Following successful trials at Patrick's Port of Brisbane berth, Patrick has ordered 14 Kalmar ESC straddle carriers that will be equipped for unmanned operations.

Patrick spokesman Howard Wren said expansion of the "autostrad" concept came after 12 months of commercial operation with five retro-fitted Kalmar CSC straddle carriers.

"The first year with the unmanned straddles has been extremely good. The operation has met all our expectations, specifically in the areas of productivity, safety and cost efficiency," he said.

The autostrad carriers move, brake and steer, and pick and place containers, unmanned. Patrick has refined navigation using radar, lasers, GPS and a tasking and traffic management system.

The straddles feature anti-collision lasers and anti-collision bumpers. Anything that comes within a specified distance will stop the machine. Similarly, if the straddle hits something, it stops immediately.