The smart glass seems to have little future for ordinary citizens, but in logistics the glasses are gaining ground. For instance, UPS previously decided to deploy the smart glass and now Volkswagen too has decided to start using augmented reality 3D smart glasses for its logistics processes.
Volkswagen experimented with the technology for a while. It proved such a success that all logistics employees will now wear smart glasses as standard. The glasses are used for voice-picking so that employees keep their hands free. The glasses help track parts in storage and scan serial numbers.
Collaboration between people and technology
"Digitalisation is increasingly important in industry," says Reinhard de Vries, head of logistics at Volkswagen. "The 3D smart glasses take cooperation between people and technology to a whole new level." The glasses are not yet mandatory. Employees can decide for themselves whether they want to use the glasses. Now some 30 logistics employees at Volkswagen are using the smart glasses while working.
Future in logistics
The most famous variant of the smart glass is of course the Google Glass. In February, the plug was pulled on the consumer version of the Google Glass, but now the company is again working on a new pair of smart glasses to conquer the business market. Indeed, in the business field, there would be plenty of opportunities for the smart glass. The smart glasses could allow for more efficient operations within the warehouse. Problem so far, however, has been the battery life. The Google Glass only lasted about two hours. Not very convenient for the warehouse, which is often in operation 24 hours a day. In addition, the expensive purchase price is a barrier for many companies. An extra pair of glasses is therefore not easily an option. The company now says it will extend the battery life considerably.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
