As part of the IHATEC “Pin handling mR” project, the German port and terminal operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) and the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services CML are researching the automation of pin handling in rail processing by means of mobile robotics in a project supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMDV) as part of the initiative for innovative port technologies (IHATEC).
The objective of the “Pin handling mR” research project is to develop and demonstrate the handling of folding pins on container wagons using an autonomous mobile robotics system, according to a statement.
Currently, these pins must still be manually fastened before trains are loaded. They are installed at various positions on the container wagons and are raised or moved according to the size of the container. This time-consuming procedure will in the future be taken over by a mobile robot that will operate the pins using a gripper arm, according to HHLA.
Alongside the Fraunhofer CML and in close collaboration with its subsidiaries, HHLA is pursuing the project goal of developing an autonomous prototype of the mobile robot and testing it under real conditions.
In addition, software specific to robotics connected to the port logistics system via an interface will be developed within two and a half years and this will allow the control centre to monitor and manage pin handling.
HHLA will act as coordinator for the project and will support it with its subsidiaries Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA), HHLA Sky, Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), Metrans and Service Center Altenwerder (SCA), while the Fraunhofer CML is responsible for the development and procurement of robotics hardware and software.
Additional associated partners will also support the project, such as KTL Kombi-Terminal Ludwigshafen, neska Schifffahrts- und Speditionskontor and Braunschweig’s port operating company.
