Volkswagen factory workers using augmented reality tech and 3D smart glasses

VW adopted the technology to improve 'process security'

After the scandalous emission crisis, Volkswagen is back in the news for a good reason. The German automaker appears to have been the first to use augmented reality (AR) technology and has started using "3D smart glasses" for plant logistics employees at its Wolfsburg factory. VW adopted the technology to “improve process security in production”.

Volkswagen made the announcement on its official website. Although VW hasn’t specifically named Google Glass as the tech it’s using, the device seen in videos and photos does resemble Google Glass. The new glasses were introduced after a successful three-month pilot program and are designated as standard equipment for workers involved in order picking.

The smart glasses are equipped with touch- and voice-control capabilities for facilitating operations. With 60,000 employees, the Wolfsburg factory is the Volkswagen Group's largest and oldest plant. The factory currently handles production of Golf hatchback, reports Auto Guide.

"Digitalization is becoming increasingly important in production. The 3D smart glasses take cooperation between humans and systems to a new level”, said Reinhard de Vries, Head of Plant Logistics at Wolfsburg.

Employees are slowly being introduced to the new technology, says Volkswagen. Currently, only 30 employees use the smart glasses. Depending on positive feedback, other departments as well as plants might later use the smart glasses.

These glasses will enhance productivity as they allow users free use of both their hands. The camera in the glass can be used as a barcode reader, which reduces errors.

Major firms all over the globe have been using AR technology to augment warehouse operations. The overwhelming popularity of AR has helped big companies take a huge leap in simplifying operations.

“Vision picking” in logistics has been already introduced by DHL. Dominic Maas, warehouse manager DHL supply chain, believes vision picking can largely reduce errors and increase productivity (see video below).