The hyper-smart Container 42 has left the port of Rotterdam for the first leg of a two-year data-collecting mission around the world. The container – which houses an array of sensors and communications equipment – is to contribute to the development of a "digital twin" for the port.
The container will measure changes in parameters like vibration, slope, position, sound, local air pollution, humidity and temperature. The unit has also been fitted with solar panels, which can be used to determine how much power a container can generate during a given journey by ship, train or truck. The container left the port of Rotterdam on Friday 24 May and will be making its first stop in early June, in Munich, Germany.
Digital Port Twin
Container 42 is part of the Port of Rotterdam's digital transformation of port and logistics activities. The data the container will collect is to provide insight into the challenges faced during transport and logistics and contributes to the development of a so-called "digital twin" for the port: a digital representation of the actual, physical port area.
Internet of Things Platform
The foundations for the project are formed by the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s existing Internet of Things (IoT) platform. The Port Authority uses this cloud-based platform to collect and process data coming in from sensors installed throughout the port area.
This provides users with real-time information about the local infrastructure, water and air quality, among other things – allowing the port of Rotterdam to further improve its services. The digitalisation of Rotterdam’s port services is to contribute to safer, swifter and more reliable forwarding of cargo. At some point in the future, it will also enable Rotterdam to accommodate autonomous shipping in its port area.
Transport Logistic Munich
Before Container 42 embarks on its 2-year journey, it will first be introduced to the world during Transport Logistic 2019 in Munich, an international event for the Logistics and Transport sectors. From 4 to 7 June, Container 42 can be admired near the eastern entrance to the fair hall. Experts from the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the participating partners will be standing by to inform attendees more about the latest innovations in the field of digitalisation.
Partners
Container 42 is a platform for intensive collaboration between the following parties: Port of Rotterdam Authority, IBM, Cisco, Esri, Axians, Intel, HyET Solar, Van Donge & de Roo, Awake.ai, Betta Batteries, Simwave, Advanced Mobility Services, Kalmar and Shipping Technology.
Picture: Container 42 in the Port of Rotterdam (by Grant Pinkney (Kramer)).
