Augmented reality - AR for short - is also known as pick-by-vision in logistics and is one of the most promising technologies of the future, whether as a toy for leisure activities or as an elementary aid in industry. In just a few years, this technology could be firmly established in our everyday lives.

Research goals

Only at the Technical University of Munich is there currently a research project on the possible applications in logistics.
The construction of an experimental set-up should help to fathom the potentials in order-picking. Using the scientific methodology of Action Research, the experimental setup is to be carried out efficiently and effectively. To begin with, different glasses will be used to carry out picking tests with them.

The aim of the trials is to harmonise warehouse processes and technology and thus make an active contribution to the increased use of this technology. In this way, not only can the strengths and weaknesses compared to existing picking technologies be investigated, but important findings are also gained for improving the existing technology. Thus, the project not only offers a broad basis for many student projects, bachelor's and master's theses, but companies can also test their specific picking processes in our laboratory before purchasing AR glasses. In addition to these essential potentials, other departments, such as computer science, will also be involved in the project development.

The laboratory

In the laboratory, AR glasses will also be tested for their functionality and practicality in the picking of goods. With the help of a platform-open warehouse management software from cooperation partner A, numerous companies will have the opportunity to test their processes with AR glasses; in addition, the potential for improvement of AR glasses will be researched.
The laboratory thus enables the practice partners to simulate their company-specific practical processes under real conditions and thus test the AR technology before actual implementation. This helps both companies that are planning to convert their processes to this technology and the providers of AR glasses. In this way, a wide range of scenarios can be simulated and tested without the need for a full costly implementation, because a failed implementation in existing logistics processes carries a considerable cost risk for the interested companies. In this way, the laboratory successively closes the research gap, as it further substantiates the possible applications of AR technologies in practice with each test scenario. Another important goal could be achieved if additional companies from the AR environment were to settle at HOLM and conduct research in this area. Project partner A has already expressed interest in this.

Test series

The set-up of a test arrangement should help to explore the potentials in order picking. First of all, different glasses will be used to carry out picking tests. For this purpose, objects are taken from the picking trolley according to the display specifications; these orders are developed together with practice partners. All picking orders are to be completed by forming a finished picking order at the end. The picking orders are created with the help of a platform-independent software.

With the help of the tests, errors or deviations in the actual process can be determined and thus the practical suitability of the existing glasses is tested. In the course of the tests, the glasses are to be optimised with regard to their usability.