HHLA and the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services are researching the automation of pin handling in rail processing using mobile robotics.
The Pin handling mR project - supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure within the IHATEC innovative port technologies initiative - will develop and demonstrate the handling of folding pins on container wagons by a mobile robot with a gripper arm.
Additionally, software specific to robotics connected to the port logistics system via an interface will be developed within two and a half years, allowing the control centre to monitor and manage pin handling.
Several HHLA's subsidiaries will partake in the project. Container Terminal Altenwerder and Service Center Altenwerder will support the tests with their specialists and terminal infrastructure. HHLA Sky's IoT Integrated Control Center will carry out mission planning, monitoring, and control of the mobile robot. METRANS will support the project with the wagons and operational data integration. Hamburg Port Consulting will take on administrative handling of the project, plus provide support with operational questions.
Fraunhofer CML is responsible for developing and procuring robotics hardware and software, including their integration into the overall solution and system testing.
The project's associated partners - KTL Kombi-Terminal Ludwigshafen, neska Schiffahrts-und Speditionskontor, and Braunschweig - will deliver requirements to the robotics system.
"The development of automated pin handling will help us optimise terminal processes and transport costs in seaport-hinterland traffic. Furthermore, we can use the innovative mobile robotics solution to improve the working environment and especially the occupational safety of our employees. This project is particularly exciting because it allows us to pool diverse know-how from different areas across the Group and connect several competent partners," Jens Hansen, HHLA's COO, said.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carlos Jahn, Head of the Fraunhofer CML, emphasised, "The development of the port railway in recent years illustrates the hinterland's importance for the Port of Hamburg. There are a lot of automated solutions in the port environment at present. The areas of application and opportunities to boost efficiency in this regard are very diverse. At the core of our expertise in mobile robotics is the design and development of application-oriented technologies. We really look forward to working together with HHLA on a project that will optimise rail handling processes."
Photo: Thies Rätzke/HHLA