Logistics
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Overview
Freight volumes in the logistics industry have dramatically increased in recent years due to the worldwide spread of e-commerce. However, limited processing capacity caused by constant labor shortages has become a chronic and serious problem.
Because of this, distribution centers are rapidly moving to increase automation and reduce manual labor. Machine vision is attracting attention as a viable solution. In addition to the identification and sorting of goods using barcode readers, a wide variety of image sensors are now being used in various logistics processes, from the picking of goods using robots to the automatic conveyance of goods in warehouses and last-mile delivery. We are also witnessing the adoption of augmented-reality (AR) glasses by workers undertaking goods picking in designated locations to ensure tasks are carried out accurately, speedily, and free of human error.
Applications
Code recognition and sorting
Global shutter image sensors are widely used in processes to sort goods on conveyors moving at high speeds, due to their ability to capture distortion-free code images. Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation offers a rich lineup of products to suit various applications, including the 2.25-µm-pixel IMX900 image sensor, which has a compact optical size while offering both S-mount (M12) compatibility and high resolution. Its compact size and high speed make it optimal for the field of barcode reading. In addition, the IMX901 and IMX902, which are characterized by their lateral aspect ratio, allow for efficient imaging by increasing the number of pixels only in a specific direction. In scenarios that require sensors with high image quality, they can achieve a system structure that reduces camera and system size and cost. On the other hand, with applications that do not require high-speed scanning, rolling-shutter image sensors are also being used for their ability to capture images with low noise, even under low light intensity conditions.
Goods picking in warehouses
By using AR glasses, workers are able to immediately confirm the location and quantity of the goods they are looking for, allowing them to swiftly and reliably pick goods. AR glasses are also expected to improve productivity by allowing workers to carry out work hands free, and to reduce work errors. High-contrast, high-visibility OLED Microdisplays are used in AR glasses such as these.
Robot picking
Amid ongoing rapid growth in the robot-picking market, compact, high-resolution global shutter image sensors can capture undistorted images of rapidly moving objects, contributing to accurate picking. In addition to high speed and high resolution, the S-mount (M12) compatible 2.25-µm-pixel IMX900 image sensor also features a Quad HDR (High Dynamic Range) function, making it resilient to environmental fluctuations. This allows it to be used in a wide variety of robot-picking applications, including stereoscopic and fringe projection imaging.
Calculating three-dimensional information is important for picking parts with robot arms.
Stereo camera systems using two image sensors to obtain three-dimensional information are widely used but, by using Time of Flight (ToF) image sensors capable of obtaining three-dimensional information with a single camera, a more compact system configuration can be realized.
Event-based vision sensors that output light data in high speed, detecting changes in the luminance of each pixel and combining coordinate and time information, can be used for three-dimensional measurement and machine learning that does not require color information.
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)
In large distribution warehouses and plants, the need to replace human workers with automatic conveying equipment to transport goods has been increasing. Conveyors with guides have generally been used up to now but, in recent years, autonomous-travel AMRs that do not require guides have been gaining much attention.
ToF image sensors can be used to detect automatic transfer robot collisions by harnessing the characteristics of three-dimensional sensors. iToF image sensors are suitable for near- to mid-range applications that require high resolution. SPAD ToF depth sensors are suitable for long-range applications indoors and outdoors.
Moreover, event-based vision sensors are also capable of detecting the external features of objects from changes in luminance, allowing obstacles to be detected at high speed. They are expected to be used for automated transportation in warehouses.
Global shutter image sensors are used not only in obstacle detection and object tracking applications but also in simultaneous localization and mapping. The high-resolution compact IMX900 image sensor with Pregius S technology also has a Fast AE function that enables high-speed adjustment of the exposure time as well as a Quad HDR function that achieves a high dynamic range, so it can always perform imaging at the optimal conditions even in a changing environment.
Delivery robots
There is increasing attention on (and higher expectations for) home delivery robots to solve issues such as the cost and speed of delivery in the last mile.
Event-based vision sensors and ToF image sensors are gaining recognition as sensors useful for robot collision detection and external situation recognition.
Monitoring of truck loads
The logistics industry faces issues with the efficiency of truck transportation. There are often cases where a truck carries a full load to its destination and, on the return trip, pulls an empty container. This makes it important to track the load condition of a truck in real time. An effective solution is to use ToF image sensors, which can immediately acquire 3D distance information in high resolution to visualize truck loads and contribute to the improvement of transportation efficiency.
Case Study: innoDepX’s Real-time Monitoring of Truck Loads Utilizing a ToF Sensor
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