Innovations in AIDC

The industry for automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) cannot complain about a lack of orders at the moment. The latest trend barometer from global industry alliance AIM shows that some 80 percent of AIDC companies surveyed anticipate a relatively stable market, with business at least holding steady or even improving. The broad range of technologies and materials used in AIDC make it an enabler for the automation and digitization of production, retail, and logistics processes—and this in turn is fueling strong demand. The spectrum extends from traditional optical readable media (ORM) with barcode, QR code, 2D code, and 3D code to radio frequency identification (RFID), vision systems, sensor technology, real-time location systems (RTLS), Bluetooth, and near-field communication (NFC). Key solutions for intralogistics include systems for generating and printing labels, capturing data, and tracking and locating inventory. The focus in new product development is currently on achieving a smooth interaction of various technologies to further streamline the digital supply chain. “The issue of sustainability stands out as another clear trend,” notes Exhibition Director Ruchty from Munich-based event organizer EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH. “Sustainability, along with security, will be key driver of future development in AIDC, and this is clearly evident in the products and solutions that industry exhibitors are bringing to LogiMAT 2024.”

The AIDC industry integrates adjacent technologies such as image capture and sensor technology and offers cloud-based labeling systems, new and recycled material combinations, and reusable labels and RFID tags. Customers and anyone else at LogiMAT 2024 with an interest in AIDC technology will find a central hub in Hall 2, where specialized providers will showcase the latest identification, RFID, data capture, and sensor solutions that reflect the many facets of the industry today.

Transponders printed directly onto liner

Labeling innovations will include holographic security products and newly developed smart RFID labels with plastic-free, recyclable laser-cut antennas. New battery-free smart labels with an e-paper display offer more data volume on the label. Visitors can also learn about special materials that make labels particularly resistant or boast innovative features for optimum handling. RFID and NFC inlays are entering the label printing market, enabling innovative label composition by printing transponders directly onto the liner. Direct labeling of products and packaging also helps avoid the use of plastics and chemicals. Among the solutions for such applications on display at LogiMAT, visitors can experience a new printer with an integrated barcode reader and an e-paper solution that converts PDFs or IGP print data to standard e-paper, replacing the printing process in traditional label printing. A new RFID label solution for comprehensive bulk data capture and seamless batch tracking of containers will also be presented. Another novelty is a cloud labeling solution that makes it possible to seamlessly implement, manage, and scale customizable labeling across global networks.

After automatic identification, the second part of AIDC is about data capture, of course—a field where providers are looking to streamline and automate workflows. Examples include a new scan-free identification solution and a modular scanning gate with optional add-ons for contour and volume control, pallet identification, counting process optimization, and more. The wearables for data capture in industry, logistics, and retail will include new multi-range scanners with a flexible range of 10 to 250 centimeters.

New products and upgrades of existing products will also be presented for indoor tracking, goods tracking, and location. Visitors can watch a live demo of a real-time location system that uses Bluetooth Low Energy to track unit load devices, goods, industrial trucks, and more. A new mini-kit will also be presented, a modular all-in-one system that uses ultrasound to determine the precise indoor position of objects and people. The plug-and-play system consists of at least three tags and a base station and is designed to enable the positioning of several moving targets via ultrasonic signals with an accuracy down to 10 cm.

AIDC in the LogiMAT accompanying program

Besides the product exhibits and the Exhibitor Insights, presentations in which exhibitors introduce and explain their products and solutions, the accompanying program of LogiMAT 2024 also offers deep dives into top AIDC topics. The popular Tracking & Tracing Theatre in Hall 2 (Booth 2B07) brings together a consortium of AIM members and partners for live scenarios focusing on the digital supply chain. A pair of Expert Forums in the East Entrance Atrium, the central event space at LogiMAT, also zero in on AIDC themes. Dr. Ronald Müller, Member of the Board of Directors of EMVA (European Machine Vision Association) and CEO of Vision Markets, moderates a discussion of current trends in machine vision and AI-supported identification in “Machine vision—key to next-gen logistics” on the event’s opening day. Immediately following the forum, attendees will have the opportunity to talk with EMVA members about the solutions presented during the forum at the association’s booth in Hall 2. Then, on the final day of LogiMAT, Ident Editor-in-Chief Thorsten Aha and AIM Germany’s Director Peter Altes moderate a forum entitled “AIDC as an enabling technology for automating and optimizing materials handling, supply chain management, and logistics.”

“The diversity of new products and solutions on display at this year’s LogiMAT underscores once more the innovative power of the AIDC industry,” concludes Exhibition Director Ruchty. “The focus on cybersecurity as yet another field for new developments means that the industry can look forward to a continuation of the positive trend in business—and industry professionals can expect even more innovative solutions for efficient intralogistics."

About LogiMAT

LogiMAT, the International Trade Show for Intralogistics Solutions and Process Management, will take place at the Messe Stuttgart convention center, directly adjacent to Stuttgart International Airport, from March 19 to 21, 2024. LogiMAT, organized by EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH, ranks as the world’s largest trade show for intralogistics solutions. It offers a complete market overview of everything driving the intralogistics industry, from procurement to production to shipping. International exhibitors showcase innovative technologies, products, systems, and solutions for streamlining operations, optimizing processes, and cutting costs in a company’s internal logistics. Beyond the exhibitor booths, visitors can also experience a different program of presentations each day covering a wide range of topics.

LogiMAT also has a presence in various international markets. Upcoming events:

LogiMAT India, February 28 to March 1, 2024, IEML, Delhi NCR, India
LogiMAT China, May 8–10, 2024, SZCEC, Shenzhen, China
LogiMAT Southeast Asia, October 16–18, 2024, BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand

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