Augmented Reality
Also: AR, Pick-by-Vision, Mixed Reality, Erweiterte Realität, Augmented-Reality
AI-generated
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays the real environment in real time with digital information such as text, graphics, or 3D models. In intralogistics, AR primarily supports picking, maintenance, and the onboarding of new employees.
Key facts
- Augmented Reality overlays digital information onto the real field of view in real time, without replacing the physical environment.
- In order picking, AR enables pick guidance without paper lists or handheld scanners and can reduce error rates.
- Employee acceptance depends significantly on hardware comfort, ergonomics, and early involvement in pilot projects.
- Stable integration with a WMS or ERP system and seamless Wi-Fi infrastructure are essential technical prerequisites.
- The cost-effectiveness of AR compared to alternative picking guidance methods must be evaluated on a process-by-process basis.
What is Augmented Reality in intralogistics?
Augmented Reality refers to the real-time overlay of the physical environment with digital information. Unlike Virtual Reality, AR does not fully replace reality but instead supplements it in a targeted way with context-relevant content. In warehouse and picking operations, this means: employees simultaneously see their real surroundings and superimposed cues — such as the pick location, quantity, item number, or navigation guidance — through a smart glasses device, a tablet, or a smartphone. The hardware ranges from simple smartphones to specialized Head-Mounted Displays (HMD) that keep the hands free.
Practical application areas
The most widespread use case is pick-by-vision order picking. Pick orders are projected directly into the wearer's field of view, so employees no longer need to consult a paper list or read a handheld scanner display. This reduces errors and speeds up the picking process. Other typical application areas include:
- Maintenance and servicing: Technicians receive machine-specific step-by-step instructions or circuit diagrams directly in their field of view, without having to consult manuals.
- Quality control: AR can display inspection points and visually flag deviations.
- Onboarding and training: New employees are guided through unfamiliar warehouse areas and processes via AR overlays, reducing training effort.
- Inventory and stock management: Camera-based AR systems can automatically recognize labels and reconcile stock data in real time.
Key selection criteria
The choice of an AR system depends heavily on the specific process and environment. The following factors should be clarified at an early stage:
- Hardware comfort: Smart glasses must be wearable throughout an entire shift. Weight, fit, and hygiene are decisive factors for acceptance in practice.
- Integration with existing systems: AR solutions must access WMS or ERP data in real time. A stable API connection is a prerequisite.
- Network infrastructure: Real-time data requires reliable Wi-Fi or 5G coverage throughout the entire warehouse area. Dead spots are a frequently underestimated obstacle.
- Application area and process complexity: Simple, repetitive picking processes are better suited to AR than highly variable processes with many exceptions.
- Involving employees: Acceptance does not arise automatically. Pilot projects with representative user groups and early feedback help to secure a successful rollout.
Whether AR is economically advantageous over other picking guidance methods such as pick-by-light or pick-by-voice depends on the individual process and cannot be answered in general terms. A solid business case should factor in training effort, error costs, hardware investment, and maintenance costs.
Related terms
- AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to systems that learn from data, recognize patterns, and on this basis support or automate decisions.
- AMR
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is a driverless, self-navigating transport robot that moves goods within a warehouse without any fixed installed infrastructure. It orientates itself independently using sensors and digital maps, and dynamically avoids obstacles.
- API
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a defined interface through which two software systems can exchange data in an automated and standardized way. In intralogistics, it connects systems such as WMS, ERP, or TMS with one another and with external services.
- AR
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real field of view in real time. In intralogistics, AR is used primarily in picking, maintenance and training.
- Akustische Kommissionierung
Acoustic order picking is a paperless picking method in which warehouse employees receive pick instructions via voice and confirm each step using spoken responses. Both hands remain free throughout the actual picking process.
- Kommissionierung
Order picking is the process of assembling individual items from warehouse stock to fulfill a specific customer order — the most labor-intensive step in the warehouse.