The original prototype as installed at the facility in 2022APM Terminals has received two additional ZPMC automated straddle carriers as part of a pilot project at its yard in Aarhus.
The original prototype, called the Blue Bot, was installed at the facility in 2022.
APM Terminals Nordic managing director Mikael Gutman says: “We have been testing the first straddle carrier in a small, enclosed area which has provided valuable learnings and insights for the development of the next models.
“With the new Blue Bots, we are now ready to expand our test area to 65,000 sqm in order to further analyse and optimise the technology to fit our operation and enhance safety.”
The original Blue Bot has been tested on new capabilities, such as navigation in the reefer area and picking and placing containers to and from a test quay crane lane, completing more than 6,000 lifts and navigating some 800 km withing the testing area, where the automated straddle carriers do not interfere with daily operations.
Chinese state-owned engineering company ZPMC built the two new Blue Bots specifically for APM Terminals’ Aarhus site based on the data gathered by the prototype GPS-operated automated straddle carrier.
The new straddle carriers can operate automatically at low temperatures, meeting the needs of terminal automation.
They have also been equipped with hybrid diesel generators and lithium batteries to meet the demand for intelligent environmental protection while providing convenient operation and maintenance.
APM Terminals, a unit of Danish shipping and logistics company Maersk, has facilities in 65 locations around the world.