SafeInLoc – Functionally safe indoor localization for dynamic production environments

Background

Modern production environments are becoming increasingly flexible: matrix production, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), and frequent layout changes are the norm. Traditional safety devices such as fences, light curtains, or laser scanners are too inflexible for this—they result in high retrofitting costs, long downtimes, and hinder human-machine interaction.

Our solution

At Fraunhofer IOSB, we have developed SafeInLoc, a software-based system for dynamic safety zones in production. Safety zones are no longer permanently installed via hardware but are flexibly defined and adjusted via software—quickly, precisely, and independently of the manufacturer.

The solution, implemented in a demonstrator at TRL 5–6, combines:

• image-based person and object detection/localization (cameras + edge PC) and
• UWB-based real-time indoor localization (RTLS) using an infrastructure with satellites and tags.

Both data sources are consolidated in the omlox hub, an open, standardized platform for industrial location data—ensuring that the entire system can be seamlessly integrated into existing and future omlox environments. A web application enables convenient configuration and adjustment of the protection zones.

 

The value you get

SafeInLoc reduces changeover effort and increases the flexibility of your production:

• Quick reconfiguration
  Safety zones can be adapted via software to new layouts, processes, or product variants—without mechanical modifications.
• Less downtime, lower costs
  Shorter changeover times and less safety-critical onboard hardware reduce investment and operating costs.
• Better human-robotics interaction
  Flexible, transparent safety concepts increase productivity and acceptance of automated systems.

More than just safety: The established localization infrastructure opens up even more data-driven applications and potential uses:

• Route optimization 
  Dynamic route planning, ETA calculations, and heat maps reduce congestion, empty runs, and throughput times.
• Workplace optimization
  Spaghetti diagrams for walking and reaching paths enable data-driven design of efficient workplaces.
• Energy and presence management
  Presence-based control of lighting, extraction, or HVAC reduces energy consumption and CO₂ emissions while improving user comfort.