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Augmented Reality Glasses for Order Picking: A User Study Comparing Numeric Code, 2D-Map, and 3D-Map Visualizations

Author

Listed:
  • Dario Gentile

    (Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Francesco Musolino

    (Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Mine Dastan

    (Department of Mechanics Mathematics and Management, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Michele Fiorentino

    (Department of Mechanics Mathematics and Management, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

It has been shown that Augmented Reality improves the efficiency and well-being of order pickers; however, the adoption of AR Headsets in real contexts is hindered by comfort, safety, and battery duration issues. AR Glasses offer a lightweight alternative, yet they are seldom addressed in the current literature, and there is a lack of user studies exploring suitable visualization designs for these devices. Therefore, this research designs three AR visualizations of target position for order picking: Numeric Code, 2D Map, and 3D Map. They take into account the layout of the repository and the constraints of a small, low-resolution monocular display. These visualizations are tested in a within-subject user study with 30 participants employing AR Glasses in a simulated order-picking task. The Numeric Code visualization resulted in lower Task Completion Time (TCT) and error rates and was also rated as the least cognitively demanding and most preferred. This highlights that, for lightweight devices, simpler graphical interfaces tend to perform better. This study provides empirical insights for the design of innovative AR interfaces in logistics, using industry-relevant devices such as AR Glasses and conducting the evaluation in an extensive laboratory setup.

Suggested Citation

  • Dario Gentile & Francesco Musolino & Mine Dastan & Michele Fiorentino, 2025. "Augmented Reality Glasses for Order Picking: A User Study Comparing Numeric Code, 2D-Map, and 3D-Map Visualizations," J, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jjopen:v:8:y:2025:i:3:p:32-:d:1739420
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chen, Tzu-Li & Cheng, Chen-Yang & Chen, Yin-Yann & Chan, Li-Kai, 2015. "An efficient hybrid algorithm for integrated order batching, sequencing and routing problem," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 158-167.
    2. Markus Epe & Muhammad Azmat & Dewan Md Zahurul Islam & Rameez Khalid, 2024. "Use of Smart Glasses for Boosting Warehouse Efficiency: Implications for Change Management," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-25, October.
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