STILL, specialist in intralogistics solutions, makes a splash again with a project that could revolutionize warehouse management : the ARIBIC project (artificial intelligence-based indoor cartography). This research project creates a digital twin of a warehouse in real time : a virtual double, exact replica of the warehouse, instantly updated and accessible in the cloud.
Imagine a warehouse where you can know in an instant where a pallet is or how many storage spaces are available. Currently, Sometimes manual actions escape the systems and make this information inaccurate. Thanks to a 3D digital twin updated in real time, these mistakes can be avoided. This system allows live visualization of objects and spaces in the warehouse, thus providing total transparency. The necessary data is automatically collected using sensors installed on the carts used in the warehouse. They capture the environment, and the information is then sent to the cloud, where they are combined and enriched. Each cart movement updates the digital map, thus creating a virtual model that faithfully and instantly reflects the real state of the warehouse.
What benefit for businesses ?
The digital twin saves considerable time by allowing warehouse managers to quickly locate items and view available areas without having to travel. It also facilitates process optimization by improving the organization of routes and storage structures, while allowing real-time inventory management. This makes operations smoother and simplifies decision-making. Finally, security is enhanced thanks to automatic detection, via 3D card, defective infrastructure and blocked emergency exits.
Towards smarter intralogistics
The ARIBIC project took place from March 2021 to the end of 2023. STILL, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the university of Toronto, the STARS laboratory and the Canadian sensor manufacturer LeddarTech were involved in this international research project.
Funding was provided jointly by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy and the Industrial Research Assistance Program of the Canadian National Research Council. STILL notably participated with its autonomous order picker OPX iGo, equipped with sensors and camera technology. The ARIBIC project lays a solid foundation for future digital applications in the field of intralogistics. These innovations will further automate processes, optimize workflows and improve warehouse management. STILL will begin integrating these new solutions into pilot sites next year.
