EUROGATE and Embotech have completed a six-month pilot project validating autonomous terminal tractor technology at the EUROGATE Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven in Germany. The pilot successfully passed all 18 defined use cases, demonstrating readiness for full horizontal transport operations in port environments.
The project involved collaboration with MAFI, which provided the terminal tractor platform, and ICT Group, which contributed industrial technology integration. Testing confirmed the system meets demanding port-logistics requirements across both landside and waterside operations.
Highlights
- Pilot passed all 18 use cases covering the complete horizontal transport cycle at a working container terminal
- System achieved centimeter-level precision for backwards driving and quay crane positioning
- Technology operates without GPS using localization capabilities in satellite-denied areas
- Vehicle-agnostic platform demonstrated on MAFI terminal tractor with NextG drive-by-wire
Technical Capabilities Validated
The pilot confirmed several critical operational capabilities:
- Rail crane interaction: Autonomous coordination with rail crane terminal equipment
- Mixed traffic operations: Safe navigation alongside conventional vehicles and personnel
- All-weather performance: Consistent operation across varying environmental conditions
- Quay crane positioning: Precise container handovers for waterside operations
- Terminal IT integration: Seamless connection between Embotech’s Fleet Management System and the Equipment Control System gateway to TOS
Real-Time Trajectory Planning
Embotech’s Autonomous Tractor Solution uses real-time trajectory planning rather than pre-defined routes. This approach enables complex maneuvers in dynamic terminal environments.
The system integrates with terminal management and equipment control systems to optimize throughput. Operations proceed without manual intervention once deployed.
Industry Perspectives
Henrik Landau, Project Manager at EUROGATE, confirmed the pilot validated integration with existing operations and IT infrastructure while meeting safety standards.
Niklas Thomas, Head of Business Development at Embotech, noted the pilot demonstrates ATS capability as the primary horizontal transport mode for both landside and waterside operations.
Partner Organizations
EUROGATE operates container terminals in five countries and provides transportation, maintenance, and packaging services across European trade infrastructure.
Embotech develops autonomous driving solutions for industrial logistics, focusing on Automated Vehicle Marshalling in automotive factories and Autonomous Terminal Tractors at ports and logistics centers. The company has developed real-time optimization technology since 2013.
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