First Impressions and Acceptance of Order Pickers Towards Using Data Glasses at a Simulated Workstation.

In the field of logistics, data glasses might help to increase work efficiency and optimize workflows. However, their impact on physical and psychological stress has not been adequately investigated yet. 29 healthy participants worked for 40 min at a mock-up version of an industrial order picking workplace, distributing simulated tools represented as balls from one box to four surrounding boxes. Information’s concerning amount and destination of the order pick were provided either from a monitor above the machine or from the display of data glasses. Before the measurements, the participants received questionnaires to rate their technical affinity and to obtain information’s about their prior experiences concerning data glasses. After each measurement, additional questionnaires were issued to evaluate the perceived physical and mental workload and visual fatigue during the work as well as to evaluate the data glasses. For the comparison between the setups different repeated measures ANOVA-models (or alternatively a t-test) were applied. A significant higher strain was reported for the eyes while working with the data glasses. However, no significant differences were found when asking for specific eye parameters (e.g. blurred vision and dry eyes). Additionally, a lower significant strain was reported for the neck. When asked for general physical workloads due to the workplace setup no significant differences were reported which contradicts these results. Cognitive workloads were perceived significantly higher when using data glasses. No influence of the technical affinity could be found. Overall, it can be stated that the acceptance of data glasses in this study was quite positive, while differences in perceived physical or cognitive workload were reported in certain parameters. However, the subjective reports of increase in eye strain can be an indicator that the use of data glasses may lead to problems in this area. Especially since no significant differences were reported for a particular parameter further research has to be done.