Looking to the future
After extensive trialing, DHL is expanding its augmented reality program. Initial tests began in 2014 at the Netherlands site with successful results. During the trials, error rates were reduced and productivity as well as employee satisfaction increased. Over the next sixth months, the program will be piloted across many different industries, such as retail and technology, spanning various regions in the Netherlands, UK and USA.
The Vision Picking Program benefits from the use of smart glasses. They work by displaying where items on the shop floor need to be placed in order to be picked up and delivered to the correct location. It is an advancement that could have a huge impact on DHL’s logistics. The system is being described as having large untapped potential and is creating quite a buzz in the logistics world. The supply chain could be vastly improved, adding value to operations and customers. Based on the results from the aforementioned pilots, the company will decide whether to expand the program further across different countries.
Read more about the program here.
Beaten by a start-up? That’s rough
Self-driving cars are the hype of many companies such as Google, Ford and Uber. All have been developing the sufficient technology in recent years, in heated competition. However, they have all surprisingly been beaten by the U.S. and Singapore-based start-up nuTonomy, as Singapore has become the first country to permit these cars on its roads. Last Thursday, trials started with 6 cars being tested in the business district in Singapore, hoping to increase this number by the end of the year. Engineers will be sitting in the cars, in order to monitor performance and ensure safety, while passengers will be able to use an app to request the vehicle.
This advancement has once again raised questions about the future of self-driving vehicles. Investments in technology and the trust needed to be given to achieve this goal is great, with many set-backs already being faced by companies. A human presence is still expected due to existing issues, for example Google’s cars face issues with recognition of surroundings such as traffic lights and road markings. Many developments are still needed to achieve the end goal and will most likely not been seen for many years.
Check out more about the start-ups’ operations here.
Flying pizzas
Another first this week comes from the dream team of Domino’s and Flirtey, the drone delivery service, securing the first commercial pizza drone delivery system. They have demonstrated the capabilities of pizza delivery by drone in New Zealand, conducting an autonomous flight. It showed innovative delivery service; with heat-retaining packaging to ensure freshness and quality of the pizza. Domino’s has also made several other investments in new delivery technology, for example their Domino’s Robotic Unit, which is land-based.
Operations are due to be available to customers in New Zealand later this year. If it is successful, Domino’s could expand the service to the U.S. and other countries in which they operate. After the change in U.S. drone regulations on July 29, the potential expansion is subsequently now viable for the company. Flirtey helps Domino’s expand the service at a faster pace due to their advanced technology. Targeted at the new generation customer, the futuristic touch to the delivery service could attract more customers, a clever move from Domino’s due to their existing clientele.
Get the information about Domino’s drone service here.
Have a great weekend!
