Wearable tech in the warehouse: three innovative use cases

It seems like the world can’t stop talking about IoT and wearable devices. They’ve been present in warehouse operations for years, starting with mobile barcode scanners and moving to smartphones and apps. As smart devices and wearables fulfillment grows more complex, the latest generation of tools focuses on keeping workers’ hands free, improving accuracy, and supporting faster movement across the warehouse floor.

Here are three examples of how wearables continue to evolve. These tools aim to improve operational effectiveness while appealing to anyone who enjoys thoughtful tech. They also point to a broader shift: fulfillment teams are looking for practical, measurable gains from smart wearables rather than novelty alone.

1. Smart glasses: Second glances but not second guesses

There is a wide range of smart glasses turning augmented reality into practical support for warehouse picking and packing. And no, there’s no Pokémon hidden in any of these, just computing backends that can scan barcodes, provide directions, and keep order lists in view at all times.

How AR helps fulfillment teams

It’s a strong application for wearables because the AR displays help warehouse staff work hands-free, with automatic checks to confirm the correct item is picked. Newer systems also support real-time stock checks, exception alerts, and guided workflows that reduce decision friction during high-volume fulfillment.

Some systems, like the SAP AR Warehouse Picker (connected to EWM), provide enough data for live inventory verification. Platforms are also combining voice recording so workers can manage tasks, create notes, and send messages without stopping their progress.

For teams handling smart devices and wearables fulfillment, where SKUs can be small, fragile, or high-value, these hands-free confirmations reduce mis-picks and protect margins.

2. Wearables that deserve a hand

Devices evolve quickly, which means what your team learns today may look different tomorrow. Instead of retraining staff every time a handheld or scanner changes, modular wearables are becoming more common. These systems allow you to update hardware without reworking core processes.

One model gaining traction is the support wearable, in which a glove or band connects to different devices (via direct cord or Bluetooth) and allows workers to use consistent gestures, triggers, or actions regardless of the scanner or platform.

Real-world examples:

The ProGlove MARK series (a lightweight glove-style scanner designed for high-volume picking and smart devices and wearables fulfillment) sits on the back of the hand, and workers trigger scans with a thumb or finger tap, keeping motion natural and repeatable.

Because the ProGlove system integrates with multiple WMS and device ecosystems, teams can maintain a consistent workflow even as hardware or software changes.

Koamtac is another good example with its finger-trigger gloves that support multiple barcode scanners. Workers load a compatible scanner into the glove and use the index-finger trigger to activate it.

The future of glove-based scanners

We’re seeing early models where much of the scanning hardware is integrated into the glove itself, sending raw data to a nearby mobile computer or WMS.

This approach keeps the glove consistent even if the software ecosystem changes. It reduces training time, avoids frequent device overhauls, and makes it easier for warehouses to adopt new scanning technology when needed.

For operations shipping high volumes of smart wearables, these modular gloves reduce handling time, help prevent drops, and make it easier to process varied product dimensions.

3. Voice tech, today and tomorrow

How often do you talk to your smartphone or digital assistant to get directions or ask a question?

If you’re like most, you’ve already started using voice services, and usage continues to grow each year. Recent research shows that voice-directed systems continue to gain adoption. A 2025 overview of voice-picking solutions found the market was valued at USD 2.47 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand through 2030.

Voice usage is increasing beyond consumer devices

In a recent case study, ODW Logistics implemented Zebra’s workflow system and reported expected pick-rate improvements of roughly 42%.

Warehouse teams say they prefer voice systems because they remain hands-free, reduce stoppages, and help workers stay focused on the task in front of them.

Voice picking solutions deliver cues verbally and let workers respond by voice or minimal input—enabling smooth, continuous workflows and easing the cognitive load during smart devices and wearables fulfillment.

Broader, AI-based, voice-driven workflows

Voice tech has moved beyond basic picking. Today’s systems support multi-step warehouse tasks, equipment status reporting, and customer-specific handling requirements.

Providers such as Lucas have expanded voice-driven workflows that allow workers to ask follow-up questions, request clarifications, or log issues without pausing.

The next phase is conversational voice AI that understands warehouse terminology, responds contextually, and retrieves information from multiple data sources with improved accuracy. The challenge is not the hardware but the intelligence required to navigate warehouse data reliably