SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 6, 2025 – Beverage machine manufacturer Krones AG is accelerating its digital transformation with a cutting-edge AI-supported 3D measurement system designed to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in industrial logistics: measuring irregularly shaped packages. By integrating this advanced solution directly into its packaging workflow, the company is not only improving transport accuracy and speed but also cutting costs and reducing its environmental impact.
Solving the logistics puzzle of irregular freight
Krones, a global supplier of machinery for beverage and liquid food processing, frequently deals with large, uniquely shaped equipment. For years, packages exceeding two meters had to be measured manually—a labor-intensive process prone to error. Miscalculations often resulted in ill-fitting pallets, excess shipping material, delays, and unnecessary expense.
This challenge is particularly acute in industrial logistics, where optimizing pallet usage directly influences transport costs and carbon emissions. In response, Krones implemented an AI-powered measurement system capable of capturing exact dimensions regardless of shape irregularity.
3D AI Vision transforms package measurement
At the heart of Krones' innovation is a vision-based AI system that uses LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) cameras to scan equipment in real time. As packages move through the line, the system emits light pulses and calculates how long they take to return—generating detailed 3D models from multiple angles.
Unlike traditional setups, this new system is synchronized with the company’s weighing process and runs on an edge computing platform specifically designed for AI tasks. This enables on-site processing of data without latency, ensuring real-time insights and seamless integration into the logistics chain.
Key technical benefits include:
- Standardized, high-precision 3D scanning for irregular items
- Integration with existing packaging and shipping infrastructure
- Real-time edge computing for instant analysis and feedback
- Reduction in rework and delays due to measurement errors
Aligning with industry demands for smart, sustainable logistics
Across the industrial packaging sector, the shift toward AI and real-time data analytics is accelerating. Krones' system reflects a broader trend toward intelligent automation in supply chains—where speed, sustainability, and precision are increasingly non-negotiable.
Unlike traditional measurement solutions that require human input and delay workflows, Krones’ 3D AI Vision system exemplifies a zero-touch approach. It also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing excess packaging and transport-related emissions—factors increasingly prioritized by customers and regulators alike.
“AI enables us to quickly capture and flexibly analyze data. With precise 3D object detection through AI Vision, we are setting new standards for manufacturing and transportation for numerous industries, demonstrating the potential of AI applications for a more transparent, cost-efficient, and future-ready logistics chain.” — Klaus Werner, Director Business Customers, Telekom Deutschland
Impact for manufacturers, logistics partners, and beyond
Krones' deployment serves as a compelling case study for logistics-intensive industries, such as machinery, aerospace, and automotive, where irregular dimensions are common. The system enables:
- Improved pallet utilization and transport planning
- Minimized downtime due to measurement inaccuracies
- Enhanced collaboration between manufacturers and logistics providers
- Scalable integration for multi-site operations
According to Elisabeth Hölzl, responsible for Corporate Logistics Processes at Krones, “By utilizing AI-supported measurement technology, we have the potential to significantly enhance the accuracy and speed of our packaging processes in the future. This leads to optimize the use of transport capacity and significant cost savings. The environmental impact of transportation can be reduced.”
Krones and Deutsche Telekom: laying the foundation for AI-driven supply chains
The collaboration between Krones and Deutsche Telekom highlights the convergence of industrial machinery and digital infrastructure. Deutsche Telekom’s AI and edge computing capabilities enable scalable deployment, setting the stage for broader AI adoption across manufacturing and logistics.
As more manufacturers embrace Industry 4.0 technologies, real-time measurement and AI-based logistics management are poised to become the norm. For companies like Krones, the move not only ensures operational excellence but also signals leadership in digital sustainability.
Learn more at www.krones.com