- Port automation
- 5G technology at ports
Increasing the efficiency of port operations
Smart and robust technologies: 5G technology at ports
ifm, known for decades for robust sensor and control technology for extreme environments, provides smart port solutions.
More and more container ports around the world are investing in automation, flexible connectivity and software solutions to stay competitive and increase container throughput, reliability and efficiency.
In the course of the modernisation and new construction of port terminals, port operators decided to use modern camera technology from ifm for monitoring instead of error-prone laser scanners. They are installed on eventually up to 1,000 autonomous container transport vehicles (AGVs) and represent, in combination with robust control technology, the cornerstone for high productivity and constant container throughput.
A smart container port depends on high-performance data and voice communication in all areas. Here, in the area of wireless transmission, there is no real alternative to the latest generation of mobile communications - the 5G technology. 5G technology service providers offer a wide range of 5G network variants tailored to different applications and scenarios. More autonomous vehicles require continuous monitoring, and service and order management in real time. Robust edge gateways from ifm "From the Sensor to the Cloud" in combination with 5G technology from 5G service providers offer a finely scalable solution as private, public or hybrid infrastructure to make the combination of big data with artificial intelligence a reality.
There are many challenges which port operators face in daily operations. Smart port technology can help to solve the following:
Source: Novis; COREALIS; EMSA McKinsey, Arthur D. Little, Ericsson
Facts
- Any crane or machine breakdown causing downtime is very costly for the port
- Increased focus on control of environment due to the recent major port accidents
- The majority of equipment monitoring today is done on-site by an operator, resulting in only limited data on condition
Issues
- 6% of accidents in ports in the last 5 years were due to poor tool maintenance
- 11% of all accidents in container terminals in the past 5 years were due to fires, most caused by equipment damage
- 25% of the cost of equipment damage is due to inadequate or incorrect maintenance
Solution
- Decrease downtime and increase safety with real-time condition monitoring!
Source: ifm; Port technology; United Nations; Journal of Marine Science and Technology; Ericsson; Arthur D. Little
Unscheduled downtime can have a major impact
Source: Bromma
Possible spreader layout with ifm technology and 5G connection
Robust control technology from ifm on the STS and yard spreaders enable continuous monitoring via the latest generation of mobile communication. The service data is stored on a server. Via an easy-to-use user interface, the spreader monitoring system clearly displays all relevant service information, which enables predictive maintenance planning.
Which information can be retrieved from spreader?
24/7 continuous spreader health check- Instant view of spreader status
- Calculation of individual KPIs
Challenges
Working with heavy cargo and hazardous equipment poses a daily risk- AGVs with insufficient collision protection are a high safety risk
- AGV collisions lead to unplanned downtimes and reduce productivity
Possible AGV layout with ifm 3D cameras to the cloud
ifm’s camera system is designed for anti-collision protection of mobile vehicles. Any collisions between AGVs or AGVs with goods hanging above, e.g. spreaders on gantry cranes, will lead to accidents and downtimes, which need to be avoided. The ifm O3M anti-collision system, which supports the daily port operation, provides the remedy.
What are the benefits of using ifm’s anti-collision system?
- ifm’s O3M is optimally suited for area surveillance of AGVs
- The 3D camera has no moving parts and is virtually wear-free
- While the risk of accidents in the port decreases, availability increases
ifm solution: O3D starter kit
Discover the new starter kits from ifm to make your Proof of Concept with cellular connectivity. With the 3D camera, you can solve a variety of applications and obtain information for your control systems while you can be online with our Vision Assistant software via the 4G network or 5G depending on the starter kit of your choice. These contain everything you need (no SIM card) to get started. The package includes everything from power supply, cables, 3D camera, software to router/gateway for LTE or 5G. We have chosen suppliers of 4G LTE and 5G routers/gateways with great care and these are tested and connected by Ericsson. Please contact us to place an order.
➔ YouTube: Unboxing Video of one of our cellular starter kits with 3D camera