KAMAG – 3D scanning as a digital twin | Fraunhofer IML

Details are crucial, especially in courtyards and outdoor areas: bottlenecks, transitions, heights, edges, radii. If the environment is only roughly described, simulation quickly becomes unreliable – or planning drags on because constant remodeling and remeasurement is required.

For KAMAG Transporttechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Fraunhofer IML captured a logistics yard using mobile 3D scanning and made it available virtually. The resulting digital twin is used to validate the use of an autonomous shunting truck in advance in the simulation and to put it into operation virtually.

Brief profile

•    Industry/environment: Yard logistics / outdoor areas

•    Service: Mobile 3D scanning and processing of scan data

Result: Digital twin as a basis for simulation and virtual commissioning

Initial situation

Outdoor areas are dynamic: markings change, temporary structures remain in place, and renovations take place alongside normal operations. At the same time, it is precisely these real-world conditions that are crucial if autonomous systems are to function safely and reliably.

Objective

• Precisely capture the real environment and make it available virtually – via 3D scanning.
• Create a reliable database for digital twins, simulation, and virtual commissioning.
• Reduce risks and better secure implementation in operation.

Approach

• Mobile 3D scanning of the logistics yard.
• Preparation of 3D scanning data for use as a digital twin
• Use of the twin for simulation, validation, and virtual commissioning of an autonomous shunting truck

Result

• Digital twin of the logistics yard as a realistic test and planning environment
• Scenarios and constraints can be simulated and evaluated in advance
• Virtual commissioning supports the transition to real operation and reduces surprises

Added value

Identify risks early on

Bottlenecks, conflict points, and critical zones can be identified in the virtual environment before investing or rebuilding on site.

Fewer loops in planning and implementation

Thanks to 3D scanning, the environment is available early on in a form that is suitable for simulation and coordination – instead of spending weeks rebuilding and correcting it.

3D scanning data as a digital asset

Beyond the specific use case, the data can be used for production planning, maintenance, etc.

Transferability

The approach is particularly relevant for complex outdoor areas such as logistics yards, production areas, and freight centers—anywhere where 3D scanning provides the basis for initially evaluating and validating automation, autonomous vehicles, or digital twin approaches in simulation.