Smart port operations are stepping up a gear at a facility in Thailand which is the first in the country to acquire and test autonomous trucks.
Hutchison Ports Thailand said it is the first port operator in Thailand and among the first in the world to acquire and test autonomous trucks at its Terminal D facility at Laem Chabang Port, Chon Buri. The six electric Qomolo trucks (Q-Trucks), arrived at Terminal D from Shanghai, China on 26 April, with the testing phase set to run for one year.
Stephen Ashworth, managing director – Thailand & South East Asia of Hutchison Ports, said: “The autonomous ‘Q-Trucks’ utilise the latest technology and innovation, and are part of our ongoing plan to transform Terminal D into the most technologically advanced and efficient container terminal in the region.
"The Q Truck continues to push the envelope for port innovation and along with our other already and soon-to-be implemented innovations, such as remote controlled crane-technology, online e-tracking services, gate automation and blockchain technology, we are rapidly approaching our goal of becoming the nation’s first fully-developed ‘smart port'."
During the test phase, the trucks will be integrated with the existing conventional fleet of trucks to transfer containers between the quay and the yard.
Equipped with advanced AI machine-learning technology and a wireless charging system, the Q Truck can operate non-stop for more than 24 hours. The trucks utilise ‘LiDAR’ light detection and range technology, through which they can instantaneously and accurately detect and survey their surroundings in all directions. This enables them to generating a precise, internal 3D map and accurately analyse and avoid obstacles and collisions.
