Kalmar has launched the industry's first fully-automated one-over-one container handling unit, the Kalmar Autoshuttle.

Kalmar has launched a self-loading vehicle that picks, places and transports containers between ship-to-shore (STS) and yard stacking cranes.

The one-over-one Kalmar Autoshuttle boasts benefits over its older rival, the automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

According to Kalmar, advantages include the decoupling of vessel and yard operations, traffic congestion reduction, better space utilisation behind a STS crane, higher buffer capacity in front of yard stacks and the elimination of a second STS trolley due to the buffer zone created on the quay.

Jorma Tirkkonen, president of Kalmar Intelligence and Automation, says he is proud of the "industry's first fully automated one-over-one container handling unit".

"In the 1990s, Kalmar designed the Shuttle Carrier to meet the handling needs of future mega-terminals which are today's reality. Requiring even faster turnaround times, higher productivity and better cost efficiency, Kalmar is anticipating its customers' needs with the Kalmar Autoshuttle."

Kalmar claims two to three Kalmar Autoshuttle units perform the tasks of five to seven AGVs in servicing one STS crane. Like its manually operated counterpart, the Autoshuttle can handle 20-foot and 40-foot containers and two 20-foot boxes in twin-lift operation with load ratings of 40 tonnes (single) and 50 tonnes (twin).

The Kalmar Autoshuttle's onboard automation system controls it according to the routes specified by the Terminal Logistic System. The vehicle continuously measures the distance and direction travelled with odometric information like wheel revolutions and steering angles.

Navigation of the Kalmar Autoshuttle is based on Magnetic Measurement System (MMS) technology. The unit's position is formulated by the magnetic markers embedded in the terminal surface and MMS sensors located on the Kalmar Autoshuttle's side frames.

Intelligent sensor technology controls the spreader's fine positioning. The unit can also be remotely controlled.

The Kalmar Autoshuttle is designed in co-operation with Netherlands-based Kalmar Advanced Cargo Transhipment (ACT). Kalmar ACT, a former Frog Navigation business unit acquired by Kalmar in 2007, is a supplier of navigation and terminal operation control software.

Autoshuttle parameters:
* Capacity: 50 tonnes (twin)/ 40 tonnes (single)
* Max driving speed: 30km/h
* Max hoist speed: 20m/min (empty)/ 13m/min (40t)/ 9m/min (50t)
* Max lowering speed: 18m/min
* Deceleration in normal driving: 0.8 sqm
* Deceleration in fault stop: 1.25 sqm
* Minimum turn radius in automation control: 9,000mm (from vehicle centrepoint)