Hands-Free Speech System Speeds Up Picking

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 10/1/1998

The "Pick2Voice" system from SyVox provides an interactive voice-response system that enables automation of warehouse picking operations. Its main components are speech technologies, a wireless radio-frequency (RF) network, and a wearable computer. A stand-alone system that does not use RF technology also is available.

The system uses SyVox's "SpeechNet" client/server technology, which interfaces with warehouse-management system (WMS) software. The SpeechNet Server receives picking orders from the WMS, translates them into human speech, and forwards them to individual warehouse workers. Warehouse personnel receive those orders via a small "client" computer in a special harness, plus a headset and radio. Workers respond to those instructions using specified verbal commands.

The system costs between $4,500 and $6,000 per user.