Technologies that next-generation supply chains utilize include robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, RFID, wearables and more, resulting in improved worker productivity and overall efficiency. The wearable technology category, which enables hands-free, multi-modal workflows, is expected to skyrocket with projected growth of 75 percent by 2021. One survey predicts 90 percent adoption of wearable technology for supply chain operations in the next decade.

Wearable technologies are often first adopted in the consumer space. But new innovations are being seen in wearables used for supply chain operations, such as glasses with drop-down mini display panels, barcode scanners on wrists and fingers, devices that work on the sleeve and hardhats equipped with screens. By providing easier access to information, these technologies make workers’ jobs easier and safer.

Head-mounted displays, which includes augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is arguably making a bigger splash in the supply chain industry than the consumer space, according to a forecast by Gartner. Gartner expects head-mounted display technology like AR and VR to grow by more than 45 million shipments between 2019 and 2022.

In warehouse setting, such displays already are proving useful. AR hardware can allow a user to see documents or instructions in their field of view that tell the user what item to pick and its location. VR technology can provide an immersive training experience for new hires or workforce development.

Read more at Supply Chain Dive.