Mobile 3D LiDAR-based Object and Change Detection in Production and Operations Management

As an ongoing robot-related trend, intelligent mobile robots can create an accurate digital three-dimensional (3D) model of the environment using Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) scanners. This paper presents a new solution concept, which enables change detection and thus more efficient visual 3D data utilisation in production and operations management. As a result, use cases for mobile, real-time 3D LiDAR-based change detection are identified. In these cases, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) equipped with LiDARs detect changes automatically while moving around the factory in, e.g., internal logistics tasks. The solution studied may be useful for, e.g., detecting large items left in the wrong places, obstacles on AMRs’ routes and blocked fire doors and emergency exits. The as-is 3D model of the factory can also be used as a basis for factory renovation and modernisation and progress monitoring.