Pick-by-Vision

What is Pick-by-Vision?

Pick-by-Vision refers to a form of paperless order picking in which wearable smart glasses provide visual support throughout the picking process. The system overlays the worker's real field of view with order-relevant information: the target storage location, item description, quantity to be picked, and, where applicable, navigation through the warehouse. The smart glasses communicate in real time with the Warehouse Management System (WMS) via Wi-Fi.

Unlike Pick-by-Light, which uses signal lights mounted on shelving units, or Pick-by-Voice, which relies on spoken instructions, Pick-by-Vision displays all information directly in the worker's field of view — without requiring them to glance at a handheld device or screen. This enables the so-called hands-free principle, which is particularly relevant for tasks involving heavy picking goods or work in refrigerated areas.

How does Pick-by-Vision work in practice?

After logging into the WMS, the smart glasses receive the order position and guide the worker to the storage location. Retrieval details are then displayed. Confirmation is carried out depending on the system design via:

• Scanning a barcode or QR code using a camera integrated into the glasses
• Eye-tracking or head movements
• Voice confirmation as a supplementary module
• A button press on the glasses or a handheld trigger

Augmented reality features can extend the process further, for example through visual highlighting of shelf compartments or the display of inspection information directly at the item. Deployment requires a stable Wi-Fi infrastructure throughout the entire warehouse, as connection interruptions will disrupt the picking flow.

What should be considered when selecting a solution?

Several factors influence the decision to adopt Pick-by-Vision, and these must be weighted differently depending on the operation:

• Ergonomics and wearing comfort: Smart glasses vary considerably in weight and form factor. If safety glasses or other personal protective equipment are already worn on site, compatibility must be verified in advance.
• Lighting conditions: Strong backlighting, dark warehouse areas, or changing environments can impair display readability.
• Wi-Fi stability and latency: Seamless wireless coverage is a prerequisite. Latency above defined thresholds can negatively affect user experience and process reliability.
• Failure scenario: In the event of a system failure — glasses, Wi-Fi, or WMS connection — a clearly defined fallback process is required.
• Employee acceptance: The introduction of smart glasses is received differently among the workforce. Pilot phases with voluntary participation and transparent communication regarding data privacy are common practice.
• Data privacy: Cameras in the glasses can record individuals and data. Depending on works agreements and data protection legislation, technical or organizational measures may be required.

Pick-by-Vision is particularly well suited to picking processes with a high variety of items, complex warehouse structures, or hands-free working requirements. Whether it offers an economic advantage over other picking methods depends heavily on order volume, error costs, and the existing IT infrastructure.