Siemens & Vuzix

Digitizing Warehouse Order Picking with Smart Glasses

Case Study | Logistics, Warehousing & Augmented Reality

Overview

In high-volume logistics environments, speed and accuracy are critical. For large industrial organizations like Siemens, even small inefficiencies in warehouse order picking and documentation can compound into longer delivery times, higher costs, and increased error rates.

To address these challenges, Siemens partnered with Ubimax and Vuzix to digitize its warehouse picking and documentation processes using Vuzix smart glasses, enabling hands-free, heads-up access to real-time information.

The result was a faster, more ergonomic, and more accurate picking process that significantly reduced delivery times.

The Challenge

Siemens operates complex logistics centers that support critical spare parts distribution for gas turbines, customer service, and industrial operations worldwide.

Before adopting smart glasses, Siemens faced several operational challenges:

• Order picking required manual documentation

• Photographic verification of shipments was time-consuming

• Workers relied on paper, handheld scanners, or terminals

• Documentation was needed for both customer audits and import/export customs authorities

• Manual processes significantly impacted efficiency and delivery timelines

Historically, order picking and documentation were performed manually, resulting in longer processing times and unnecessary cognitive and physical strain on warehouse staff.

The Goal

Siemens set out to:

• Digitize order picking and documentation

• Reduce overall delivery times from warehouse to customer

• Improve ergonomics and worker efficiency

• Eliminate manual documentation steps

• Maintain strict compliance with auditing and customs requirements

The Solution: Smart Glasses-Enabled Order Picking

In partnership with Ubimax, Siemens deployed Vuzix smart glasses to digitize the order picking process using a heads-up, hands-free display.

How It Works

• Warehouse employees wear Vuzix smart glasses during picking tasks

• All relevant order information appears directly in the worker’s field of view

• Workers keep both hands free to pick, locate, and verify items

• Photographic documentation is captured automatically during picking

• Photos are digitally assigned to the correct order without manual steps

This eliminates paper-based workflows and reduces reliance on handheld devices.

Improved Ergonomics & Accuracy

The smart glasses solution delivered several ergonomic and operational improvements:

• Workers no longer need to look down at paper or screens

• Less physical strain from switching between tools

• Faster item location and confirmation

• Improved accuracy in picking and documentation

By visualizing shelf locations and spare parts directly in the user’s field of view, Siemens enabled employees to work more efficiently while reducing fatigue.

Measurable Results

The deployment delivered immediate and measurable improvements:

• 15% increase in picking speed on average

• Shorter overall delivery times

• Improved documentation accuracy

• Reduced manual data handling

• Faster preparation for audits and customs clearance

Automating photographic documentation also eliminated the need for manual photo assignment, further streamlining workflows.

Business Impact

By digitizing warehouse operations with smart glasses, Siemens achieved:

• Faster order fulfillment

• Improved worker productivity

• Reduced error rates

• Better ergonomics and employee satisfaction

• More efficient compliance with audit and customs requirements

The solution demonstrates how augmented reality can enhance—not replace—human workers in complex logistics environments.

Conclusion

Siemens’ adoption of Vuzix smart glasses shows how hands-free AR technology can modernize warehouse operations at scale. By digitizing order picking and documentation, Siemens reduced delivery times, improved accuracy, and created a more efficient and ergonomic work environment.

This case study highlights the practical, real-world impact of smart glasses in industrial logistics—delivering measurable results without disrupting existing workflows.