Augmented Reality in Manufacturing and Logistics: Lessons Learnt from a Real-Life Industrial Application

Abstract One of the most prominent technologies in the Industry 4.0’s arsenal, when it comes to manufacturing and logistics operations, is Augmented Reality (AR). AR takes the capabilities of computer-generated display, sound, text and effects to enhance the user’s real-world experience and support workers in their every-day tasks such as assembly, order picking and maintenance. This paper, after a short review of AR in manufacturing and logistics, showcases the introduction of a real-life AR-Smart Glasses application in support of one of the most repetitive, prone to error, and expensive warehouse logistics processes, i.e. order picking. The implementation of the AR system takes place in actual production settings and is integrated in the picking process of a distribution centre operated by a large Telecommunications Service Provider. This paper describes the functionalities of the developed AR system and highlights functional details and lessons learnt from its pilot implementation.