Smart Vision

Portable mini-computers with built-in cameras, such as tablets, smartphones, and smart glasses, are becoming integral tools for logistics tasks. While the use of smart glasses in logistics is currently limited, the new generation offers opportunities to perform tasks more efficiently and user-friendly. They are more efficient, robust, and cost-effective, offering simple web applications for quick configurations or APIs for integration with existing systems.

Additionally, smart fixed cameras can be utilized for various logistical tasks like quality control, counting, and identification. Other potential applications include remote support for technicians, inspections, equipment maintenance, employee training, and remote interventions by managers.

Goal

Accelerating the introduction of the latest Smart Vision technology into the logistics ecosystem. This will allow companies to increase the productivity and quality of their logistics operations, thereby reducing their costs and arming themselves in an increasingly tight labour market.

Results

• Within this project, VIL conducted a market study on state-of-the-art smart vision (fixed and mobile cameras) technologies to support manual logistics processes, aiming to increase efficiency and avoid errors.
• The technology solutions were divided into six different use cases: digital workflow guidance, packing and sorting guidance, scan-free warehouse (pallet tracking), scan-free loading and unloading (counting and identification), vision picking and vision inventory (drone, AMR).
• All solutions were collected in the Smart Vision app. This online toolkit gives companies a clear and up-to-date insight into all these solutions. The toolkit can be found in the VIL Logibox.
• VIL conducted field tests at Pit & Pit, Atlas Copco and Greenyard for the following use cases: order picking support (pick by smart glasses), inventory with drones and avoiding (manual) barcode scans (scan-free pallet tracking). These field tests showed that it is possible to achieve clear efficiency gains.
• Today, setting up smart vision solutions is not yet plug-and-play because of the many variants in terms of solutions, operational concerns and specific adaptations per business case.
• The business case, calculated through field tests, showed that a positive ROI within 1-2 years is realistic.