Case Study: Solingen's Municipal Services Automate Bulk Material Monitoring with LiDAR and 5G
Solingen, as one of the federal government-funded Smart City model cities, is pursuing a forward-looking digitalization strategy. On the site of the Technical Operations Solingen (TBS), COCUS AG implemented a 5G campus network as part of this initiative, enabling automated inventory tracking using LiDAR technology. The goal is to optimize logistics planning and inventory management for 15 outdoor storage units containing various bulk materials.
Previously, inventory was recorded manually through visual checks or tape measurements – a time-consuming and error-prone process. Drone and camera-based solutions were considered but rejected due to limitations in automation, scalability, and continuous operation.
The solution consists of five Blickfeld LiDAR sensors with weather protection roofs, integrated with 5G-enabled cameras into the existing campus network. The sensors continuously capture 3D data and convert it directly on the device into precise volume information, reducing data transmission and eliminating the need for external computing. The data is transmitted via the 5G network to a dedicated application, where volume values are overlaid on live camera images. This provides operators with real-time insights into the fill levels of each storage unit. Automated notifications support timely restocking, while historical data enables analysis of material flows and more efficient logistics planning.
Shortly after implementation, the benefits became clear: manual inspections were eliminated, processes became faster, and operators gained an intuitive, clear overview of inventory levels. The system demonstrates how digitalization can be effectively applied in municipal operations.
The solution is modular and scalable, allowing future expansion to additional sites, materials, or functionalities. It already serves as a reference for other cities and public institutions in Germany, showcasing the potential of smart, digital inventory solutions in the municipal sector.
https://www.blickfeld.com/case-studies/how-lidar-improves-bulk-material-measurement/
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