Rethinking Efficient Inventory Management: Technische Betriebe Solingen Automates with Blickfeld LiDAR Technology and COCUS 5G Network

As part of Solingen’s Smart City initiative, Technische Betriebe Solingen (TBS) is modernizing its bulk material management with LiDAR technology from Blickfeld. Together with COCUS AG, TBS has implemented an innovative system for automated, high-precision volume measurement. The solution runs on a powerful 5G campus network and leverages edge processing directly on the sensors, delivering real-time data without the need for external computing resources.

From manual checks to real-time insights

Until now, the 15 outdoor storage sites for sand, gravel, and other bulk materials were monitored manually—a time-consuming process prone to errors. With the new system, five Blickfeld LiDAR sensors, supported by 5G-enabled cameras, now track stockpiles in real time. The sensors generate accurate 3D data, which is instantly converted into volume information on the device itself. Via the 5G campus network, these data points are transferred to a COCUS software platform and paired with live camera images. The system provides up-to-the-minute inventory levels and automatically alerts staff when materials fall below defined thresholds. Privacy is fully ensured: while cameras are operated under strict data protection rules, the LiDAR sensors capture only three-dimensional information and inherently collect no personal data.

“By introducing 5G-enabled bulk material monitoring, we’ve made our processes significantly more efficient. Automatic real-time measurements not only save valuable time but also provide precise data that greatly simplify our planning—an undeniable benefit for our operations,” says Lars Rennert, Smart City Project Manager at TBS.

COCUS also views the project as a showcase for next-generation technology: “The TBS deployment highlights the versatility of 5G in industrial use cases. Our close collaboration with Blickfeld made it possible to integrate LiDAR technology into a smart real-time software solution. Together, we combined advanced sensor technology with our powerful 5G network ‘Campus2Go’—enabling flexible, scalable industrial applications with strong future potential,” explains Christofer Wodzikowski, Project Manager at COCUS.

From Blickfeld’s perspective, the project emphasizes the tangible impact of LiDAR in public services. “This deployment clearly demonstrates how our LiDAR sensors create real value in municipal operations. The combination of high-precision 3D data capture and intelligent edge processing on our sensors, linked with COCUS’ robust 5G network, not only boosts efficiency but also positions TBS as a pioneer in the digital transformation of public utilities,” adds Dirk Rathsack, VP Business Development & Sales at Blickfeld.

Scalable and future-ready

The system has a modular design, making it easy to expand to additional sites, materials, or functionalities. Already today, it serves as a blueprint for other municipalities and public organizations in Germany seeking to digitize and streamline their processes.

About COCUS
COCUS is a passionate solution provider dedicated to connecting industries and driving innovation worldwide through scalable, high-performance, and sustainable digital solutions and services. With over 20 years of cross-industry expertise, COCUS leverages cutting-edge technologies in connectivity, infrastructure, software development, data, and security to accelerate digital transformation and unlock business value. Its vision of a seamlessly connected digital future is reflected in its comprehensive portfolio of LTE/5G private network solutions, including its own core network and a wide range of Industry 4.0 applications.

About Technical Services Solingen (TBS)
TBS is an institution of the City of Solingen operating as a municipal service provider that plays a key role in ensuring quality of life. With more than 900 employees, TBS is responsible for waste management, wastewater disposal, street cleaning, winter road maintenance, and the upkeep of green spaces and cemeteries. They also run the city’s waste-to-energy plant for power and district heating, maintain the municipal transport and civil engineering infrastructure, expand fiber optic and mobile networks, and provide cleaning services for municipal buildings.

The mission “We make Solingen clean, green, and smart” reflects the ambition to act as an environmental enterprise and service-oriented partner for the citizens and visitors of Solingen. The corporate values of openness, courage, reliability, commitment, and cost awareness shape the actions of TBS.