The Internet of Things (IoT) and Intralogistics
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the networking of physical objects (fitness wristbands, smart home, connected cars, industry 4.0) and the pure virtual world (software/internet). In particular, the physical objects are equipped with appropriate technologies to enable data transfer and interaction, both between machines and machines and between humans and machines (see also the sections highlighted in the article, Human-Machine System (HMS) and Human-Computer Interactions (HCI)).
The basic technologies of the IoT include, in particular, sensors that, in combination with fast processors and large storage capacities, enable a transmission speed of information in real time. The Internet of Things aims to automatically capture relevant information from the real (physical) world, link it, and make it available to all participants via a digital network. Machines connected in this way form independent systems that interact with each other, or with people if required.
According to the definition of the “Münchner Kreis” (engl. Munich Circle), almost any analog object can undergo a digital transformation by being equipped with sensors, microprocessors or other technological components.
Michaela Tiedemann /alexanderthamm.com
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a novel paradigm that is rapidly gaining ground in the scenario of modern wireless telecommunications. The basic idea of this concept is the pervasive presence around us of a variety of things or objects – such as Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags, sensors, actuators, mobile phones, etc. – which, through unique addressing schemes, are able to interact with each other and cooperate with their neighbors to reach common goals.
D. Giusto, A. Iera, G. Morabito, L. Atzori (Eds.), The Internet of Things
Within an IoT infrastructure, uniquely identifiable physical objects are given a virtual presence in a networked structure. To do this, they are first localized by means of an IP address; and via codes (RFID, two-dimensional codes) they become automatically identifiable and can be actively ‘encouraged’ by other machines to interact. For example, if an object on a conveyor belt passes a light barrier and the current object location is communicated to the subsequent processing station, the corresponding sensors and actuators can also be used to automatically record conditions and prepare and initiate the necessary processing steps in advance. A barcode scan can be used to retrieve information about the product and to communicate any restrictions to the facility or employee. Meantime standard: In production or in the industrial sector in general, so-called machine status information is very useful because, on the one hand, the effectiveness of the device/facility can be continuously improved and, on the other hand, the employee responsible for an industrial facility is able to decide in good time on the necessary maintenance or replacement of a component. Some facilities are now able to trigger these processes themselves. Through a connection to the Internet, it is even possible for the machine to order its own replacement parts.
Internet of Things – another example
- The weighing station on a conveyor line identifies the package of screws (automatic, unambiguous identification).
- It recognizes from the reduced weight that there are not enough screws in the package (status detection).
- After the weigh station, the package of screws is diverted for refilling (action execution).
When humans interact with machines, two perspectives distinguish the actual technical segment. On the one hand, there is the human-machine system (HMS), and on the other hand, there are human-computer interactions (HCI).
Human-machine system
The human-machine system is based on interactions between humans and machines; in most cases, the humans are the so-called operators, the executing or controlling force. The machine itself is generally needed as a tool, and today’s machines are equipped with sensors, storage and processing technology, mechanical systems and display devices. Well-known machines include cars, ships, bicycles and airplanes. In addition, robots are increasingly being used in research and in operating rooms. For example, a biopsy must be performed when cancer is suspected. Such a tissue removal requires such a high degree of precision that humans are unable to meet the challenge of the time accuracy game – “the robot maneuvers the needle quickly and precisely to the optimal position, an otherwise difficult, time-consuming task for the doctor,” reported Spiegel Online as early as 2011. The only requirement for human-machine communication: a human-machine relationship generally involves a detailed description, for example through detailed task descriptions, objectives and sub-steps.
Human-computer interactions
There is an invisible interface between humans and machines that links the two worlds through design and corresponding computer technologies. As a result of the increasing digitalization of information processing, traditional media (image, text, video) are converging with the technical working environments of computer science and digital communication technology. The difference between MMS and MCI is that with MCI, humans can communicate directly with machines or computers via tools. In other words, keyboard, mouse and data glasses support so-called personal machine communication. In particular, data glasses show how human-computer interaction should be understood. These technologies expand the senses (augmented reality, virtual reality) and at the same time enrich existing information with new data sets – automatically giving the user much more room for action. Examples such as the use of data glasses to support assembly work and operations point to the existing potential. The conceptual location of human-machine interactions shows how diverse this segment is in terms of application: autonomous systems, sensors and actuators, semantic technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, usability, immersion, augmented reality, technical control, liability issues, data protection, data security and embedded systems (*Competence Center for Public IT).
The purpose of the IoT
Dedicated networks, i.e. systems, programs and components that perform dedicated tasks, may have a similar triad of these functions, but the demarcation to the IoT is that the IoT aims for the widest possible availability; the use of the resulting, shared and exchanged information should be possible over the widest possible range, for example across an entire supply chain and not just within the real and virtual boundaries of a company. For example, parcel tracking is not only important for internal company processes and therefore available, but also for the person who ordered the goods, who wants to find out the status of their shipment. The IoT is also playing an increasingly important role in environmental monitoring (temperature-controlled logistics); likewise, production processes are among the growing fields of application for the IoT, both in the form of autonomous manufacturing and in the sense of a wider, deeper and faster, i.e. comprehensively optimized, use of data. The requirement for this boundless activity: all components involved are connected to each other and to the internet.
In the production process, data on capacity utilization, the quality produced and the maintenance status are essential for manufacturing companies. Accordingly, they see the greatest potential in monitoring machine status and planning maintenance cycles using networked sensor technology.
Chair of Business Informatics / Competition factor analytics in the Internet of Things
IoT and industry combined
The Internet of Things automates parts of industrial processes or autonomously controls entire process units, for example in a production facility – all the way to an automated value chain that enables a fluid and transparent exchange of information between machines, facilities, inventories and people.
IoT and the end user combined
End users generally only reduce the individual IoT technologies to the networking of their household devices (smart home), such as the refrigerator, blinds, door, lighting, heating (energy management) and home entertainment devices – usually controlled via individual apps, a smartphone or a smartwatch. Users now also receive support from language assistants such as Alexa (Amazon), Siri (Apple) and Google Assistant.
Internet of Things in intralogistics
The networking of software systems (ERP, warehouse management system, material flow controller, databases) and facilities (materials handling technology such as high-bay warehouses, pocket sorters, automatic small parts warehouses) makes it possible to significantly increase the efficiency of intralogistics processes. Intralogistics processes continuously generate large amounts of data, for example in the areas of goods receipt, storage and retrieval, order picking, goods issue or returns processing. In the course of digitalization, the optimization of the material flow in particular has gained in importance. With the right technologies and software programs, the Internet of Things is not only able to manage the aforementioned data and goods flows, but also makes them visible, more understandable and faster – either in process execution or in process understanding. The latter is of enormous importance for process and machine optimization. Furthermore, the boundary between production and intralogistics is increasingly being eliminated by production systems communicating with the networked warehouse in order to order supplies in good time, for example. The latter can also be triggered directly by the picker during the picking process – usually a scan of the compartment to be refilled and a keystroke on a smartphone, handheld or MDE is sufficient.
This means that self-organising logistics systems, i.e. without human intervention, have long been a reality. Efficient and, above all, trouble-free processes are created in intralogistics by networking products, components, machines, human users and means of transport. The resulting digital unit is also referred to as a digital factory (smart factory). In this scenario, humans merely observe the process and only intervene in an emergency. However, there are still countless processes within a warehouse today where humans cannot be completely replaced by sensors, let alone machine power. For example, an order picker is an important part of the actual picking process. Even today, picking robots still have problems, especially when it comes to gripping and guiding inventory, with different packaging sizes, packaging properties, and the wide variety of packaging materials.
Examples of IoT applications in intralogistics
Augmented reality in picking and warehouse operations
The user not only receives the optimal directions on the display of the data glasses; rather, additional information is displayed in the user’s field of vision/display as needed. This can be images to support identification, but also general information – quantity, size or next pick. Voice input or a smartphone/MDE/handheld can be used to confirm the removal of inventory to the higher-level system (WMS/ERP), for example. The actual scanning of the inventory or the compartment is done either via the scanner embedded in the data glasses or via an external scanner (ring scanner, scanner in a smart device). See also the picking type Pick by Vision.
Driverless transport control systems (DTS) and transport robots
Driverless transport systems on the one hand reduce transport damage and on the other hand save personnel costs. The continuous exchange of data and route-optimized control using a transport control system (see also material flow controller) shorten driving and waiting times; this ensures smooth production, in particular the fastest possible and permanently constant material flow – around the clock. Such transport robots are now available for every intralogistics task: moving small boxes and containers, transporting pallets (see also conveyor aids in intralogistics) or goods weighing several tons.
Summary Internet of Things
The Internet of Things allows machines to interact and cooperate with each other, usually in an automated way. Individual objects or entire production plants are equipped with sensors and actuators that automatically make an object clearly identifiable, record its respective state and can subsequently execute appropriate actions. In addition, each IoT object has a unique IP address to be accessible on the network/internet. Using IoT applications, the linked machines form independent systems which, for example, ensure efficient and smooth workflows in intralogistics by processing large amounts of data and making optimal decisions in milliseconds; these are either implemented automatically or presented to the appropriate human employees as a recommendation for action at the control center.
If you are interested in the Internet of Things, then read the articles on human-machine interfaces in industry and cyber-physical systems and logistics.