References
V&R has worked successfully with the following partners, among others (in alphabetical order):
Exemplary projects
Many projects are subject to confidentiality agreements, as the services relate to core customer technologies. Below you will find a selection of projects to give you an impression of V&R’s broad competence profile.
HILTI SLAM Challenge
Hilti, based in Schaan (Liechtenstein), has developed a benchmark for evaluating SLAM processes in cooperation with the Robotics Institute at the University of Oxford and the Robotics & Perception Group at the University of Zurich.
V&R rose to the challenge and took part in the competition. V&R achieved third place in 2021 and second place in 2022.
Laser camera calibration
3D laser scanners are often combined with panoramic cameras in order to colorize the captured data with true colors. For correct and precise overlaying of the data, it is important to know the exact position of the two sensors in relation to each other. For this purpose, V&R is developing a software component that determines this position fully automatically. It also equalizes the recorded panoramic image so that the data from the two sensors can be optimally mapped onto each other. This increases the accuracy of the measuring system.
Zoller + Fröhlich GmbH (Z+F) develops high-precision 2D and 3D laser measuring systems. These are used for three-dimensional measurement in a wide range of applications. These include, for example, recording the current state of factory buildings, surveying crime and accident scenes as well as detailed inventory and damage recording in archaeology.
In collaboration with the company Z+F, V&R is developing various software components that add a range of intelligent functions to existing software for post-processing and evaluating the raw data captured.
Reglib
As an alternative to using targets to register measurement data, V&R has developed the Reglib software component. It is capable of registering various laser scans fully automatically based solely on overlapping measurement data. Customers who use this technology can therefore measure large areas very quickly. No targets need to be laboriously placed in the environment beforehand.
Targetfinder
Registration refers to the combination of several individual 3D measurements to create an overall image. So-called targets (see adjacent figure) are used in various applications. With the Targetfinder, V&R has developed a software component that is able to recognize and localize targets in such high-resolution 3D point clouds fully automatically. Various machine learning techniques make it possible to reliably detect even heavily twisted and contaminated targets at great distances. Customers who use this technology can register their measurement data faster and more reliably than was previously the case.
BCM net
In the BCM net project, V&R is working with BOMAG to develop a system for comprehensive compaction control on asphalt construction sites, thereby contributing to quality control in road construction. Rollers measure the degree of compaction of the asphalt in real time. At the same time, they transmit the data to a central computer. This computer merges the measured values into an overview of the construction site. The processed data, together with the positions of the individual vehicles, can be called up at any time by site management and roller operators. The prompt integration of the measured values while work is still in progress enables early checks to be carried out. Any necessary corrections can be made before the work is completed.
Digitale Warehouse Map
Development of Digital Warehouse Map for Ehrhardt + Partner GmbH & Co. KG. V&R has been supporting the customer Ehrhardt + Partner since 2019.
Based on the V&R point cloud tools, a digital twin is created as a 1:1 mapping of a warehouse infrastructure. The warehouse is recorded using an innovative 3D measuring system. Based on this, a metrically correct digitized mapping is created, which is exported to an OpenStreetMap format. This format contains all the information, such as routes, storage technology and restrictions. The customer incorporates this information into the higher-level planning within the suburban environment.
This provides the basis for efficient route and transport coordination in the warehouse.
Project Tango
V&R Vision & Robotics GmbH is working on improving the calibration software for Project Tango.
The Tango device is able to capture a 3D model of the environment and track the 6D pose of the device. This allows the creation of systems for indoor navigation in museums or shopping centers, but also augmented reality applications such as the placement of virtual furniture in an empty apartment.