Xpert.Digital brought virtual reality to FachPack

Published on: October 31, 2016 / Update from: October 27, 2021 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Welcome to the virtual world!

Kardex Remstar also presented its wide range of automated storage and retrieval solutions for companies at this year's FachPack. For the first time, virtual presentation techniques were used, which offered visitors completely new insights into intralogistics. In addition to the traditional trade fair appearance, three additional virtual reality data glasses and augmented reality techniques were used, which allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the company's virtual reality.

With the help of VR data glasses, interested parties went on an animated 360° flight through the Kardex Remstar product world. By moving the head or navigating with the finger, the direction could be controlled and individual features of the storage and retrieval systems could be accessed in detail.

The image displayed through the glasses was simultaneously transmitted to a large screen so that bystanders could also take part in the experience. In addition to the presentation of the storage equipment, visitors were also able to learn more about sort2ship, an innovative order picking solution from Kardex Remstar for AHP Merkle GmbH, . As a result, a simulation was created at the trade fair stand using quasi-realistic recordings, which gave the viewer the feeling of being right in the middle of the event. Alexandra Jung, Manager Media & Content at Kardex Remstar, was satisfied with the results of the new form of presentation: “With the glasses, we are giving stand visitors the opportunity to experience our systems in a completely new way.”

In addition to the VR glasses, augmented reality played an important role at the stand. The focus of the AR presentation was on the Vertical Buffer Module LR35. This new development from Kardex Remstar helps to accelerate small parts picking in high-throughput warehouses. With the help of an app, interested parties were able to scan an image of the LR 35 using one of eight iPad Air or three iPad Pro tablets provided and thereby create a three-dimensional view on their display.

With a tap of their finger, they could rotate the view of the device as desired and zoom in on details. With another tip, the system's casing disappeared, giving the viewer a detailed insight into the storage processes inside the device. This clear form of virtual representation allows the manufacturer to use completely new ways of presenting. “Space at trade fairs is limited, plus the complex structure of our large-format systems. With the help of augmented reality, we can present the advantages of our systems variably and in the smallest of spaces,” says Alexandra Jung.

A special feature of the app (available for iOS and Android): The user can access the augmented reality display of the vertical buffer module regardless of location. All he needs is a printout of the scan template. All he has to do is point the camera on his smartphone or tablet at it and the three-dimensional model of the machine is created. It is planned to present further systems from the manufacturer in this way in the future.

The advantages of presenting Kardex Remstar's storage and retrieval systems using VR glasses and AR technology are obvious: the large storage devices can be clearly presented in the smallest of spaces. Features such as 360-degree views or virtual operation of the systems can be integrated into the presentation, giving the user a detailed insight into the system's work processes. In a later step, it would still be possible to incorporate individual adjustments into the model according to customer specifications. This makes it much easier to describe and explain how it works and understand it, which makes visualization using AR and VR techniques an experience on a whole new level for both customers and providers.

The integration of VR and AR at FachPack was just a beginning for Kardex Remstar. It will be interesting to see what the intralogistics provider comes up with for future trade fairs.