Synaos, software provider for AI-optimized intralogistics, has teamed up with British algorithm specialists Slamcore to launch a system that locates manually operated intralogistics vehicles cost-effectively and reliably. The Syna.OS View system uses a stereo camera, an IMU sensor and visual slam software on an embedded computer that can be retrofitted to forklift trucks and other manual transport vehicles. Syna.OS View is the first result of a strategic partnership between Synaos and Slamcore.

Synchronization of driverless and manual intralogistics vehicles

The Syna.OS Logistics intralogistics control system was previously designed exclusively for autonomous transport vehicles (Automated Guided Vehicles, AGVs). However, the integration of manually guided vehicles (MGVs) is essential in order to control intralogistics traffic holistically and thus increase capacity utilization, plannability and productivity. This is now possible with Syna.OS View at considerably lower costs than before.

Previously, the localization of MGVs required costly vehicle equipment with UltraWideBand localization or LiDAR systems, whereas the joint product from Synaos and Slamcore relies on inexpensive standard components in combination with intelligent software. Slamcore's spatial intelligence software is integrated into Synaos' onboard software via an interface. This in turn communicates the determined vehicle position to a control system such as Syna.OS Logistics via a standardized interface (VDA 5050). With this setup, vehicle localization achieves a high level of accuracy and the cost of commissioning such systems is comparatively low. The costs per vehicle are up to 90 percent lower than with UWB or LiDAR systems.

Syna.OS View will be available to the first user companies from the fourth quarter of 2021.

Optimum control means higher vehicle utilization

Upgrading the manual transport systems with the localization solution has an impact on the entire intralogistics process, including the autonomous systems: All transport orders can be controlled much more precisely. The Syna.OS LOGISTICS control system recognizes delays at an early stage and can therefore reschedule in good time. Autonomous and manual vehicles can thus be optimally coordinated in traffic management, which reduces disruptions and minimizes the risk of accidents. Above all, however, the tracking of all vehicles allows transport orders to be optimized globally. Synaos thus achieves up to 30 percent higher vehicle utilization. At the same time, delays can be reduced by up to 60 percent. This means that more orders can be transported in less time by holistically optimizing intralogistics transport from the AGV to the MGV.

"Slamcore is one of the leading providers of localization, mapping and perception software that converts sensor data into spatial understanding in real time," says Dr. Timo Bänziger, Technical Entrepreneur at Synaos. "Visual localization and mapping are technologies from the field of computer vision and have been the subject of intensive research for over ten years. So far, the algorithms have mainly been used in robotics and autonomous driving. We are now the first to use them for locating logistics vehicles and thus in a real industrial application."

Slamcore also sees the partnership as a great advantage. "The collaboration demonstrates the power and flexibility of our image-based Slam systems," explains Owen Nicholson, CEO of Slamcore. "Our software is designed to create cost-effective and powerful spatial intelligence for robots and autonomous machines. It enables accurate and robust visual slam location and mapping for an entirely new market. Synaos provides the perfect platform for this type of solution with connections to leading customers in the market."