Revolutionizing Industries With Automated Drone Charging and Bulk Silo Telematics

Client Rosenberger Embedded Development

Jun 2021,

“Thanks to the joint agile development method, Rosenberger was able to create a drone charging station for a new market in a short time.”

Folke Michelmann

Executive Vice President Medical & Industries at Rosenberger

The Goal

In order to innovate, Rosenberger wanted to quickly test how the market reacts to corresponding products. This requires strategic and rapid innovation at its best.

The Solution

We supported Rosenberger with our abilities in rapid prototyping for hard- and software products in two different areas. We developed a radar-based bulk silo fill level measurement system and a concept for an automated drone charging station.

The Impact

Within just a couple of months together with Rosenberger we went through the stages of proof of concept to MVP. In each stage, we tested the solutions with pilot users and customers. With that, we could move quickly into a new market segment and develop a user-centric product.

Cross-Industry And Interdisciplinary Challenges Are Hard to Tackle​

Rosenberger, being one of the world’s leading suppliers of interconnect solutions, is operating in an array of industries that are being revolutionized through digital transformation. Within this change, Rosenberger aims to set itself apart from its competitors through a range of products that solve customer pains and set new standards for other products in respective industries.
For instance, Rosenberger noticed that unknown fill levels of bulk material silos lead to complicated and cost-intensive processes. On a completely different note, they realized that although drones have been established in industrial settings, there are challenges for the future of drone operations that need to be addressed, including the way drones will be charged automatically. These two challenges represent the strategic innovation efforts of Rosenberger and the impact of the collaboration with Motius.

Optimizing Bulk Material Silo Fill Level Measurement Through Telematics 

Bulk material silos are a natural component of construction sites. But when the work is done and they are needed at another construction site, it is crucial to know the fill level of those silos. Not knowing them leads to complicated logistical processes and unnecessarily high costs. A widely used method is throwing stones against the silo to estimate by the sound how much material is still left in there. Obviously, that is neither accurate nor user-friendly. The main objective was to find a reliable way of measuring and monitoring the fill levels, which were unknown until then.
After evaluating different measurement solutions, Rosenberger and Motius decided for radar technology being the most suitable for reliably measuring the fill level. Based on that a housing was developed for the sensor and electronics that withstand the harsh environment of construction sites. Furthermore, an interface was established that securely transfers the measurement data including metadata like GPS positions to the backend and makes it available for UIs like web dashboards and apps. This was all done within four months and tested iteratively throughout the project with pilot users.
Today, the silo fill level measurement system is part of Rosenberger’s product portfolio.

Revolutionizing The Drone Industry With Automated Charging

Autonomous drones will be crucial in the future. But they can only be fully autonomous if the charging process is autonomous as well. Pursuing an answer to the question of how drones will be charged in five years from now, Rosenberger and Motius set out to shape the future of automated drone charging.
From an intense research phase in the beginning and based on several concepts from ideation workshops, we developed a proof of concept for an automated drone charging station. This charging station is adaptable, customizable as well as reliable, and therefore a universal solution for multiple industries and sectors. This solution has been patented during the project.

The Innovation Process

First, we go into research mode. For instance, we identify technical requirements, analyze markets, conduct interviews, or check governmental regulations.

Next, we start ideating and work on general concepts on possible solutions for the identified challenges. What kind of sensor technology could we use? How could a mechanism for automated drone charging look like?

Then, we iteratively work towards the final solution and test it along the way with pilot users and customers. Often, we use Rapid Prototyping to quickly build and test ideas that bring us further to our goal.
In the end, we hand over an innovative solution that fulfills the pre-determined requirements. Depending on the project setup these solutions can have different maturities, from Proof of Concept to Minimum Viable Product to a final scalable product.

Strategic Innovation to Revolutionize Industries 

Rosenberger and Motius went all the way from ideation to product rollout several times and developed cutting-edge technological solutions to Rosenberger’s challenges. Out of their long-term collaboration, different projects in different industries have been successfully integrated with Rosenberger’s product portfolio.
While Rosenberger stands out with deep industry-specific expertise, Motius excels through expertise with the newest technologies. Combined with their rich methodological knowledge and experience, these conditions form a recipe for strategic innovations that transform several industries.

Want to build products of the future?

The Goal

In order to innovate, Rosenberger wanted to quickly test how the market reacts to corresponding products. This requires strategic and rapid innovation at its best.

The Solution

We supported Rosenberger with our abilities in rapid prototyping for hard- and software products in two different areas. We developed a radar-based bulk silo fill level measurement system and a concept for an automated drone charging station.

The Impact

Within just a couple of months together with Rosenberger we went through the stages of proof of concept to MVP. In each stage, we tested the solutions with pilot users and customers. With that, we could move quickly into a new market segment and develop a user-centric product.

Cross-Industry And Interdisciplinary Challenges Are Hard to Tackle​

Rosenberger, being one of the world’s leading suppliers of interconnect solutions, is operating in an array of industries that are being revolutionized through digital transformation. Within this change, Rosenberger aims to set itself apart from its competitors through a range of products that solve customer pains and set new standards for other products in respective industries.
For instance, Rosenberger noticed that unknown fill levels of bulk material silos lead to complicated and cost-intensive processes. On a completely different note, they realized that although drones have been established in industrial settings, there are challenges for the future of drone operations that need to be addressed, including the way drones will be charged automatically. These two challenges represent the strategic innovation efforts of Rosenberger and the impact of the collaboration with Motius.

Optimizing Bulk Material Silo Fill Level Measurement Through Telematics 

Bulk material silos are a natural component of construction sites. But when the work is done and they are needed at another construction site, it is crucial to know the fill level of those silos. Not knowing them leads to complicated logistical processes and unnecessarily high costs. A widely used method is throwing stones against the silo to estimate by the sound how much material is still left in there. Obviously, that is neither accurate nor user-friendly. The main objective was to find a reliable way of measuring and monitoring the fill levels, which were unknown until then.
After evaluating different measurement solutions, Rosenberger and Motius decided for radar technology being the most suitable for reliably measuring the fill level. Based on that a housing was developed for the sensor and electronics that withstand the harsh environment of construction sites. Furthermore, an interface was established that securely transfers the measurement data including metadata like GPS positions to the backend and makes it available for UIs like web dashboards and apps. This was all done within four months and tested iteratively throughout the project with pilot users.
Today, the silo fill level measurement system is part of Rosenberger’s product portfolio.

Revolutionizing The Drone Industry With Automated Charging

Autonomous drones will be crucial in the future. But they can only be fully autonomous if the charging process is autonomous as well. Pursuing an answer to the question of how drones will be charged in five years from now, Rosenberger and Motius set out to shape the future of automated drone charging.
From an intense research phase in the beginning and based on several concepts from ideation workshops, we developed a proof of concept for an automated drone charging station. This charging station is adaptable, customizable as well as reliable, and therefore a universal solution for multiple industries and sectors. This solution has been patented during the project.

The Innovation Process

First, we go into research mode. For instance, we identify technical requirements, analyze markets, conduct interviews, or check governmental regulations.

Next, we start ideating and work on general concepts on possible solutions for the identified challenges. What kind of sensor technology could we use? How could a mechanism for automated drone charging look like?

Then, we iteratively work towards the final solution and test it along the way with pilot users and customers. Often, we use Rapid Prototyping to quickly build and test ideas that bring us further to our goal.
In the end, we hand over an innovative solution that fulfills the pre-determined requirements. Depending on the project setup these solutions can have different maturities, from Proof of Concept to Minimum Viable Product to a final scalable product.

Strategic Innovation to Revolutionize Industries 

Rosenberger and Motius went all the way from ideation to product rollout several times and developed cutting-edge technological solutions to Rosenberger’s challenges. Out of their long-term collaboration, different projects in different industries have been successfully integrated with Rosenberger’s product portfolio.
While Rosenberger stands out with deep industry-specific expertise, Motius excels through expertise with the newest technologies. Combined with their rich methodological knowledge and experience, these conditions form a recipe for strategic innovations that transform several industries.

Want to build products of the future?

The Goal

In order to innovate, Rosenberger wanted to quickly test how the market reacts to corresponding products. This requires strategic and rapid innovation at its best.

The Solution

We supported Rosenberger with our abilities in rapid prototyping for hard- and software products in two different areas. We developed a radar-based bulk silo fill level measurement system and a concept for an automated drone charging station.

The Impact

Within just a couple of months together with Rosenberger we went through the stages of proof of concept to MVP. In each stage, we tested the solutions with pilot users and customers. With that, we could move quickly into a new market segment and develop a user-centric product.

Cross-Industry And Interdisciplinary Challenges Are Hard to Tackle​

Rosenberger, being one of the world’s leading suppliers of interconnect solutions, is operating in an array of industries that are being revolutionized through digital transformation. Within this change, Rosenberger aims to set itself apart from its competitors through a range of products that solve customer pains and set new standards for other products in respective industries.
For instance, Rosenberger noticed that unknown fill levels of bulk material silos lead to complicated and cost-intensive processes. On a completely different note, they realized that although drones have been established in industrial settings, there are challenges for the future of drone operations that need to be addressed, including the way drones will be charged automatically. These two challenges represent the strategic innovation efforts of Rosenberger and the impact of the collaboration with Motius.

Optimizing Bulk Material Silo Fill Level Measurement Through Telematics 

Bulk material silos are a natural component of construction sites. But when the work is done and they are needed at another construction site, it is crucial to know the fill level of those silos. Not knowing them leads to complicated logistical processes and unnecessarily high costs. A widely used method is throwing stones against the silo to estimate by the sound how much material is still left in there. Obviously, that is neither accurate nor user-friendly. The main objective was to find a reliable way of measuring and monitoring the fill levels, which were unknown until then.
After evaluating different measurement solutions, Rosenberger and Motius decided for radar technology being the most suitable for reliably measuring the fill level. Based on that a housing was developed for the sensor and electronics that withstand the harsh environment of construction sites. Furthermore, an interface was established that securely transfers the measurement data including metadata like GPS positions to the backend and makes it available for UIs like web dashboards and apps. This was all done within four months and tested iteratively throughout the project with pilot users.
Today, the silo fill level measurement system is part of Rosenberger’s product portfolio.

Revolutionizing The Drone Industry With Automated Charging

Autonomous drones will be crucial in the future. But they can only be fully autonomous if the charging process is autonomous as well. Pursuing an answer to the question of how drones will be charged in five years from now, Rosenberger and Motius set out to shape the future of automated drone charging.
From an intense research phase in the beginning and based on several concepts from ideation workshops, we developed a proof of concept for an automated drone charging station. This charging station is adaptable, customizable as well as reliable, and therefore a universal solution for multiple industries and sectors. This solution has been patented during the project.

The Innovation Process

First, we go into research mode. For instance, we identify technical requirements, analyze markets, conduct interviews, or check governmental regulations.

Next, we start ideating and work on general concepts on possible solutions for the identified challenges. What kind of sensor technology could we use? How could a mechanism for automated drone charging look like?

Then, we iteratively work towards the final solution and test it along the way with pilot users and customers. Often, we use Rapid Prototyping to quickly build and test ideas that bring us further to our goal.
In the end, we hand over an innovative solution that fulfills the pre-determined requirements. Depending on the project setup these solutions can have different maturities, from Proof of Concept to Minimum Viable Product to a final scalable product.

Strategic Innovation to Revolutionize Industries 

Rosenberger and Motius went all the way from ideation to product rollout several times and developed cutting-edge technological solutions to Rosenberger’s challenges. Out of their long-term collaboration, different projects in different industries have been successfully integrated with Rosenberger’s product portfolio.
While Rosenberger stands out with deep industry-specific expertise, Motius excels through expertise with the newest technologies. Combined with their rich methodological knowledge and experience, these conditions form a recipe for strategic innovations that transform several industries.

Want to build products of the future?

The Goal

In order to innovate, Rosenberger wanted to quickly test how the market reacts to corresponding products. This requires strategic and rapid innovation at its best.

The Solution

We supported Rosenberger with our abilities in rapid prototyping for hard- and software products in two different areas. We developed a radar-based bulk silo fill level measurement system and a concept for an automated drone charging station.

The Impact

Within just a couple of months together with Rosenberger we went through the stages of proof of concept to MVP. In each stage, we tested the solutions with pilot users and customers. With that, we could move quickly into a new market segment and develop a user-centric product.

Cross-Industry And Interdisciplinary Challenges Are Hard to Tackle​

Rosenberger, being one of the world’s leading suppliers of interconnect solutions, is operating in an array of industries that are being revolutionized through digital transformation. Within this change, Rosenberger aims to set itself apart from its competitors through a range of products that solve customer pains and set new standards for other products in respective industries.
For instance, Rosenberger noticed that unknown fill levels of bulk material silos lead to complicated and cost-intensive processes. On a completely different note, they realized that although drones have been established in industrial settings, there are challenges for the future of drone operations that need to be addressed, including the way drones will be charged automatically. These two challenges represent the strategic innovation efforts of Rosenberger and the impact of the collaboration with Motius.

Optimizing Bulk Material Silo Fill Level Measurement Through Telematics 

Bulk material silos are a natural component of construction sites. But when the work is done and they are needed at another construction site, it is crucial to know the fill level of those silos. Not knowing them leads to complicated logistical processes and unnecessarily high costs. A widely used method is throwing stones against the silo to estimate by the sound how much material is still left in there. Obviously, that is neither accurate nor user-friendly. The main objective was to find a reliable way of measuring and monitoring the fill levels, which were unknown until then.
After evaluating different measurement solutions, Rosenberger and Motius decided for radar technology being the most suitable for reliably measuring the fill level. Based on that a housing was developed for the sensor and electronics that withstand the harsh environment of construction sites. Furthermore, an interface was established that securely transfers the measurement data including metadata like GPS positions to the backend and makes it available for UIs like web dashboards and apps. This was all done within four months and tested iteratively throughout the project with pilot users.
Today, the silo fill level measurement system is part of Rosenberger’s product portfolio.

Revolutionizing The Drone Industry With Automated Charging

Autonomous drones will be crucial in the future. But they can only be fully autonomous if the charging process is autonomous as well. Pursuing an answer to the question of how drones will be charged in five years from now, Rosenberger and Motius set out to shape the future of automated drone charging.
From an intense research phase in the beginning and based on several concepts from ideation workshops, we developed a proof of concept for an automated drone charging station. This charging station is adaptable, customizable as well as reliable, and therefore a universal solution for multiple industries and sectors. This solution has been patented during the project.

The Innovation Process

First, we go into research mode. For instance, we identify technical requirements, analyze markets, conduct interviews, or check governmental regulations.

Next, we start ideating and work on general concepts on possible solutions for the identified challenges. What kind of sensor technology could we use? How could a mechanism for automated drone charging look like?

Then, we iteratively work towards the final solution and test it along the way with pilot users and customers. Often, we use Rapid Prototyping to quickly build and test ideas that bring us further to our goal.
In the end, we hand over an innovative solution that fulfills the pre-determined requirements. Depending on the project setup these solutions can have different maturities, from Proof of Concept to Minimum Viable Product to a final scalable product.

Strategic Innovation to Revolutionize Industries 

Rosenberger and Motius went all the way from ideation to product rollout several times and developed cutting-edge technological solutions to Rosenberger’s challenges. Out of their long-term collaboration, different projects in different industries have been successfully integrated with Rosenberger’s product portfolio.
While Rosenberger stands out with deep industry-specific expertise, Motius excels through expertise with the newest technologies. Combined with their rich methodological knowledge and experience, these conditions form a recipe for strategic innovations that transform several industries.

Want to build products of the future?

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