Introduction
As intelligent manufacturing advances, the warehousing and logistics sectors are undergoing rapid transformation. Pallets play a crucial role in over 50% of logistics operations, including loading, storage, and transportation. However, traditional manual handling methods pose significant challenges—high labor costs, worker fatigue, and safety risks.
Despite the increasing adoption of automation technologies such as AGVs, AMRs, and robotic forklifts, pallet recognition remains a key challenge. Factors such as variable lighting, inconsistent placement patterns, and diverse pallet specifications often compromise the performance of traditional barcode-based systems, especially in extreme conditions like harsh glare or dark-colored pallets.
LuminWave’s innovative ToF camera solution overcomes these limitations with advanced depth-sensing technology. Unlike conventional vision systems, ToF cameras measure light travel time to generate precise 3D point clouds, ensuring millimeter-level accuracy in any environment. This technology delivers consistent pallet detection even in challenging conditions, reducing operational costs and minimizing errors.
Solution Configurations
To accommodate diverse customer needs, LuminWave offers two module configurations:
1) Industrial PC-based Solution
- Configuration: D3 Camera + LWI-Vision Deep Learning Pallet Recognition Algorithm
- Ideal for: Applications where an existing industrial PC provides strong CPU and NPU resources. A standard SDK is deployed on the industrial PC to process and output pallet pose data.
2) Embedded Solution
- Configuration: DM Camera (with built-in pallet recognition algorithm)
- Ideal for: Cost-sensitive applications or environments without an industrial PC. The DM Camera features an RK3588 core board with an 8-core CPU and 6 TOPS computing power, enabling both traditional and AI-based algorithms.
Key Advantages
✅ High Recognition Accuracy – Identifies pallets with different colors (blue, yellow, black), materials (plastic, wood, metal), and structures (grid, solid-surface, etc.) with precision.
✅ Versatile Application – Supports single-pallet transfers, multi-layer stacking, and seamless integration with high-rise rack systems, floor-stacked storage, and production line logistics.
✅ Industrial-Grade Durability – With an IP67 rating, the system is resistant to dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures, ensuring reliable operation in demanding environments.
✅ Superior Light Compensation – Equipped with intelligent ambient light filtration, ensuring stable detection under fluctuating lighting conditions.
✅ Cross-Platform Compatibility – Provides comprehensive SDK support for Windows and Linux, simplifying system integration and maintenance.
Real-World Application
At a leading AGV manufacturer, LuminWave’s pallet recognition solution has been successfully deployed for truck loading/unloading. It consistently recognizes multiple pallets in low-light truck interiors, outputting precise coordinates and orientations.
- Recognition Distance: Up to 2.5 meters
- Frame Rate: 10 FPS, supporting real-time recognition during AGV movement
- Accuracy: 99% for standard European pallets
With its cutting-edge technology and high performance, LuminWave’s solution is transforming logistics and warehousing. Its 3D industrial camera, known for millimeter-level precision, high-quality point clouds, and superior HDR performance, has also been widely adopted in container opening recognition, soft package de-palletizing, industrial safety, people counting, and cargo volume measurement—offering enterprises cost-effective, intelligent perception solutions.
