Picking Goods Assisted by Head-mounted Augmented Reality Systems in Warehouses
Patrick J. Fasching, Georg Wultsch, Stefan Rinnerhofer, Peter Hofmann

Abstract
Background: There are several systems for workers in order to optimize the picking processes in handling goods. Aim of the study was to compare physiological strain and performance of a prototype vision system (VS) to a voice system (VC). Methods: 20 male subjects performed a cycle ergometry to determine exercise performance. Heart rate (HR) recordings, number of steps, gas exchange measures and bipolar surface electro-myography recordings were obtained. Results: Shift HR 106.6 ± 12.6 bpm (59.7 ± 5.9 % HRmax) and oxygen consumption during selected phases of work 1.178 ± 0.189 l.min-1 (39.9 ± 3.3 % VO2max) for VS differed significantly compared to 99.7 ± 9.6 bpm (55.9 ± 5.7 % HRmax) and 1.011 ± 0.139 l.min-1 (33.5 ± 5.5 % VO2max) for VC. Conclusion: Subjects picked a higher number of pieces applying VC although lower physiological responses compared to VS indicating the need for further improvements of the system.

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