Springer Virtual Reality in Manual Order Picking: Using Head-Mounted Devices for Planning and Training

The introduction of consumer-level head-mounted devices (HMDs) has led to a major drop in the application costs of virtual reality (VR), making the technology available for a wide range of users. To understand if VR HMDs can be used for planning and training in the context of manual order picking, this thesis provides the results of a large-scale randomized controlled study in which order picking has been compared between a virtual and a real environment. The results imply that VR HMDs can indeed be used by manufacturers and warehouse operators in a rack planning process if the reduction of searching times or the perceived workload is in focus. Additionally, the findings enable the use of VR HMDs for scientific research on human-centred rack design. Finally, the thesis highlights the usability of VR HMDs for training manual order picking activities. From the Back Cover The introduction of consumer-level head-mounted devices (HMDs) has led to a major drop in the application costs of virtual reality (VR), making the technology available for a wide range of users. To understand if VR HMDs can be used for planning and training in the context of manual order picking, this thesis provides the results of a large-scale randomized controlled study in which order picking has been compared between a virtual and a real environment. The results imply that VR HMDs can indeed be used by manufacturers and warehouse operators in a rack planning process if the reduction of searching times or the perceived workload is in focus. Additionally, the findings enable the use of VR HMDs for scientific research on human-centred rack design. Finally, the thesis highlights the usability of VR HMDs for training manual order picking activities. About the Author Jan-Karl Knigge completed his doctorate as a research associate at the chair of Management and Logistics at Technical University of Darmstadt. His research focused on the usability of virtual reality technology for the human-centred planning of manual order picking systems. Furthermore, he used experimental studies to investigate the effect of learning in VR in the context of manual order picking. About the Author Jan-Karl Knigge completed his doctorate as a research associate at the chair of Management and Logistics at Technical University of Darmstadt. His research focused on the usability of virtual reality technology for the human-centred planning of manual order picking systems. Furthermore, he used experimental studies to investigate the effect of learning in VR in the context of manual order picking.