Beverage machine manufacturer Krones relies on artificial intelligence for the transport of its machines to customers. By using Deutsche Telekom's digital AI-supported system "AI Vision Suite," irregular parcels are standardized and precisely measured for transport using 3D measurement. According to Telekom, this leads to lower transport costs, less effort in measuring dimensions, fewer downtime costs due to measurement errors, and a better eco-balance.
Krones produces systems and machines for the production, filling, and packaging of beverages and liquid food products. The company faces the challenge of measuring irregular packaging so that precisely fitting
special pallets can be used for transport to minimize costs. Measurement inaccuracies such as overhangs result in reorders of pallets, additional costs, and delays. The previously manual measurement of packages with dimensions over two meters proves to be difficult and time-consuming, according to a press release from Deutsche Telekom in early July.
With advanced AI and computer vision technology, often called AI Vision, the measurement of machines is standardized and carried out precisely. In the pilot setup at Krones, the packages are digitally measured with LiDAR cameras (Light detection and ranging) parallel to
weighing. These send out light pulses and measure the time it takes for the light to return. This creates synchronous, precise 3D images of the packages from different perspectives.
Evaluation via Edge Computing
For immediate evaluation, the collected data is processed directly on site in a data-sparing manner using edge computing on the AI Vision Suite platform, specially developed for AI applications. As a usable component, the 3D measurement integrates easily into Krones' processes with their service providers.
“By using AI-supported measurement technology, we have the opportunity to significantly increase the accuracy and
speed of our packaging processes in the future. This leads to optimized utilization of transport capacities and significant cost savings. The environmental impact of transport can be reduced,” explains Elisabeth Hölzl, Head of Corporate Logistics Processes at Krones.
Klaus Werner, Managing Director for Business Customers at Telekom Deutschland, adds:
“AI enables us to quickly capture data and evaluate it flexibly. With precise 3D object detection through AI Vision, we are setting new standards in production and transport for numerous industries and demonstrating the potential of AI applications for a more transparent, cost-efficient, and
