DHL successfully tests Augmented Reality application in warehouse

• Wearables and augmented reality software improve picking process by 25 percent
• DHL Supply Chain and Ricoh carry out pilot project in the Netherlands

DHL has successfully carried out a pilot project testing smart glasses and augmented reality in a warehouse in the Netherlands. In cooperation with DHL customer Ricoh and wearable computing solutions expert Ubimax, the technology was used to implement ‘vision picking’ in warehousing operations. Staff was guided through the warehouse by graphics displayed on the smart glass to speed up the picking process and reduce errors. The pilot proved that augmented reality offers added value to logistics and resulted in a 25 percent efficiency increase during the picking process.

“Vision picking enables hands free order picking and greatly increases productivity. The technology significantly supports our staff and brings exciting value to our customers. However, this is just the first step in our innovation journey as we believe augmented reality will become relevant for even more supply chain areas”, says Jan-Willem De Jong, Business Unit Director Technology, DHL Supply Chain, Benelux.