Delta 3D ToF Smart Camera Optimizes Warehouse Logistics Efficiency and Ensures High Throughput

Large-scale warehouses and efficient logistics serve as the foundation of e-commerce. As they vie for more storage space, warehouse service providers usually implement the Automated Storage & Retrieval System, or AS/RS, to achieve automated storage, transportation and sorting. The AS/RS comprises multiple aisles of closely installed large-scale racks with limited lighting, which makes it difficult for workers to enter and complete storage and retrieval. Hence, the AS/RS relies on automated stacker cranes to store and retrieve goods along the rails built between the rack structures.

Such a large-scale warehouse is hard to maintain and manage by using manpower only, and there are three major challenges. First, the weight of stored goods can deform the shape of the rack structure, and the warehouse floor may sink due to the loading if it was not strengthened during construction. Over time, the stacker cranes will not be able to find the correct position of the pallets. Second, the size and shape of pallets and other storage units differ. Inaccurate positioning of pallets, forklifts, and goods may cause retrieval errors, or even more serious problems such as falling goods or wrapping . When such unexpected events happen, possible losses include damaged goods, late delivery, or even staff injury. Third, the stacker cranes need to be recalibrated every year. With racks as high as 20 meters, calibration through manual labor is not only dangerous but also expensive.

To address the pain points in warehouse logistics, Delta has launched the 3D ToF Smart Camera DMV-T to enhance the AS/RS through precise machine vision. The DMV-T adopts time-of-flight (ToF) technology to calculate the distance by measuring the time taken by infrared to travel between the camera and the target, and then generates precise 3D images from depth and height data. With its compact size, the DMV-T can be installed on stacker cranes and start capturing images even before the forklift retrieves the goods. The DMV-T supports 60fps frame rate and processes 3D image data with a built-in dual-core ARM-based processor. When paired with Delta’s machine vision software DIAVision, the DMV-T can detect the presence, depth and dislocation of stored goods and adjust the stacker crane’s movement to enhance retrieval performance and reduce maintenane costs. DIAVision provides a user-friendly interface with multiple built-in vision functions for operators to edit different processes based on specific needs and to manage, record, and analyze warehouse operations remotely.

Delta’s 3D ToF Smart Camera offers the following benefits:
 

Delta’s 3D ToF Smart Camera as an integrated machine vision solution optimizes the efficiency of the AS/RS System, and achieves high-performance smart warehouse logistics.