REAL: Augmented reality platform for guiding operators in industrial logistics processes

The REAL project aimed to develop augmented reality technologies to create tools supporting logistics processes in industry, in order to reduce the cost of critical tasks in the logistics chain (picking, stock control and palletizing) and optimize the work of warehouse operators. To this end, the problems of logistics processes were analyzed and the priority needs in this area were identified, with the aim of validating the potential of augmented reality technologies by developing a demonstrator able to guide an operator through various tasks within a warehouse.

Interest in augmented reality-based products has grown considerably in recent years, as it is one of the two key technologies in the evolution of industrial environments toward what is known as Industry 4.0. The new concept of the smart factory integrates a new way of organizing the means of production with the aim of increasing adaptability to production needs and processes, as well as optimizing resource allocation, by integrating digital technologies that enable not only the automation of industrial processes and the connectivity of systems, but also the exploitation of the information collected. In this context, augmented reality makes it possible to recognize the environment and automatically display additional information over it, making it easier to find and understand information at any given moment and reducing the possibility of human error.

CTIC identified this opportunity and, based on its knowledge of the sector and the market, as well as of augmented reality technologies and of head-mounted devices (such as smart glasses) or arm-mounted devices (such as smartphones adapted to operators' equipment), conceptualized the system whose development formed the basis of the project: an augmented reality platform integrated into an interactive visual device for guiding and supporting operators in logistics processes.

The main advantage of this system came from the visualization capability provided by the new device, overcoming certain limitations of the devices operators had carried until then:

The interactive visual interface was also integrated with traditional voice picking, complementing some of its limitations. Operators had continuous access to their assignments and upcoming tasks in real time, with directional signals, route optimization within the warehouse, location of packages on shelves and real-time information from the warehouse management system (WMS), which made decision-making easier; the addition of audio and video to the device also made it possible to improve communication and remote assistance for resolving incidents.