Automation testing at Auckland harbour

Ports of Auckland has stopped the use of its 27 automated machines after one of the robots jumped a concrete barrier, hitting a shipping container.

Radio New Zealand reports the automation part of the business has been halted while an investigation looks into how a robotic machine was able to jump a retaining wall, hitting a shipping container at the weekend.

WorkSafe has been advised and is looking into the incident.

The council-owned company is already under fire for major delays in clearing a huge backlog of cargo.

A port spokesman confirmed that a 70 T Konecranes Noell straddle carrier
failed to navigate a turn, went over a low retaining wall and hit a container before coming to a stop.

The harbour official confirms no workers were put at risk and the safety system kicked in to prevent serious damage.

All 27 automated straddle carriers are out of operation while the mishap is being investigated.