3D Interaction Concept for Intralogistics
This call for a thesis or project is open for the following modules:
If you are interested, please get in touch with the primary contact person listed below.
Motivation:
Large storage halls are highly dynamic environments. Goods are moved, sorted, stored, picked, and transported across different areas, often supported by automated systems, software components, and human operators. Keeping an overview of these processes can be challenging, especially when many activities happen in parallel and when relevant information is distributed across different systems.
In cooperation with Körber Supply Chain GmbH, this project investigates how an additional 3D layer can support the operation of such intralogistics environments. Instead of focusing on a single workstation, the project addresses the broader spatial context of a warehouse or storage hall. A 3D representation may help users better understand where processes take place, how different areas are connected, and how current system states can be interpreted and influenced.
Goal:
The central goal is to develop a prototype for a 3D interaction concept that allows users to interact with selected intralogistics scenarios in a large storage hall. Depending on the project scope, this may include the visualization of material flows, the selection and inspection of storage areas or system components, the handling of alerts or bottlenecks, or the control of selected logistics processes.
The project combines aspects of human-computer interaction, 3D visualization, software development, and applied logistics. Students will work on a realistic industry-related problem and develop a prototype that can be discussed and evaluated together with the industry partner.
Tasks:
Possible tasks in the project include:
- Understanding the application context and relevant intralogistics scenarios
- Identifying user needs and interaction requirements for a 3D operating concept
- Developing concepts for the visualization and handling of warehouse processes
- Designing interaction techniques for navigating, selecting, inspecting, and controlling elements in a 3D environment
- Implementing a functional 3D prototype
- Planning and conducting a usability-oriented evaluation
- Preparing documentation and presenting the final concept and prototype
Prerequisits:
- Experience with the User-Centered Design (UCD) process (Grundlagen der Human-Computer Interaction)
- Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine
- Interest in 3D user interfaces and digital twins
- Interest in automation and industry-related software systems
Cooperation Partners
Matthias WirthmannKörber Supply Chain GmbH
Markus Jäger
Körber Supply Chain GmbH
Contact Persons at the University Würzburg
Dr. Franziska Westermeier (Primary Contact Person)Human-Computer Interaction, Universität Würzburg
franziska-westermeier@uni-wuerzburg.de
Prof. Dr. Marc Erich Latoschik
Human-Computer Interaction, Universität Würzburg
marc.latoschik@uni-wuerzburg.de