The demand for autonomous truck performance, productivity and reliability will exceed manned trucks with higher AI and better sensor technology available in the near future. The trend to adapt AI autonomous truck technology for terminal operations is becoming more acceptable and is expected to be widely introduced and in-use at new purpose-built automated ports, just like the automated rubber tyred gantry cranes, straddle carriers and remote control cranes.
After overcoming technical challenges from the development of autonomous truck applications in Thailand, Hutchison Ports is confident and ready to roll-out autonomous truck technology to its network of ports where applicable.
ADAPTATION
In the first year, autonomous trucks are being used for auxiliary services such as yard marshalling and barge operations. There will also be a redesign of the electric truck from the developer when called upon. System integration and workflow re-engineering would have been completed.
VESSEL OPERATIONS
In year two, autonomous trucks are expected to perform full feeder and mother vessel operations. These vehicles will also be deployed to empty container yard working with empty handlers. A review of the software algorithms when upgrade technology is available.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY
In line with the strategy of constant improvement, there will be an enhancement to the cycle performance and an increase in battery capacity enabling the vehicle to operate longer periods. The fleet size of autonomous trucks would increase gradually.
LOWER COST
Moving forward there will be an enhancement to the speed and its reliability. By then, more reliable and advanced upgrade on sensors and other hardware will be available in the market at a lower cost. Majority of the movements would be handled by autonomous trucks with consistent and reliable performance.
FULL DEPLOYMENT & HIGH LEVEL OF INTELLIGENCE
In the final year of the roll-out plan, the migration plan from diesel trucks to autonomous trucks will be fully completed. The vehicle itself will have a higher level of intelligence, flexibility, and decision-making capability with the presence of smarter AI.
Click here to learn more about Autonomous Truck operations at Hutchison Ports.