Pick-by-vision of Augmented Reality in Warehouse Picking Process Optimization – A Review

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the most notable technologies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), which uses the capabilities of computer-generated display, sound, text, and effects to improve the user's realworld experience through wearable equipment. Order picking operations in warehouse management systems (WMS) have a significant impact on overall operating efficiency. The conventional picking process is laborious to handle, which may result in deviations from predefined picking performance. Pick-by-vision, a new technology solution for order picking, is becoming increasingly popular and has been recognized as an essential technology supporting WMS nowadays. This article is a short review of AR pick-by-vision utilization to investigate the potential benefits and opportunities in optimizing warehouse picking operations. Besides presenting the basic concept of AR pick-by-vision, this study also produces a taxonomy layout of literature reviews for AR technology in WMS, to demonstrate the focus of the main area of the study. By reviewing 23 documents of AR pick-by-vision technology application, the analysis has produced important key findings, which are significant to the potential benefits of AR pick-byvision implementation in optimizing the warehouse operation. The accumulation of knowledge and actionable insights in this study will benefit both academics and practitioners interested in this emerging smart technology for future research.

Assessments of Order-Picking Tasks Using a Paper List and Augmented Reality Glasses with Different Order Information Displays

“…Order picking (OP) is typical in logistics and service industries and is commonly performed in warehousing and retail operations. It is a labor-intensive job that requires operators to go to storage areas to find and collect designated items and is the most expansive operation in warehouses [14,15]. The traditional method of OP involves operators finding listed items on paper or on a tablet and picking them up [16].…”

“…The benefits of AR devices in facilitating OP tasks, however, depend on the hardware and software designs of the device. Verifications are required to confirm the advantage of different AR designs [15].…”

“…The findings in the literature [15,16,43,44] concerning the benefits of using AR devices are inconsistent. More studies are needed to confirm these benefits.…”