transport logistic services

Posts Tagged ‘containers’

Self-determination rather than a central controller speeds up the processing

A new approach to the organization of container ports based on the behavior of ants. The animals are governed in their activities largely self-control and no need from the top.

This principle took on Albert Douma from the Dutch University of Twente, and developed a system to speed up the port of Rotterdam in the clearance of container shipping. Accordingly, each ship’s container loads at various terminals in the order up or down, which takes the least time.

Waiting time in port can also be availed useful for other tasks, was trailing in simulations of the method.

Doumas approach is based on many self-organizing actors, similar to an anthill. A software program handles the usual negotiations in the harbor. Like ants, the program is severely limited in the number of erledigbaren tasks. It calculates the best options for the ships, but otherwise no overview of the whole. The vessels and terminals as actors in this program discuss the interaction of the order of release. They consider both the time necessary for maintenance of the ships and the total waiting time and handling time on all terminals that are currently available.

Simulations of the program for realistic situations port showed a significant reduction of the required residence time of the ships in port. The shipping agent said on the operating profile of the terminal and was able to quickly determine what order is the controlling terminal is the best. The ships came before a specified time in the terminals, this could turn the execution of steps within a guaranteed maximum. The total waiting time decreased, with about a ship could take in terms of waiting times during the negotiations with the terminals at the same time negotiations with other terminals. This was made possible by a certain margin, makes the terminals for changed circumstances, the inclusion of other ships.

Currently used in the major container ports an appointment system that shows a high degree of uncertainty regarding the waiting times and therefore error-prone. In a more dense use port it can come across in unnecessary delays. A central control is not popular in the port as the ships pass reluctantly information that the competition could be beneficial.

Arne Schuldt, computer technology center of computer science and Information Technology of the University of Bremen to win, with his thesis “Multi-Agent Coordination Enabling Autonomous Logistics” Science Award in logistics.

Here is what the future look of logistics. Containers are automatically controlled via so-called software agents. This may be the selection of bearings, used in their respective goods, or even the selection of transport there. Car, truck or barge, whichever is cheaper.

And for the software agent of the individual containers also communicate with each other. Because the means of transport must be yes or not filled as possible. With methods of artificial intelligence Arne Schuldt has the technology center computer science and Information Technology (TZI), University of Bremen in cooperation with Tchibo developed a solution that automates such standard cases of the disposition.

The resulting from this case study dissertation “Multiagent Coordination Enabling Autonomous Logistics” has been honored with the prestigious Science Award for Logistics. The ceremony took place at the German Logistics Congress of the Federal Logistics Association (BVL) in Berlin. The prize is worth € 10,000 each for the winners and the sponsoring institution and in 2010 by Oskar Schunck AG & Co. KG in Munich sponsored.

The intelligent IT system has about determined that it could be useful to have the containers are still a few more days at the terminal. That would save about large-scale storage capacity of pallets and considerable costs.

And another advantage is that the dispatchers could be targeted in a company take care of the special cases, such as when a container is stuck in customs. Arne Schuldt has created his work at the Bremen International Graduate School for Dynamics in Logistics and the Collaborative Research Centre “Autonomous Cooperating Logistic Processes” (SFB 637) of the University of Bremen. Doctoral adviser was Professor TCI Otthein Duke.

In just over a week, the cars race through Shanghai: The cars have arrived in China, the construction of the trail is on track
The DTM cars were loaded in Frankfurt / Hahn Jumbos
The countdown is on: In one week starts the final weekend of the 2010 DTM season in Shanghai. Currently everything is on track, cars and equipment have arrived, the construction of the trail runs in the Pudong district. The China race is connected to a huge logistical effort. First, the DTM equipment was flown to the Far East, this week also followed the cars.

At the airport Frankfurt-Hahn, the 18 race cars from Audi and Mercedes, two DTM taxis, two safety cars, spare parts, wheels and tools were loaded into three jumbo jets. Looks after the management of transport by DTM series partners German Post / DHL. So that the precious cargo arrives safely in China, the DTM cars were loaded onto special racks that have been specially developed for the transportation of vehicles. The rest of the equipment was stored on pallets or in containers.

On Wednesday evening, the cargo has arrived in Shanghai, now is the release by the Chinese customs. But not all the air has taken 472 Dunlop tires and 7,800 liters of fuel from Aral were brought by ship to China. After the final race then travels the entire DTM cargo by sea back to Germany.

Meanwhile, the construction of the circuit is located in the urban canyons of Shanghai in the final stages – and while it runs the normal public road further. The circuit is 2.465 km long and is bordered with heavy concrete elements on which the FIA safety fencing is appropriate. In addition, a full pit area was constructed, which also provides space for offices and a VIP area. Race management, timing and other organizational units are housed in purpose-built container buildings. And the stands will be erected in the gardens around the street circuit.

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