Mixed reality in production and logistics: Discussing the application potentials of Microsoft HoloLensTM

Abstract

In 2016, Microsoft released the mixed reality (MR) head-mounted display (HMD) HoloLensTM. As augmented reality (AR) devices, the HoloLensTM can enrich the user’s perceived environment with virtual information. However, Microsoft does not consider the HoloLensTM as AR device, but as the first MR device, since it has some additional features compared to competing AR devices. Especially to mention is the possibility to interact with virtual objects and vice versa. This paper shall provide an insight about the application potentials of MR in the field of production and logistics. For this purpose, we present the findings of a literature review about the current state of research concerning the application of Microsoft HoloLensTM in the field of production and logistics. Furthermore, we present a small HoloLensTM application, which we have developed to evaluate the capabilities of the device. Several persons tested our application and gave us feedback concerning the utility and usability of the HoloLensTM. We provide an evaluation of the user experiences at the end of the paper.