Mixed-Reality

Mixed Reality (XR) in logistics

Mixed Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) - these terms will become indispensable in logistics. The terms can be described as follows [1]:

VR is a virtual world that a user views and interacts with using a VR headset (glasses with built-in screens, one for each eye). The real world is completely hidden. For instance, VR is suitable for virtual trainings (see below).

AR is reality enriched with virtual information, e.g. via transparent displays in glasses, so that it appears as if the information is present in the real world (e.g. a virtual clock on the real wall). AR offers, for example, the possibility to support picking processes by displaying information on the shelf or to facilitate the maintenance of systems. In this regard, the technical assistance for real processes is particularly interesting.

XR describes the entire »reality-virtuality-continuum«, whereby complete reality and complete virtuality are excluded, as they are not a mixture of realities. AR and VR are therefore to be understood as XR technologies. AR is closer to reality, VR very close to pure virtuality (the user and his interactions are real).

Which potentials result from these technologies for your company and which challenges have to be considered?

Our experts in the field of XR will help you to take the next step towards digitalization.

Learning success through virtual training

Computer and video games enjoy great popularity and are a serious economic factor in times of the 21st century. According to a survey conducted by Bitkom e.V., the German information and telecommunicationindustry association, around 42 percent of the German population play games on their stationary or mobile devices. Among young people, 93 percent play an average of 104 minutes a day [2]. The aim of working in the focus area Serious Games as a sub-area of XR is to make the motivational properties of games usable for (initial) learning processes in companies.

However, how is Serious Gaming defined?

In contrast to »games«, which primarily serve entertainment, learning games, so-called Serious Games, serve sustainable, efficient and motivating learning. They allow to learn complex work processes easily and quickly through playful elements. The motivation of the employees is effectively increased by this kind of learning [3]. Especially by using VR, the learning effect is promoted by the particularly high immersion (the feeling of experiencing the contents personally and in real life).

AR assistance - reduce error potential, increase motivation

In addition to training in VR, we go one step further: once the employees have been sufficiently trained, they have to prove their learned skills in real operations. Especially in the initial phase and with complex work processes with many special features, the transition between training and real operation is challenging. 

In order to continue to support the employees in these difficult situations, it makes sense to use a suitable AR application. This can, for example, display information about the process at hand or visually mark a required object. This makes it much easier to get started with the work process and minimises the potential for errors. 

Another factor that cannot be supported is the motivation of the employees, as this is decisive for their performance and efficiency. An AR application enriched with game elements, i.e. gamified, increases this and thus further increases the added value of the assistance. 

Our services

• Development and implementation of XR concepts (VR and AR)
• Conceptual design and implementation of AR assistance applications
• Conceptual design and implementation of learning and training content (incl. premises and processes) for a serious game tailored to your company's needs 
• Licensing and customisation of existing VR solutions 
  • InGO VR: Training for the process of incoming goods with quality control
  • LiftNick VR: Forklift simulation for training rule awareness and process knowledge in your own warehouse 
  • PackNick VR: Learning game for general packing processes and interaction with a WMS
  • PickNick VR: Picking training with optional connection of a pick-by-voice system

More Information: 

Please also take a look at our podcast! The episode "Mixed Reality" in the podcast "On the Road - Innovations in Logistics" shows the opportunities and risks offered by XR technologies: 

 To the podcast 

Do you like reading and fancy a game? The DEKRA article provides information about InGO VR. You can find it under the following link: 

To the article 

You want to know more? Then take a look at our scientific publications! You can find them under the following link: our publications

our publications

You can also find further information on the website of our performance centre:

 Leistungszentrum

You can find a summary of our work and services on our product sheets. These are available for download below.

We look forward to working with you!