The construction of a 5G test field has begun at the Port of Duisburg. The partially automated control of port cranes is to be tested using mobile technology. The aim is to increase capacity for handling containers in this way.
The construction of a 5G test field has begun at the Port of Duisburg. The partially automated control of port cranes is to be tested using mobile radio technology. The aim is to increase capacity for handling containers in this way. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has selected the project for funding through the 5G.NRW competition and will provide around one million euros for it over the next two years. The project was kicked off at the public kick-off date on November 3 in Duisburg's inner harbor. City Director and City Treasurer Martin Murrack welcomed the project participants and wished them every success.
Partially automated control of mobile handling equipment in inland ports has not yet been possible. The project partners want to create the technical conditions for this in Duisburg for the first time. The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), Duisburger Hafen AG (duisport), startport GmbH, Deutsche Telekom and POLO KNOW-HOW Industrie-Engineering GmbH are involved. The research and development work is coordinated by Prof. Andreas Stöhr from the engineering sciences at the UDE.
5G.Smart.Logport
Deutsche Telekom is equipping the Logport I port area in Rheinhausen with its own 5G campus network for the project. Such a campus network is an exclusive, locally limited mobile network that can be tailored to individual technical requirements. It forms the basis for digitizing the required control units. Container cranes handle the major part of the cargo handling process. Partial automation using 5G is intended to increase the capacity of the cranes. This would allow container sales to be increased without the port needing additional space. It is also planned to use 5G technology to connect a variety of cameras and sensors in the port area. The aim is to make goods handling by road, rail and water even more transparent and easier to control.
Optimized logistics processes
In addition to the duisport Group, local companies will also benefit from setting up the 5G campus network on the port area. With 5G technology, they can automate and further optimize their individual processes. For crane operators, this not only improves working conditions, but at the same time, the new generation of mobile telephones makes processes more reliable and safer. 5G also improves continuity in processing.
As an innovation partner from the crane industry, the Duisburg-based company POLO KNOW-HOW is involved in the project. Its managing director Rüdiger Tornow sees further growth opportunities and new business areas for his company in 5G technology: “As part of this project, we want to prove that 5G is the right answer to the challenges posed by the existing gap in the communication infrastructure of the terminals. This gives our company the opportunity to provide current and future technological innovations for all equipment involved in port handling in a high-performance, reliable and secure manner. ”
Alexander Garbar, head of corporate development at duisport and managing director of startport GmbH, explains: “5G technology makes it possible to try out new innovations in intermodal logistics. The results of the project could become a blueprint for other terminals in Duisburg, but also for hinterland terminals throughout Germany and internationally. I am particularly pleased with the close connection with our activities at startport. When implementing automation, we also rely on start-up innovations, among other things. In addition, the campus network on logport I offers ideal conditions for testing new business models of technology-driven startups from our program. ”
Hagen Rickmann, managing director of the business customer division of Telekom Deutschland GmbH, emphasizes: “Here in Duisburg, Telekom not only has the opportunity to set up and operate the infrastructure. With this project, we will research and develop new fields of application for 5G together with our partners. Digitalization is playing an increasingly important role, particularly in logistics processes. 5G is an important driver for this. Both the Port of Duisburg and the companies operating there benefit from this project. ”
The city of Duisburg supports the project and expects that this lighthouse project will cause a stir in the port logistics sector. “We expect that this will attract companies that can try out and apply their 5G logistics solutions here in Duisburg,” says Matthias Börger, Councillor of the City of Duisburg. “The city of Duisburg is becoming an engine and role model for digital transformation in Duisburg and the region and perfectly complements our city's smart city strategy. ”
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