Konecranes unveils new automation technologies

The “A-launch” put forward the company’s terminal automation products in the form of three “As”, the first of which was the company’s Noell straddle carrier (A-STRAD) and automated Sprinter Carrier (A-SPRINTER) systems.

Twenty-seven new Konecranes Noell A-STRADS will be delivered to the Port of Auckland, while twenty-one of the port’s existing Konecranes Noell straddle carriers will be upgraded to A-STRAD level.

The deal with the port also includes the TEAMS equipment control and fleet management system, the Navimatic® navigation system and process automation with interchange and fence control systems.

The company offered their second “A” in the form of the company’s Gottwald AGVs and new lithium-ion battery technology. Benefits of the new battery type include greater efficiency at lower deadweights and a faster charging time.

Konecranes has already taken an order for 25 AGVs with the battery drives from Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) in Germany for Container Terminal Altenwerder in Hamburg, with the new machines due to arrive in spring 2018.

Commenting on the new li-ion battery technology, Klaus Peter Hoffmann, vice president for Integration at Port Solutions at Konecranes, said: “With this innovation, we are again leaping forward with AGV technology in terms of cost-effectiveness, and showing our continuity as a pioneer in this constantly evolving market.”

The third “A” was the announcement that the company will be working with terminal vehicle provider Terberg in the creation of Automated Terminal Tractors (A-TT) systems.

Terberg will supply the tractors for the systems while Konecranes will provide the automation technology and turn-key, integrated system delivery.