Wearable Technology in Warehouses PDF

Chapter-05 Wearable Technology Wearable Technology Modern wearable technology falls under a broad spectrum of usability, including smartwatches, fitness trackers such as the Fitbit Charge, VR headsets, smart jewelry, web-enabled glasses, and Bluetooth headsets. Wearables work differently,...

Chapter-05 Wearable Technology Wearable Technology Modern wearable technology falls under a broad spectrum of usability, including smartwatches, fitness trackers such as the Fitbit Charge, VR headsets, smart jewelry, web-enabled glasses, and Bluetooth headsets. Wearables work differently, based on their category, such as health, fitness, or entertainment. Wearable technology refers to electronic devices that are worn on the body. These devices often have smart sensors connected to the internet or other devices through wireless methods.  Examples of Wearable Technology in Warehouses 1- Smart Glasses These provide augmented reality (AR) overlays to guide workers to the correct storage locations, offer real- time inventory updates, or assist in assembly processes.  2-Wearable Scanners Worn on the hand or finger, these scanners allow workers to easily scan barcodes or QR codes without needing to pick up and set down a separate device.  3-Wearable Exoskeletons These are mechanical suits or frameworks worn by workers to help them lift heavy items, reducing the risk of injury and fatigue.  4-Smart Watches Integrated with warehouse management systems, these can alert workers about tasks, monitor their vital signs, or track their locations within the warehouse  5-Smart Vests or Belts These often have sensors to monitor a worker's vitals and can be equipped with features like automatic cooling or heating to keep workers comfortable in various conditions. They might also have safety features to alert workers of potential dangers nearby.  6-Wearable Cameras Often attached to helmets or glasses, these cameras can record a worker's viewpoint for training purposes, real-time remote assistance, or to verify the completion of tasks.  7-Voice-Directed Work Devices Wearable headsets giving auditory instructions to workers, often used in pick- and-pack operations.  8-Smart Helmets Helmets with built-in AR (augmented reality) displays or cameras, offering a heads-up display of critical information or enabling remote assistance. Benefits of having wearable technology in warehouses 1-Increased Productivity Real-time data access, hands-free operations, and streamlined workflows can lead to faster task completion and improved efficiency. 2-Enhanced Accuracy Guided processes and immediate data verification reduce human errors in tasks like picking, packing, and inventory management. 3-Improved Safety Wearables can monitor environmental conditions, detect hazardous situations, or alert wearers of potential dangers, reducing the risk of accidents. 4-Real-time Communication Devices like smart glasses or headsets can facilitate instant communication between workers, supervisors, and remote experts, ensuring timely decision-making and problem resolution. Ergonomic Benefits Exoskeletons or lifting-assist wearables can reduce physical strain on workers, leading to decreased fatigue and potential injuries. Data-driven Decisions Wearables collect valuable data, which can be analysed to optimize operations, understand peak times, and assess worker performance  Challenges associated with wearable technology implementation in warehouses 1. Cost: The initial investment required for purchasing and implementing wearable technologies can be high, especially for small and medium- sized enterprises. 2. Integration Complexity: Merging wearable tech with existing warehouse management systems or IT infrastructure can pose technical challenges. 3. Training and Adaptation: Employees need training to use new devices effectively, and there may be resistance to change from workers used to traditional methods. 4. Battery Life and Durability Many wearable devices need frequent recharging or can be delicate, which may not suit the rough nature of warehouse operations. 5. Data Privacy and Security Collecting and transmitting data through wearables raises concerns about data breaches or misuse of personal information. 6.Reliability Like all tech, wearables can malfunction, become outdated quickly, or may not perform as expected in certain conditions, causing operational disruptions. 7. Ergonomic Concerns While many wearables are designed for comfort, long-term use can sometimes lead to discomfort or health issues for workers. 8. Interference Wearables, especially those that rely on wireless connectivity, might experience interference from other devices or machinery, affecting their performance. 9. Standardization As the wearable tech field is rapidly evolving, there might be a lack of standard protocols or interfaces across different devices. 10. Over-reliance There's a risk that warehouses might become too dependent on the tech, leaving them vulnerable if there are system-wide failures or malfunctions.  Examples of warehouses that uses wearable technologies  Amazon Amazon has been at the forefront of technological adoption in warehousing. They have filed patents for wearable devices that assist workers in locating items on the shelves and have deployed robotics and other tech to optimize warehouse operations.  DHL DHL has piloted augmented reality glasses in their warehouses. These smart glasses provide visual displays to help pickers locate and select items, increasing efficiency and reducing picking errors.  Walmart In some of its distribution centers, Walmart has explored the use of wearables, like VR for training purposes and wearable scanners for efficient item processing.