Global logistics relies heavily on the efficient movement of goods through large industrial facilities like ports, vehicle yards, and distribution centres. A significant problem in this sector is tracking 'untagged' assets—items that do not have active GPS trackers or RFID tags. For example, in a yard containing 2,000 identical vehicles, locating a specific car often requires a worker to physically walk or drive through the facility to check Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) manually. This process is described as finding a 'needle in a haystack.' It is time-consuming, prone to human error, and costs the industry millions in lost productivity and delayed processing times.
Explore reports and strategies from Australian government bodies and industry councils regarding freight efficiency and supply chain optimization.
To solve the tracking problem, students from Curtin University developed a software solution called 'Indra'. Instead of installing expensive sensors on every single cargo item, Indra utilizes existing infrastructure: standard security cameras (CCTV). The software uses advanced computer vision algorithms to map every pixel in a video feed to exact GPS coordinates on the ground. As an asset moves through the camera's field of view, the system assigns it a unique digital ID. When the asset moves out of one camera's view and into another, the system seamlessly continues tracking it. This turns passive surveillance footage into active, actionable location data.
Investigate how Australian scientific research organizations are applying computer vision and data mapping to industrial problems.
The ultimate output of the Indra system is a 'Digital Twin' of the facility. A Digital Twin is a virtual replica of a physical system, process, or place that updates in real-time. By aggregating data from all security cameras, the software produces a live, interactive map of the entire port or yard. This gives operators complete visibility without leaving their control room. They can instantly locate any specific asset, plan movements more effectively, and eliminate the need for manual foot patrols. This technology validates the 'Minimum Viable Product' (MVP) approach, where the core features are tested in commercial pilots—currently underway in a US facility—to prove value before full-scale expansion.
Research the definition and application of Digital Twin technology within Australian infrastructure and spatial industries.