Kalmar invests E3m in port automation testing

The platform will be used primarily for testing in customer projects and new product releases at the company’s Technology and Competence Centre in Tampere, Finland.

The investment will cover “all modules to run an automated container yard operation, including the total automation system, a new automatic stacking crane (ASC) and the R&D work required for the deployment”.

The centre already boasts the industry’s largest automation test field and world-class facilities and laboratories for prototyping, simulation, testing, monitoring and optimisation.

Kalmar president Olli Isotalo said: “With this unique set-up, we can start the testing well in advance before the equipment delivery and keep the on-site testing at a minimum. This will result in faster implementation times and our customers can expect the shortest possible time to value in port automation projects.

“Furthermore, we will have the capability to test new product features before their market introduction. This will shorten the time to market for our new products and further improve their reliability and quality.”