SYNAOS presents cost-effective localisation solution for AI-optimized intralogistics

Note: An earlier version of this press release referred to “SYNA.OS VIEW” or “SYNA.OS Vehicle Localization” as well as “SYNA.OS LOGISTICS.” The terms have changed since then. Our product is now called “SYNAOS Intralogistics Management Platform (IMP)”, and the solution is called “Real-time Localization.” The press release has been amended.

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SYNAOS Real-time Localization combines inexpensive standard components and intelligent software to locate manually controlled intralogistics vehicles in real time.

‍Hanover & London, September 29, 2021 — SYNAOS, software provider for AI-optimized intralogistics, is partnering with British algorithm specialists from SlamCore to bring a system to market that localizes manually controlled intralogistics vehicles cost-effectively and reliably. SYNAOS Real-time Localization uses a stereo camera, an IMU sensor and visual SLAM software on an embedded computer that can be retrofitted to forklifts and other manual transport vehicles. SYNAOS Real-time Localization is the first result of a strategic partnership between SYNAOS and SLAMcore.

Synchronization of driverless and manual intralogistics vehicles

that SYNAOS Intralogistics Management Platform was previously designed exclusively for autonomous transport vehicles (Automated Guided Vehicles, AGVs). However, in order to holistically manage intralogistics traffic and thus increase capacity utilization, predictability and productivity, the integration of manually controlled vehicles is essential. This is with the SYNAOS Real-Time Localization now at significantly lower costs than previously possible.

Until now, locating MGV required expensive equipment for vehicles with UltraWideBand Localization or LiDAR systems, the SYNAOS product uses inexpensive standard components combined with intelligent software. The spatial intelligence software that SLAMcore contributes is integrated into the SYNAOS onboard software via an interface. This in turn communicates the determined vehicle position via a standardized interface (VDA 5050) to a control system such as the SYNAOS Intralogistics Management Platform. With this setup, vehicle localization achieves a high level of accuracy and the effort required to commission such systems is comparatively low. The costs per vehicle are up to 90 percent lower than with UWB or LiDAR systems.

SYNAOS Real-time Localization will be available to first user companies from the fourth quarter of 2021.

Optimum control means higher vehicle utilization

Upgrading manual transport systems with the localization solution has an effect on the entire intralogistics traffic, including autonomous systems: All transport orders can be controlled much more precisely. The SYNAOS Intralogistics Management Platform detects delays early on 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, transport orders can be globally optimized by tracking all vehicles. As a result, SYNAOS achieves an increase in vehicle utilization of up to 30 percent. At the same time, delays can be reduced by up to 60 percent. This means that by holistically optimising intralogistics traffic, more orders can be transported in a shorter period of time.

“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 in the field of computer vision and have been intensively researched for over ten years. To date, the algorithms have primarily been used in robotics and autonomous driving. We are now the first to use them to locate logistics vehicles and thus use them in a real industrial application. ”

SlamCore also sees the partnership as a major advantage. “The collaboration shows the power and flexibility of our image-based SLAM systems,” explains Owen Nicholson, CEO of SLAMcore. “Our software was developed to create cost-effective and powerful spatial intelligence for robots and autonomous machines. It enables accurate and robust visual SLAM location and mapping for a completely new market. SYNAOS provides the perfect platform for this type of solution with connections to leading customers in the market.”