Volkswagen has rolled out 3D smart glasses as standard equipment for staff at its oldest and largest factory in Wolfsburg, Germany – also the location of its global headquarters. Following a three-month pilot phase, plant logistics personnel are now using the 3D glasses for order picking with the aim of improving process security in production.
The logistics staff now automatically receive all the information they need such as storage locations or part numbers directly in their field of vision, while touch or voice control allow easy operation. The major benefit is users have both their hands free while they are working. The camera in the glasses is also acts as a barcode reader; correct barcodes on parts removed from the storage location are shown in green while parts incorrectly removed are shown in red.
"Digitalisation is becoming increasingly important in production," explained
Reinhard de Vries, head of Plant Logistics at Wolfsburg.
"The 3D smart glasses take cooperation between humans and systems to a new level."
The use of the 3D glasses is voluntary and the employees concerned are gradually being introduced to the new technology. After a short acclimatisation period, new employees can then be familiarised more rapidly. Currently, 30 employees in various areas such as windscreens or driveshafts are using them. In view of the positive experience other departments, plants and brands also plan to use the glasses.
Works Council member Mario Kurznack-Bodner said: "The benefits of new technology like the smart glasses can only be assessed effectively if we can check them out in normal production operation.
“The colleagues concerned approach the technology without any preconceived notions. Apart from health, safety and occupational medicine criteria, it is important to the Works Council that feedback from employees should be taken up and reflected in everyday work."