AR-VR Training for Logistics

Augmented Reality puts information on top of reality, which blurs the line between what is real and what is not. Virtual Reality creates a whole new reality that manipulates the human senses into thinking you are in a different world. To use Virtual Reality you need special glasses and equipment, like a remote control or gloves that registers hand movements.

AR and VR can be used to practice different kinds of logistics operations for new employees in a controlled environment.

One of the most important lessons learned from the VIL report ‘Vision in Logistics‘ is that AR has a strong added value for training because it has a positive impact on quality, which leads to better performance.

Opportunities

The project has economic and social potential: 

• increasing productivity, reliability, and accuracy in performing logistics tasks, by using AR – VR in training
• decreasing (security) risks of high-risk processes, by training with VR and using additional AR alerts and warnings
• optimizing processes by pointing out adjustments via AR – VR
• re-educate employees easily, with limited infrastructure, and at little extra costs
• using AR – VR for testing soft skills in recruitment procedures
• reducing the number of movements in the warehouse, thanks to remote help

Results

• Training using Virtual Reality make it possible to simulate potentially dangerous situations, without using the infrastructure.
• Augmented Reality puts information on top of reality, which allows the trainee to walk around ‘on the job’ and see a digital instruction screen or a selection menu by using smart glasses.
• The test trainees were strongly convinced of the added value and were excited by the new learning method
• VIL did practical tests at DHL Supply Chain, Nike ECL and Scania Parts Logistics.
• Due to the coronavirus crisis, the tests could only take place on a limited scale. It is therefore not possible to conclude that the AR/VR training is more effective than classic training.
• The measurements and surveys did show that the training is up to six times more efficient than classic training. An important asset is that every trainee completed the full training. Using AR and VR can be challenging for employees who are less familiar with technology. Sufficient guidance and time to get used to it are very important at the start of the training. It is also important to consider which language(s) to use during the instructions.