see information, no need to push a trigger for scanning. Since operators don’t have to type in data or operate a handheld device to capture information as they work, as AR users provide a voice command to scan the bar code or capture the image they are seeing at that moment, this saves a significant amount of time and makes picking much more effective.
Some other advantages that Vision Picking technology provides compared to Voice Picking are minimal training requirements and no need of language interdependence. For many companies, especially for those in the Third-Party Logistics (3PL) sector, these are key factors when having to decide on the use of Voice Picking in the company. Keeping in mind that employee turnaround can be very high in these companies due to many employees being hired on a seasonal and temporary basis, picking operations must be easy to learn and use. In addition, Vision Picking eliminates the language barrier for those who do not speak the local language perfectly.
Batch picking will also greatly benefit from Vision Picking technology. When the user goes to the location, picks items for different orders and puts them in the container, Vision Picking technology superimposes a matching color on the picked items for each order, distinguishing them instantly, thereby making the operator’s job faster and easier.
Some eCommerce companies and 3PL’s providing contract logistics to e-commerce businesses are already running pilot tests using Vision Picking with promising results. Their outcomes show good quantitative and qualitative results, including productivity and quality increases, reduced training times and positive operator feedback. Acceptance of AR technology is growing steadily and applications in the warehouse will extend beyond picking in the near future. Processes like maintenance, product placement (pallet building), truck loading and value added services offered by some 3PL’s (such as kitting or assembly) are all being explored for the expansion of the technology.
Datalogic will soon add some devices to its already extensive range of solutions that will assist operators in Vision Picking. Stay tuned for details in November…