More efficient, digital and safer thanks to AI monitoring – Technische Betriebe Solingen (TBS) is using an AI and 5G-supported solution from COCUS, combined with high-precision LiDAR technology from the manufacturer Blickfeld. Following the successful private 5G network set-up, smart applications for automated bulk material measurement, real-time inventory management and optimised site safety are now being implemented together.
In Solingen, digitalisation continues to progress through TBS
Technische Betriebe Solingen is driving forward the digitalisation of Smart City Solingen with innovative solutions. As the city’s largest infrastructure service provider, they are promoting the versatile use of 5G and digital technologies in Solingen. Together with COCUS, TBS is now optimising bulk material measurement and safety monitoring on its premises and reducing manual and time-consuming processes:
"The introduction of 5G-supported bulk material measurement has made our processes significantly more efficient. The automatic collection of real-time data not only saves valuable time, but also provides us with accurate data that makes planning much easier - a clear advantage for our operations."
Lars Rennert
Project Manager Smart City, TBS
Innovative technologies in use - smart AI monitoring & LiDAR technology
Based on a comprehensive private 5G network, Technische Betriebe Solingen is realising several intelligent use cases with just one solution. In a joint project, 15 outdoor storage units on the site have been equipped with high-precision LiDAR sensors and AI-supported 5G cameras:
Comprehensive, private 5G network
- Fast data transmission with minimal latency
- High bandwidth for LiDAR and video data
- Scalable infrastructure for various industrial use cases
LiDAR sensors, manufactured by Blickfeld
- Millimetre-precise 3D point cloud creation for volume measurement
- Continuous data collection for automated inventory tracking
- Independent of lighting and weather conditions
AI-supported 5G cameras, intuitive platform
- Real-time detection of people, vehicles and movements
- Data protection-compliant processing with automatic pixelation
- Intelligent video management system, intuitive dashboards
Operational use cases at Technische Betriebe Solingen
With the combination of high-performance infrastructure, detailed measurement and smart AI monitoring & analysis, Technische Betriebe Solingen is realising more efficient inventory management, optimised site security and real-time digital insights for its operations.
1. Automated bulk material measurement & real-time tracking:
By using LiDAR sensors and AI-supported cameras, the bulk material volume in the storage units is measured fully automatically and in real time. As soon as defined material quantities are reached, an automatic notification is sent for fast inventory management.
2. Intelligent security surveillance with object recognition & data protection:
The AI-supported video analysis recognises and classifies movements on the premises in order to identify security risks at an early stage. At the same time, data protection is ensured by automatically pixelating recognised persons.
3. Smart analysis & centralised control via dashboards:
All data is intelligently analysed and visualised in a central video management system for efficient control. Web-based dashboards enable intuitive use and quick access to real-time insights.
5G and AI-supported solution creates operational advantages & long-term flexibility
Maximum efficiency, highest security and full control – in the TBS use case, 5G, AI and LiDAR technology optimise existing operational processes to set new standards in digital inventory management and security monitoring.
The solution itself is both scalable and applicable to a wide range of use cases. Using 5G and AI, the solution creates digital added value, efficiency benefits and room for innovation:
- Automated & precise inventory management: Real-time measurements and insights into inventories without manual effort
- Increased security through AI surveillance: Intelligent object recognition and data protection-compliant video analysis
- Scalable & future-proof solution: Expandable for many applications, e.g. process automation and anomaly detection
"The successful implementation at TBS illustrates how versatile 5G technology can be used in industry. I am particularly proud of the fact that we have seamlessly integrated state-of-the-art technologies such as LiDAR into intuitive software. The existing 5G campus network offers enormous potential for further digital innovations and process optimisation."
Christofer Wodzikowski
COCUS
Smart technologies for efficient and safe operation
The successful collaboration between TBS, COCUS and Blickfeld shows how 5G, AI and LiDAR technology can work together seamlessly to optimise processes and increase safety. With the implementation of AI-supported bulk solids measurement and safety monitoring, Technische Betriebe Solingen is laying a scalable foundation for future projects and developments in Solingen! The completed project is now successfully contributing to improved inventory management and increased safety thanks to real-time insights.
