To ensure that fresh goods reach its stores every day, Kaufland’s logistics network relies on complex systems that require constant upkeep. In response to growing operational demands, the company is adopting cutting-edge technologies to support its on-site teams in carrying out inspections and maintenance more efficiently.
Remote Support via Smart Glasses
One of the most recent innovations is the deployment of smart glasses equipped with a headset and integrated display. When a technician at a distribution center needs assistance, they can connect with experts at other locations via video call. Thanks to a built-in camera, remote participants see exactly what the technician sees in real time. Instructions are delivered through the headset, and visual aids such as manuals or marked-up screenshots can be viewed directly on the glasses’ display.
This setup not only speeds up troubleshooting but also reduces the need for travel by external specialists. It’s already in use at two of Kaufland’s logistics centers and plays a key role in enhancing knowledge transfer between locations.
Drones for Aerial Inspections
Kaufland is also deploying drones to inspect rooftop systems, photovoltaic installations, and perimeter fencing, tasks that are both time-consuming and critical for safety. In locations like Osterfeld, Möckmühl, and Wola in Poland, drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can detect damage invisible to the naked eye.
Möckmühl, the largest of the three sites, has nearly 120,000 sq m of roof space. Drones there are used to spot structural damage, snow buildup, or storm-related wear and tear. Perimeter fences spanning over three kilometers are also regularly monitored by drone to identify cracks or breaches.
These aerial inspections provide new perspectives and help teams perform checks more efficiently, while also enhancing safety.
Step-by-Step Guidance with AR
In Kaufland’s meat processing facilities, teams are experimenting with an augmented reality platform developed by the start-up GiriAR. The system is designed to assist with infrequent but critical tasks such as tool changes or repairs by providing interactive step-by-step instructions on tablets or factory PCs.
These digital guides incorporate videos, images, and AR elements like directional arrows and icons. Voice instructions are intentionally left out to accommodate multilingual teams, making the platform particularly suitable for international workplaces.
After a successful pilot phase, a project team identified key use cases across multiple locations. To avoid redundancy, the creation of AR guides has been distributed among sites, ensuring that standardized instructions can be used broadly across the network.
A Strategy for the Future
“New technologies are essential for empowering our employees as job roles evolve,” said Daniela Beck, Managing Director of Supply Chain Management and Process Management at Kaufland. “We continuously assess how we can support our teams by simplifying or accelerating processes. The goal is always to assist our people, not to replace them.”
As Kaufland continues to roll out these innovations, it is clear that digital tools are becoming integral to the future of logistics maintenance – making work smarter, safer, and more collaborative.
