Human-robot collaboration in goods logistics

Intelligent robotic systems are part of modern retail strategies. In goods logistics, they perform tasks such as scanning goods, conducting inventory, and restocking shelves. This increases productivity while maintaining the same level of service quality and relieves employees of repetitive, physically demanding tasks.  

Human-robot collaboration in natural environments places high demands on dynamic risk detection: people and objects are constantly moving. Robots must reliably detect when a person is approaching – even in poor visibility, with multiple people, or during unexpected movements. Safety systems must react in real time to avoid collisions. Technically, this requires precise sensor technology, fast controls, and reliable, trustworthy, and secure AI processes. 

In the C4Retail project, DFKI has developed a system in which a mobile robotic manipulator autonomously scans the shelves in the sales area and transfers the data obtained to a digital twin of the store. This virtual image organizes the sales area, initiates replenishment processes, and instructs the robot to correctly sort misplaced goods. If the robotic system reaches its limits, a human operator is called in to remotely control the robot via an AR/VR interface for specific work steps, such as precise object gripping.