Applications in the logistics industry
For the logistics industry, computer vision brings forth severalapplications in four main areas:
Health and Safety: Amongst others, computer vision canimprove workplace safety by identifying potential hazards inwarehouses, depots, and other logistics facilities, thus minimizingrisks, and preventing accidents. Computer vision can also improveemployee health by recognizing bad posture and movement, detectingearly signs of fatigue, and tracking whether workers are wearingthe right protective equipment to ensure compliance.
Operations: To detect bottlenecks and other inefficiencies,computer vision can create heatmaps to analyze workflow patternswithin a facility or outside in the yard, and even function as asecurity guard by promptly identifying unauthorised entry orintrusion.
Asset management: Computer vision technology can helpmonitor logistics assets consistently and alert maintenance teamsbefore any issues arise. Even if defects have already occurred,computer vision can help to automatically identify probable assetflaws, mistakes and anomalies and simplify defectdetection.
Shipment processing: Computer vision offers the advantageof automating and simplifying the dimensioning process in shipping,where precise measurements of object areas or volumes are essentialfor calculating storage capacities, load planning, transportationlogistics, and shipment billing. It also can check that shipmentsare compliant and properly classified for sorting, as well asautomate inventory counting cycles.
Challenges and concerns for the future
While computer vision holds promise as a technology, it presentsseveral challenges and concerns. These include, for example,gaining public acceptance, particularly among those who fearconstant monitoring. Cybersecurity is also crucial in this context,addressing data handling, compliance with GDPR (General DataProtection Regulation), and other data privacy and protection laws.Tackling these challenges requires thoughtful orchestration andcollaboration of all parties involved.
At the forefront of innovation
As part of its ongoing activities in the world of innovation,DHL not only produces thought leadership content like The TrendReport but also actively drives customer-centric innovationworldwide. DHL collaborates closely with customers and partners,exploring the development of both current and emerging trends forpotential implementation across logistics operations and throughoutthe supply chain. To foster even greater collaboration, DHL alsoinvites start-ups, researchers, and investors to partner with thecompany through their newly launched platform, the "DHL Warehouseof Innovation".
