Design of SmartGate Technologies for Enhanced Material Handling

Abstract

The use of information technologies in logistic processes leads to higher automation and efficiency. Nevertheless, information of cargo is often incomplete or incorrect. This affects the material handling processes in planning as well as in operation. This paper presents a SmartGate approach, which contains multiple technologies for identification and exploration of goods for enhanced material handling. This includes identification as well as optic and haptic exploration technologies. The idea is to have a system, which gathers all available information of a good by use of non-destructive testing methods. Besides the optic and haptic exploration technologies, a feasible material handling system and the utilization of the gained information for load planning is shown.

Keywords:

• cross-docking
• cargo identification
• cargo physical property measuring
• stowage planning

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M. Lütjen

Mr. Michael Lütjen is Department Manager at the Bremen Institute for Production and Logistics. He studied industrial engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Wilhelmshaven with focus on 'Simulation and optimization in production'. Additonally, he took course in Production Engineering with focus on industrial engineering at the University of Bremen. His research interests are model-driven engineering, simulation, planning and control, and robotics.

M. Teucke

Mr. Michael Teucke studied industrial engineering at the University of Magdeburg. He currently works as a research scientist at the Bremen Institute for Production and Logistics at the University of Bremen. His research interests are planning and control of logistics systems, use of information in logistics processes, and use of information systems to support work processes.

M. Isenberg

Mr. Marc-André Isenberg works as aresearch scientist at the BIBA – Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH at the University of Bremen, Germany. His research emphasis is placed onthe planning and control of production, transport andlogistics systems (Bin Packing, Lotsizing, Scheduling)as well as the application of innovative information andcommunication technologies (RFID technology,Internet of Things).

H. Thamer

Mr. Hendrik Thamer graduated from the University of Oldenburg in 2009 with a diploma in computer science focusing on embedded systems and micro robotics. Since 10/2009 he has been working as a research scientist at the Bremen Institute for Production and Logistics at the University of Bremen. His research interests are in the field of 3D object recognition and artificial intelligence within logistics processes.

C. Uriarte

Mr. Claudio Uriarte studied mechanical engineering at the University of Berlin and is now research scientist at the Bremen Institute for Production and Logistic at the University of Bremen. He focuses in the design and construction of mechatronic systems for industrial automation in logistics and production. He is also patent engineer. Previous employment included development of automation solutions for the photovoltaic industry.

S. Kunaschk

Mr. Stefan Kunaschk studied computer science at the University of Bremen and is now research scientist at the Bremen Institute for Production and Logistic at the University of Bremen. He focuses in the areas of motion planning and collision avoidance for industrial robots in logistics applications. Previous employment included design and development of robotic systems for logistic and production applications.