Fraunhofer sensor system to monitor warehouse shelves

Typically, to protect storage shelves from collisions from forklift trucks, their supports are fitted with an air cushion designed to absorb the impact. The Fraunhofer researchers took advantage of this fact by integrating sensors in the protective fitting that measure the pressure within the air cushion.

If an air cushion is hit, the sensor registers the change in interior pressure and transmits the data via a series of repeaters positioned at several points throughout the warehouse to a central control station located in the warehouse manager’s office.

Then, by checking the base station on a regular basis, the warehouse manager can determine when and where the last collisions took place. The system also automatically provides a report of whether the impact was harmless, of medium strength or serious. While no immediate measures are required for light collisions, in the event of a serious incident, the warehouse manager can send an employee to the shelf in question.