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Port Automation

Port automation involves the use of technology, robotics, and AI to improve the efficiency and safety of port operations, including container handling and logistics. It can be classified into fully automated and semi-automated terminals, with tools like Automated Guided Vehicles and Smart Port Technologies enhancing operations. Major U.S. container ports have adopted varying degrees of automation, utilizing technologies such as IoT for tracking and managing cargo.

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Shreyansh Ankit
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85 views1 page

Port Automation

Port automation involves the use of technology, robotics, and AI to improve the efficiency and safety of port operations, including container handling and logistics. It can be classified into fully automated and semi-automated terminals, with tools like Automated Guided Vehicles and Smart Port Technologies enhancing operations. Major U.S. container ports have adopted varying degrees of automation, utilizing technologies such as IoT for tracking and managing cargo.

Uploaded by

Shreyansh Ankit
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Port Automation

Port automation refers to the use of technology, robotics, and AI-driven systems to enhance the
efficiency, safety, and productivity of port operations. This includes automating container
handling, cargo movement, and logistics processes within a seaport or terminal. Automation
occurs at different scales, paces, and locations, and there are various degrees of automation. In
many ways, automation is present in many terminals depending on how it is defined and
whether it focuses on infrastructure (e.g. stacking cranes) or information systems (e.g. yard
management or port community systems). The most common definition classifies terminals
as fully or semi-automated. A fully automated terminal is when the stacking yard and
horizontal transfers between the quay and the yard are automated. This implies that a cargo is
handled automatically from the dockside to the pickup area. A semi-automated terminal only
involves an automated staking yard.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are used as self-driving vehicles to transport containers
in container terminals within the port. For bulk terminals, conveyors and pipelines can be used
to improve the efficiency of the material handling process. A significant bottleneck of seaport
operations arises at the synchronization points of different equipment. AGVs, along with
Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs) and Automated Quay Cranes (AQCs), can be effectively
used to handle container stacking and retrieval by AI-controlled mechanisms. Automated Ship-
to-Shore (STS) cranes can be used to minimize human involvement in the loading-unloading
process. In the stockyard, Automated Straddle Carriers can stack the containers in their
appropriate locations without manual intervention.
The second type of automation comes in the form of Smart Port Technologies. The Internet of
Things (IoT) is widely applied to track cargo, monitor equipment, and improve decision-
making at each operational step. AI-based tools can predict the maintenance requirements
before the occurrence of a breakdown. Similarly, uncertainties in seaport operations can be
forecasted in real time.
Automation technology at ports reduces human involvement in processing and handling cargo.
All 10 largest U.S. container ports have adopted automation technologies to varying degrees.
At least one terminal at each port uses process automation technology to optimize, track, or
communicate container movements, such as automated gate systems. Additionally, four ports
utilize automated cargo handling equipment to load, unload, and move containers. The Port of
Rotterdam (Netherlands) uses IoT to collect and process data from sensors around the port.

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