AWARD´s Port Use Case Testing
AWARD’s Port Use Case Commences with High Momentum! In September 2023, we set sail at full throttle as we launched yet another use case, featuring the testing of the Terberg vehicle EZTug—an autonomous terminal tractor—at the Port of Vlaardingen, near Rotterdam, in the Netherlands! The use case is a partnership between valued partners of the AWARD consortium DFDS, Terberg, Applied Autonomy and the invaluable project coordinator EasyMile. The use case is set to be demonstrated on a busy port terminal operated by DFDS and involves the automated movement of trailers. Remarkably, this marks the world-first deployment of an automated terminal tractor in a roll-on/roll-off terminal!
*To find out more, make sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming press release: free download will be available from here.
*Be sure to stay connected with us to keep up with the latest developments. We’re committed to bringing you the most current information as we progress through this testing phase. As the testing concludes, we’ll be updating this blog with the final results and an array of captivating photos, giving you an immersive glimpse into the journey we’ve undertaken. Your curiosity is our motivation – so watch this space for the exciting revelations that await at the culmination of our testing endeavour!
Safety validation of the Terberg vehicle was successfully conducted at the beginning of this month! Utilizing various dummies from Humanetics Group, our project consortium partner Digitrans conducted a series of tests, including rain and safety assessments, along with tests in a roundabout on the proving ground in St. Valentin.
This validation process is comprised of three phases, set to conclude by mid-October 2023, with invaluable support from AWARD project coordinator EasyMile and AWARD Consortium partner Applied Autonomy:
- Phase #1: trailer moves from point A to point B on the terminal ready to load a ship
- Phase #2: public road for last-mile delivery from the terminal to the public road including gate-in and -out process
- Phase #3: ship loading/unloading is anticipated to conclude in early October 2023
The objective of the project is to showcase the possibilities of automating routine trailer transfer on a terminal. Automation will bring a lot of value to the terminal because it enhances safety, flexibility, productivity and sustainability. In addition, it will give employees who now deal with repetitive work, the opportunity to tackle more intricate loading and unloading operations, enhancing a more efficient service for customers.
On this occasion, we will be implementing mechanical and electrical integration of the ADS (Automated Driving System) in the Terberg vehicle, the EZTug—an autonomous yard tractor engineered for rugged weather conditions and round-the-clock use. This includes extended ODD (Operational Design Domain) validation, and qualifications. The fleet management system (FMS) developed by Applied Autonomy enables the fully automated and secure movement of the vehicle within and outside the port terminal. The FMS is in constant communication with DFDS’ systems, exchanging information about the vehicle and its work orders, facilitating secure entry and exit from the terminal without the need for any action by a safety driver. This represents an important step towards fully automated process chains, which are further expected to enhance global efficiency by reducing the turnaround time for unloading containers, and a reduction in CO2 emissions through decreased fuel consumption.
The port utilization scenario is one of the meticulously planned use cases within the extensive AWARD H2020 project. These encompass Hub-to-Hub, Airport, Warehouse, and, notably, the Port use case, each strategically designed to showcase the vast potential of autonomous technology across diverse operational settings.
Stay Tuned!
Be sure to stay connected with us to keep up with the latest developments. We’re committed to bringing you the most current information as we progress through this testing phase. As the testing concludes, we’ll be updating this blog with the final results and an array of captivating photos, giving you an immersive glimpse into the journey we’ve undertaken. Your curiosity is our motivation – so watch this space for the exciting revelations that await at the culmination of our testing endeavour!
Photos from phase 3
Latest updates (January 2024)
We are excited to share a significant advancement in the AWARD project’s Port use case. The EZTug, a driverless terminal tractor co-developed by EasyMile and Terberg Special Vehicles, has recently demonstrated its capabilities in a groundbreaking application at DFDS’ terminal in Rotterdam (Vlaardingen), The Netherlands. This marks a major milestone in autonomous logistics, showcasing the EZTug’s ability to independently and efficiently maneuver trailers in the complex and dynamic environment of roll-on/roll-off port operations.
This successful deployment highlights the EZTug’s proficiency in navigating varied traffic and weather conditions, illustrating the vast potential of driverless technology to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of port logistics. The integration of these autonomous tractors into port operations not only increases capacity but also minimizes errors, significantly boosting the overall operational efficiency.