Smart Glasses for Faster, More Accurate Warehousing Operations
2022 Case Study
Overview
Warehouses and distribution centers require a careful balance of speed, accuracy, and human decision-making. By leveraging augmented reality (AR), organizations can improve efficiency while keeping workers fully engaged in their tasks.
FedEx Ground began evaluating Vuzix smart glasses as a way to modernize warehouse workflows, reduce errors, and increase productivity across picking, fulfillment, and training operations.
The Challenge
Traditional warehouse workflows often rely on handheld scanners, clipboards, and manual checks, which can:
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Slow down picking operations
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Increase the likelihood of order errors
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Require workers to carry bulky equipment
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Limit visibility into real-time performance issues
FedEx Ground sought a hands-free solution that could improve speed and accuracy while supporting worker training and operational oversight.
The Solution
FedEx Ground evaluated Vuzix smart glasses powered by AR, providing warehouse staff with real-time, heads-up information while keeping both hands free.
Key Capabilities
Barcode Scanning (Vision Picking)
Workers scan barcodes simply by looking at the item.
The smart glasses’ heads-up display enables vision picking, eliminating the need for handheld scanners.
Order Picking & Fulfillment
Connected pickers receive all required pick and order information directly in their field of view, including:
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Item details
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Pick confirmation
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Immediate success or error feedback
This instant feedback significantly reduces picking mistakes and increases overall efficiency.
Video Recording
Integrated video recording allows:
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Managers to identify picking errors and workflow inefficiencies
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Visual feedback for process improvement
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Creation of interactive training content for onboarding new employees
Industry Benefits
The smart glasses solution delivered measurable operational advantages:
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Decreased average pick time
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Fewer order mistakes
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Video feedback for managers
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Replacement of bulky scanners and clipboards
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Reduced equipment burden for workers
Proven Results
Early evaluations and pilot use cases demonstrated strong performance improvements:
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20% increase in picking speed
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25% reduction in picking errors with retail customers
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Load-time reductions and real-time load plan adjustments (including air cargo operations in Singapore)
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Remote site audits that reduced travel costs while improving quality
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Improved onboarding and reduced employee turnover through interactive training
FedEx Ground is currently evaluating Vuzix smart glasses across multiple projects to further expand these benefits.
Business Impact
By adopting AR-powered smart glasses, FedEx Ground demonstrated how warehouse operations can:
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Increase productivity without increasing labor strain
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Improve accuracy and customer satisfaction
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Reduce costs associated with errors, equipment, and travel
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Enhance training and workforce retention
Conclusion
The evaluation of Vuzix smart glasses at FedEx Ground highlights the potential of AR technology to transform warehousing and distribution operations. With faster picking, fewer errors, and improved training outcomes, smart glasses provide a scalable path toward more efficient and resilient logistics environments.