Rhenus Data Office developed the ITCPRO level sensor in conjunction with the Enterprise Lab of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) in 2019. The aim was to ensure that the disposal of files and documents takes place in line with needs. The sensor, which has been available in the marketplace since 2020, recognises the current filling level, sends a message when a defined threshold has been reached and automatically triggers the pick-up process. This ensures that the container does not overflow – and it is not picked up when only half-full either. This is an innovation, which means that the security risk posed by overfilled data containers is a thing of the past, particularly for confidential data in the light of the requirements specified in the GDPR.

Rhenus is now publishing the source code so that others can read and process the sensor information in the repository of the Open Logistics Foundation and the Fraunhofer IML is doing the same with the reference implementation information for compatible hardware. The work taking place on the Sensing Puck universal hardware platform has been performed as part of the Silicon Economy Project – and it is being supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.

“The ITCPRO sensor enables us to rule out any empty journeys, plan pick-up operations more efficiently and reduce them overall by 30 percent – which represents a valuable contribution to reducing our CO2 footprint; as an innovative developer, we want to make this resource available to other companies too,” says Dr Stephan Peters, a Member of the Rhenus Group’s Management Board. “This technology will change disposal logistics in the long term. By publishing the components as open source and open hardware, we’re increasing its potential effect and, in the end, everybody will benefit from this,” says Prof. Michael ten Hompel, the Managing Director of the Fraunhofer IML Institute, adding his voice.

This publication now enables any interested company to build on the developments that have already been achieved, use them and continue developing them in line with its own terms of reference.

LINK TO THE REPOSITORY FOR THE SOFTWARE:

https://git.openlogisticsfoundation.org/experimental/levelmetertourplanning

LINK TO THE REPOSITORY FOR THE REFERENCE HARDWARE:

https://git.openlogisticsfoundation.org/silicon-economy/devices/sensing-puck


To find out more about the Rhenus Group, visit: https://www.rhenus.group/in/en/