Potential of Smart Glasses in Manual Order Picking Systems

Abstract

Full automation of order picking “man-to-goods” workplaces still will not be rational in the near future. Humans will stay central actors and as such, they will determine system’s effectiveness and efficiency. Order picking activities are labour intensive and time-consuming. Smart glasses are one of the possibilities to relieve order-picker’s hands, resulting in reduced time consumption. In the paper, we review scientific literature on use of smart glasses in manual order picking system and outline the opportunities for future research. Available scientific papers on smart glasses topic deal with unique environments characterized by layout, equipment, process, specific combination of technologies etc. Most authors agree that their findings cannot be generalized. There are no studies in the literature on the effects of multiple-hour use of smart eyeglasses on the eyes. Warehouse systems are mostly not identical, even employees have different characteristics and attentiveness to technology. It is proposed to test each system before implementation and try to combine technologies for best results. Different systems tends to different goals, for example fast service or zero errors. The production system’s outputs are also very likely influenced by software and user interface design, which indicates the need for additional research. The growing number of studies certainly have a positive impact on clarifying the unexplored. The area of smart glasses currently represents a great research potential.