Transforming logistic operations with PoE innovation

Power over Ethernet (PoE) simplifies deployment by removing the need for separate powerlines — cutting costs and speeding up installation. It also boosts energy efficiency, improves safety with low-voltage operation and reduces compliance costs. The PoE market is projected to grow at a 10.3% CAGR, with strong demand from power sourcing equipment (PSE) devices.

Fuelled by the rise of IoT and AI, PoE is being widely adopted in smart buildings, IoT gateways and power-over-data line (PoDL) applications for automation and in-vehicle systems. PSE technology, in particular, is increasingly used in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and humanoid robots — simplifying sensor deployment to accelerate rollout across retail, factory automation, logistics and agriculture.

Challenges

As AMRs advance with diverse cameras and sensors to navigate dynamic environments involving moving workers, goods and other robots, PoE/PSE functionality becomes beneficial for streamlining device assembly and accelerating integration. However, developers often rely on off-the-shelf PoE injectors or ethernet modules with PSE capabilities. These solutions typically have a large footprint and require additional LAN ports — complicating implementation and disrupting design consistency in space-constrained AMR systems. Space limitations are only part of the challenge. Powered devices (PDs) in the environment — such as AI-enabled cameras and sensor gateways — also require simplified and rapid infrastructure integration through PoE technology. These devices are essential for collecting and relaying real-time data, enabling AMRs and other equipment to respond promptly and maintain smooth operations.

Solution

To improve operational efficiency without compromising safety, an AMR solution provider partnered with Advantech to develop a distributed computing system that offers full-field visibility — delivering an ‘eagle-eye’ view of the warehouse through a grid-like monitoring approach.

Simplified design and deployment of AMRs

Each AMR is equipped with 2D/3D cameras for SLAM, path planning and obstacle detection. These sensors primarily use ethernet for its flexibility, software control and precise time synchronisation via IEEE 1588. By integrating the MIOe-M2LAN and MIOe-PSE extension modules with the AFE-R360 single board computer — powered by the Intel Core Ultra platform — the AMR system provides two additional PoE/PSE LAN outputs, streamlining the integration of PoE/PD devices such as LiDARs and 3D stereo cameras, and accelerating AMR deployment without increasing system size.

Enable safe operation with optimised efficiency

To enable seamless collaboration with AMRs, the client deployed a ceiling-mounted smart camera system based on Advantech’s MIO-2364 Pico-ITX board, featuring an Intel processor and a customised PoE/PD module. With a compact footprint and PoE transmission, the system supports flexible, large-scale ceiling deployments and serves as an ‘eagle eye’ in the environment. It continuously monitors surroundings, processes data from AMRs and plans optimal routes. Its low-voltage operation minimises electrical risks and reduces compliance costs related to safety standards.

This ceiling-to-ground collaboration also minimises AMR slowdowns, improves safety and reduces the need for redundant onboard camera and AI hardware.

Results:

Adopting this new system substantially reduces instances where AMRs need to avoid collisions, stop or slow down, ultimately boosting operational efficiency in the facility by up to 30%.

Image credit: iStock.com/Oselote