February 27, 2019 – Hänel Storage Systems , a manufacturer and integrator of automated vertical storage units, announced Augmented Reality (AR) features for use in conjunction with its storage systems. Through the use of wireless “data eyeglasses” and Pick-by-Voice, a Hänel Lean-Lift Vertical Lift Module (VLM) can be operated hands-free, without the use of a system controller or keyboard.
The optical AR device uses voice commands to accomplish data input and item selection. While wearing the AR display, users can view all relevant data and information regarding a stored item, including its description, photograph and stored location. Once an item is requested via voice command, the storage system automatically brings it to the access point for retrieval.
The item’s position on the shelf can then be identified by Hänel Pick-o-Light, a moveable LED unit inside the access point that shines a targeted beam of light precisely on the specific item awaiting retrieval.
This AR system allows users to focus their full attention on the picking process without the need to handle notes or other paperwork. When used in conjunction with Pick-o-Light, the system drastically minimizes the risk of human picking errors. Hänel storage units and AR glasses can be linked to various ERP systems through an integrated Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) interface, which allows programs on different operating systems to communicate.
