Ports have adopted automation at a relatively slow rate compared with other industries. Sectors such as mining and warehousing have been faster to recognize the benefits of automation and implement the technology into their processes. Automation allows ports to operate more safely, minimize human-caused disruption, and enhance performance.
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The up-front cost of setting up fully automated shipping solutions has previously acted as a barrier to automating the shipping industry on a global scale. Global mechatronics solution providerStäubli现在已经启动了将其集成到新加坡PSA的集装箱转运中心中的快速充电连接解决方案。该技术将使港口变得完全自动化。这也可能是更广泛行业的一个例子，说明如何采用自动化技术来利用众多好处。
The Fully Automated Port
While the world’s first automated container port was created back in the 1990s in Europe, automation has not fully taken off in the industry. To date, roughly 40 more ports have become fully or partially automated, with around half of these being established in the last few years.
数据估计，总计约100亿美元已投资于港口自动化项目，未来五年预计会增加150亿美元。航运行业对自动化技术产生了浓厚的兴趣。但是，无缝，全自动操作的例子有限，可以为港口提供案例研究以在其位置开发自动化。
快速充电AGV自动化端口操作
世界上最大的集装箱转运枢纽新加坡PSA将很快完全自动化。该端口将运输线连接到600多个全球端口。每年，它处理超过8500万个二十英尺的等效设备（TEU）。为了为未来的未来增长做准备，PSA正在采用Stäubli技术将完全自动化的运输解决方案集成到其枢纽中。
自动化车辆（AGV）是全自动端口的关键。它们是可以移动运输集装箱的车辆，而无需手动（人工）。为了优化自动端口的操作，AGV必须是有效且可靠的。
PSA枢纽正在试用AGV，该AGV可以携带65吨，并以25 km/h的粉碎速度移动。与传统同行相比，AGV更具成本效益和节能。它们还需要更少的维护，并通过充分发电来帮助港口减少其碳足迹，因此不要将排放量释放到大气中。
Stäubli通过其快速充电连接解决方案支持采用这些车辆，该解决方案允许AGV在短短20分钟内为电池充电，证明了四到五个小时的操作时间。
Fast Battery Replacement During Maintenance
Stäubli’S多连接系统可提供快速更换电池以进行有效的维护。同时进行了许多AGV，对于端口操作的无缝运行至关重要，即电池更换AGV必须在一天中的所有时间都同样快速。
To address this need, Stäubli has developed its Multi Connect System (MCS) that centralizes different energy sources and can connect them with a single movement. The MCS is perfectly designed to support automatic and rapid operations.
The Future of Fully Automated Shipping Solutions
A recent McKinsey report has highlighted the value of automating the shipping industry. According to current data, successfully automated ports can benefit from a 25-55% reduction in operating expenses and a 10-35% increase in productivity. These figures demonstrate the benefits of fully automated shipping solutions.
The project's potential success at PSA, where Stäubli has been integrated, will likely act as an example to other ports across the globe hoping to benefit from automating their shipping systems. This project in particular will also likely further Singapore’S连接性，除了激发其他位置执行相同的位置外，还强制执行其作为运输中心的重要性。
In the even longer term, the PSA/Stäubli project's inspiration may usher in a new paradigm known in the industry as Port 4.0, which represents a shift from asset operator to service orchestrator. Port 4.0 acts as part of the more significant paradigm shift called industry 4.0, which joins and optimizes production and operations activities with intelligent digital technology, machine learning, and big data. As a result, more value will be generated for the operators of ports, supplies, and customers. While there will be a lot to be leveraged from implementing fully automated shipping solutions, innovative business models will be required to get the most out of this technology.
References and Further Reading
Innovative mechatronic solutions for higher productivity。Stäubli。可用网址：https://www.staubli.com/en-us/
Quick and reliable connections for AGVs at the world’最大的集装箱转运端口。Stäubli。可用网址：https://www.staubli.com/index.php?id=13588
The future of automated ports.Fox Chu, Sven Gailus, Lisa Liu, and Liumin Ni. McKinsey. Available at:https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/the-future-of-automated-ports
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