tech
Amid warehouse staffing shortages, Meta glasses help visually impaired workers get the job done
Amid e-commerce growth, Bosma hires visually impaired workers for warehouses, using AI tools like drones and Meta glasses to overcome staffing issues.
TL;DR
- Warehousing and transportation industries face a shortage of 392,000 jobs, an increase from the previous year, largely driven by e-commerce demand.
- Companies like Bosma Enterprises are addressing staffing shortages by hiring visually impaired individuals.
- AI-based assistive technologies, including Meta glasses, magnification software, drones, and screen readers, are enabling visually impaired employees to work effectively in warehouses.
- Challenges in employing visually impaired workers stem from others' perceptions of their capabilities rather than technological limitations.
- Gather AI's drone vision technology, combined with iPad screen readers, automates inventory counting, significantly reducing the time required.
- Meta glasses provide visually impaired employees with real-time environmental descriptions and the ability to audibly read barcodes and SKUs, enhancing safety and confidence.
- The assistive technologies used are transferable to any organization, promoting broader disability inclusion in the workforce.
- Bosma Enterprises actively demonstrates its assistive technologies to potential employers, leading to successful placements and a loyal workforce.