From acoustic detection and ranging to ceiling cobots

The winners of this year’s LogiMat Best Product award were selected by an independent jury of researchers and journalists who reviewed more than 116 submissions to select three groundbreaking innovations in robotics, automation and optimization. The award was presented to company representatives of the winning products in the LogiMat Arena during the trade show’s gala opening-day ceremony, moderated by Dr. Johannes Fottner, professor and chair of the Institute for Materials Handling, Material Flow, Logistics at the Technical University of Munich.

Acoustic detection and ranging (ADAR)

In the category of Identification, Cargo Securement and Packaging and Loading Technology, the award went to the innovative ADAR sensor developed by Norwegian sensor technology company Sonair.

The patented acoustic detection and ranging (ADAR) technology boosts the sensor capacities of autonomous machinery. ADAR technology uses ultra-compact 3D ultrasonic sensors to give autonomous robots full omnidirectional depth perception, enabling safe human-robot collaboration in the workplace. The innovation lies in the combination of wavelength-matched ultrasonic transducers, software-based beamforming technology and object recognition algorithms that emit and detect sound waves to easily capture 3D spatial information (Figure 1).

ADAR uses sound waves in the air to detect people and objects in three dimensions. With a full 180° × 180° 3D field of view, ADAR helps mobile robots detect obstacles and people at all heights. Extremely low power consumption and a solid-state design extend battery life.

Ceiling-mounted cobot

In the category of Order Picking, Conveying, Lifting and Storing Technology, the jury honored SkyBot, the world’s first mobile, omnidirectional ceiling-mounted cobot, developed by CeiliX Technology.

With SkyBot, the jury recognized the world’s first mobile, omnidirectional ceiling-mounted cobot. The patented technology enables the collision-free movement of robots, cobots, and cranes along ceilings, independently of room geometry, floor layout or columns. SkyBot is the first product to utilize the warehouse ceiling as a productive work area. It enables automation in confined spaces, keeps the floor clear, and offers flexibility for modern production and logistics processes. The cobot moves along the ceiling, managing assembly, handling and transport tasks. The system is based on the CeiliXElements modular ceiling rail network, which is mounted to the warehouse ceiling and allows the robot to move freely in multiple dimensions. 

AI-assisted cross-system analysis

In the category of Software, Communications, IT, the prize went to the Erhardt Partner Group (EPG) Aura Observer for AI-driven real-time analysis of video feeds, developed by the Ehrhardt Partner Group.

With the EPG Aura Observer, the EPG has created an AI-based environment for the cross-system analysis and optimization of logistics operations. The EPG Aura Observer is a specialized product within this environment pioneering AI-powered, real-time intelligent video analytics (IVA) to deliver better safety, visibility and decentralized warehouse management.