Strategic partnership brings spatial intelligence to logistics

SLAMcore, a leader in spatial intelligence software for robots and other autonomous machines, has formed a strategic partnership with SYNAOS, a specialist in smart intralogistics software solutions for logistics and factories. Together the two companies are announcing SYNA.OS VIEW, a low-cost, real-time, spatial intelligence system for manually-guided intralogistics vehicles (e.g., forklifts and warehouse vehicles). SYNA.OS VIEW addresses the growing demand for real-time location and tracking in busy logistics environments.

Efficiency is key in manufacturing and logistics and understanding the real-time location and operation of all assets allows better planning and more efficient operations.  One significant challenge today is how manually-guided vehicles, such as forklifts, can be cost-effectively tracked and integrated with autonomous vehicles in logistics and manufacturing environments. Adding Visual SLAM to manually-controlled vehicles allows this to happen in dynamic real-world environments.

SYNA.OS VIEW is a single unit that can be added to existing forklifts, vehicles, and machines to provide accurate real-time locations.  The unit uses low-cost stereo cameras and an IMU sensor running on a small, embedded computer and can be simply retrofitted to most vehicles.

SLAMcore’s spatial intelligence software delivers robust and precise localisation ensuring the position of each vehicle is known at all times. Integrated via an SDK with SYNAOS’ onboard software, real-time location is constantly communicated with the SYNA.OS LOGISTICS control system through a standardised interface (VDA 5050).

Until now, the position of manually-guided vehicles like forklifts could only be determined if the vehicles were fitted with expensive UWB positioning or LiDAR systems, often costing up to €15,000. The cost of the SYNA.OS VIEW camera-based system is significantly lower, offers a wider range of potential applications, and can be easily installed on all kinds of vehicles.

“This collaboration shows the power and flexibility of our vision-based SLAM systems,” said Owen Nicholson, CEO of SLAMcore. “Developed to provide low-cost, high-performance spatial intelligence for robots and autonomous machines, our software delivers accurate, robust Visual SLAM location and mapping to entirely new markets. SYNAOS offers the perfect platform for this type of solution, with expertise in intralogistics and leading customers in manufacturing and logistics markets.”

“SLAMcore is one of the leading providers of localisation, mapping and perception software that converts sensor data into spatial intelligence in real time,” says Dr. Timo Bänziger, Technical Entrepreneur SYNAOS. “We are the first to apply this vision technology to track logistics vehicles and implement real industrial applications applying the benefits of cutting-edge computer vision to manufacturing and logistics.”