Open-Source WareEye: Real-Time Pallet Tracking with Computer Vision
WareEye is an open-source project aiming to streamline warehouse operations using real-time pallet tracking. This system leverages the power of readily available RTSP security cameras and barcode scanning to monitor pallet movement throughout a warehouse. Built with Python, OpenCV, Flask, and a user-friendly dashboard UI, WareEye offers a practical solution to a common warehouse challenge.
How WareEye Works
The system captures live video feeds from security cameras strategically placed within the warehouse. It then uses computer vision techniques to identify and decode barcodes (including QR and Code128) attached to pallets. This allows for real-time tracking of pallet location and movement.
An upcoming feature integrates YOLO (You Only Look Once), a popular object detection system, to visually track pallets even without relying solely on barcodes. This adds an extra layer of redundancy and accuracy to the tracking process.
WareEye also helps ensure pallets are loaded onto the correct trucks. Dock door cameras scan barcodes as pallets are loaded, providing a clear visual confirmation (green for correct, red for incorrect) to minimize loading errors.
Built on 30 Years of Experience
WareEye isn’t just a theoretical exercise. It’s backed by three decades of practical experience in warehouse automation, ensuring it addresses real-world needs and challenges. The project aims to be more than a proof-of-concept; it has the potential to become a fully functional, deployable product.
Call for Contributors
The project is actively seeking contributors to help improve and expand its capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, there are opportunities to get involved. Specifically, the project needs help in the following areas:
- Optimizing OpenCV scan speed and camera performance, particularly for RTSP feeds
- Improving barcode detection, YOLO integration, and overall tracking accuracy
- Enhancing the Flask-based dashboard UI (built with TailwindCSS)
- Improving documentation and refining the frontend experience
The project maintainers have marked several open issues on GitHub as “good first issue” and “help wanted” to guide new contributors.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in contributing to a practical, real-world project, WareEye offers a great opportunity. Check out the project’s GitHub repository to learn more and get started:
