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Sim2Log VR

Intuitive tools for human-robot interaction
in logistics

Start: 01/2019

End: 12/2021

Due to the ongoing e-commerce boom, the logistics industry is growing dynamically. That’s why logistics centers increasingly have to adopt new approaches – for example, through automation. However, the high complexity of programming, the strong interconnectedness of processes and high costs of setup represent a significant barrier to entry. One approach to solving this problem is to enable non-experts to plan, program and validate new robot applications virtually, quickly and without risk, and then transfer them directly to the real application.

In a virtual reality simulation, applications can first be planned and the general feasibility evaluated. The developed solution can be directly transferred to a real robot and can also be intuitively adapted later with augmented reality. Updates to the virtual environment make it possible to evaluate the results of these changes and the resulting cycle time even before the hardware is purchased, and to simulate entire processes from combined virtual and real systems. Adjustments to the process can be made and tested via simple interfaces.

By combining immersive simulation with digital twins, the Sim2Log VR solution for the first time enables convenient, novel operating concepts and thus significantly shorter iterations in the employee planning and programming of robot applications.

In the project, the FZI is primarily contributing its extensive ROS expertise, such as the Motion Pipeline for fast and intuitive programming, and is thus developing simulation and control interfaces to enable a smooth transition from virtual reality to practical application.

Contact

Georg Heppner

Vice Department Manager
Division: Intelligent Systems and Production Engineering

Research focus

Applied Artificial Intelligence

In this research focus, the FZI prioritizes the topics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as well as human and AI engineering. In addition, the FZI deals with questions on dedicated AI hardware and predictive AI.

To the research focus

Intelligent Transportation Systems and Logistics

Intelligent solutions for the transportation of people and goods represent a focus topic of FZI’s application research. Particular attention is paid to public transport, the application of artificial intelligence, the further development of driving functions and their safeguarding, and open source & open data.

To the research focus

Funding notice:
The Sim2Log VR project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Project partners:

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