In some regions personnel costs a significant factor in container terminal economics. Furthemore, it is sometime difficult to recruit terminal tractor drivers. Under these circumstances, automation can be an attractive option. In fact, Terberg is convinced that in future automated container yard operation will become widespread. As a family-owned business which always takes a long-term view we have committed to a substantial research and development project in this area. The first result of the project, AutoTUG, the world’s first automated yard tractor, was introduced at the TOC container supply chain trade show.
AutoTUG can operate without major changes to the infrastucture of a terminal and allows you to introduce automation gradually and flexibly, in parallel with manual operation. Benefits of automated operation inclide more efficient loading and unloadin, lower personnel costs, improved safety. Reduced CO2 emissions and more.
Use each container terminal is unique, we tailor the AutoTUG software to your operations and yard management software. This ensures you get the best from the tractors and that they will interface efficiently with other equipment on your site, including tractors with human drivers.
It can automatically drive around the terminal to transport containers between the cranes and the container yard, and also couple/uncouple trailers automatically.
A CLOSER LOOK
The AutoTUG determines its position using transporders embedded into the yard surface, a system which has long been proven in practice. This models optimised for deployment at container terminals and distribution centers. One of the strenghts of the AutoTUG concept is that it can easily be introduced at existing terminals without required major infrastructure changes.
The AutoTUG is available with a cab, for operations where there is occasionally the need for a human driver, and as a cables model for automated operations only. The AutoTUG is also fitted with a collision avoidance scanner so it can stop in time if there are any unexpected obstructions on the route specified by the terminal management software
It can also couple automatically to a parked trailer: a camera recognises the corners of the trailer and determines the position of the kingpin.
OPERATES ON NORMAL YARD PAVEMENTS
AutoTUG can operate on normal yards and does not need a specially reinforced pavement. The AutoTUG tractors also benefit from the proven Terberg advantages of reliability low fuel consumption and ease of maintenance.
In short, the AutoTUG is an effective solution for automating both brownfield and greenfield terminals, using proven technology and at a lower cost than other options
