Order Picking Using Augmented Reality

Abstract

1. Paperless picking systems Picking process creates in the logistics chain an irreplaceable role associated with the preparation and processing of orders. With increasing pressure on the quality and timeliness of deliveries, and the increasing number and diversity of picking items, also new forms of organization are developed and new technologies are applied to the picking process [1]. The traditional approach is based on picking goods according to the documents. This principle is advantageous mainly in terms of its simplicity, financial cost and relative flexibility to change volumes of picking process. On the other hand, the need for repeated reading and checking the data in the documents leads to significant time losses and higher error rates due to human error. Therefore, in practice, we should start to apply paperless picking systems. The advantage of these systems is mainly in replacing the traditional paper documents by picking orders electronically, which allows, in combination with other technologies, to simplify, accelerate and improve the process of searching items into the picking order. An example of such a method of picking is called "Pick-by" systems. Types of "pick-by" systems are [1]: 1. System Pick-by-light (Pick-to-Light): This system is based on storage places equipped with special light panels which contain the lights indicating the storage location from which the goods need to be picked. The navigation system Pick-by-light is also used in reverse action, i.e. when saving assortment of items in the correct storage position. Then we talk about the so-called Put-to-light system. The system Pick-by-light is not suitable for large warehouses where there are large distances between picking items. 2. System Pick-by-voice: The picker is equipped with a headset (headphones + microphone) ensuring two-way communication between the picker and control system and portable terminal which is used for storing and radio transmission of information between the picker and control system. The system includes a radio transmission of information and voice recognition software. The picker receives from the control system gradually in the optimal sequence information necessary for picking individual order lines. After removing the item, the picker reports back to the managing systems the number of taken items, also confirms the completion of the processing line orders. The system Pick-by-voice puts higher demands on worker´s concentration (only voice information) and is not suitable for noisy operations. 3. System Pick-to-belt: Items are in the required quantity collected from a store and placed on the conveyor which transports them automatically to a packaging workplace. In addition to above mentioned basic types of "pick-by" systems, manufacturers of storage and handling equipment also offer other types of paperless picking systems such as: e-pick, pick-to-tote, pick-to-bucket, etc., which further modify and develop the fundamental principles of mentioned "pick-by" systems. Among the new, progressive types of "pick-by" systems is currently classifiable the picking system known as Pick-by-vision [2] which represents the use of augmented reality for navigation worker during picking and which is currently the subject of intense research in terms of the technological solutions and suitability of its application in industrial practice. This article examines the problem of application of augmented reality in terms of picking goods in static systems with the deployment of a man (systems "goods to man"). Article describes a comprehensive methodology for the use of augmented reality in the process of picking starting from the preparation of input data, through optimizing the movement of workers in the warehouse, to actual worker navigation using augmented reality. The problem was solved on the authors´workplaceauthors´workplace and the proposed solution has been verified in the experimental workplace built under the concept of ZIMS (Zilina Intelligent Manufacturing System) which is developed at the University of Zilina in cooperation with the Central European Institute of Technology (CEIT).