Living Labs

L-Hubs

AUTOSUP will support the transition path of SC nodes to fully automated hubs and conventional SCs to PI networks through two Living Hubs, validating operational and cost efficiencies of solutions and evaluate user acceptance through 6 multimodal use cases.

Trieste HUB

The Port of Trieste, as a vital node of the regional logistic chain, has experienced a significant rise in the volume of goods traffic in recent years. With over 11,000 trains departing and arriving from the two regional ports in 2022, the increase in traffic has resulted in a gradual loss of efficiency, leading to delays and cancellations in rail freight transportation. The L-Hub will address these challenges considering the perspectives of two key stakeholders:

a) the intermodal wagon maintenance workshop operator dedicated to the port of Trieste area– Adriafer Rail Services

b) the Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) – Gruber Logistics.

Modes of transport involved:
  • Rail, Road, Port/Sea.
Use Cases

USE CASE 1 – AUTOMATED MAINTENANCE 

  • Shunting yards are very large and wagon inspection is time-consuming

USE CASE 2 – AUTOMATED LAST-MILE ROUTES

  • Multimodal rail-road shipment heavily relies on human labor

USE CASE 3 - AUTOMATED TRANSHIPMENT

  • Transshipment operations are slow and inefficient

Antwerp L-HUB

Port of Antwerp Bruges (PoAB) has the vision to be a leading global port that harmonises the interests of people, the climate, and the economy. They aspire to pioneer and drive a transition in mobility, energy, and digitalization. Working alongside partners and customers, the port actively seeks sustainable and innovative solutions to create a port of tomorrow that maximizes capacity and ensures a seamless SC, aiming to become climate-neutral by 2050, thus recognizing the importance of a significant modal shift towards rail transport and IWT. This involves efforts to facilitate additional connections and enhance operational efficiency throughout the SC.

 

Automation and digitalization play a crucial role in achieving these objectives. In AUTOSUP PoAB will explore innovative automation concepts, and identify cutting-edge technologies and solutions, to optimise operations and adapt to evolving needs. By incorporating automation in the design of future port infrastructure, PoAB can create a more resilient, efficient, and adaptable system. This will help to ensure that the infrastructure remains robust and capable of meeting the demands and challenges of the future. As a frontrunner in multiple roles -as a Regulator, Operator, Landlord, and active community builder- PoAB focuses on critical infrastructure, port safety and security, collaboration, smooth traffic handling, and providing a customer-friendly environment. They aim to anticipate and overcome challenges by integrating automated solutions across all their roles, ensuring continuous development and adaptation in response to evolving requirements.

Modes of transport involved:
  • Port/sea, road, rail and IWT
Use Cases

USE CASE 1 – Strategic study Port Automation

  • Port automations coordination and environmental performance monitoring

USE CASE 2 – Port-Shipper collaboration towards increased modal shift

  • Port-Shipper collaboration towards increased modal shift - Multimodal freight flows monitoring

USE CASE 3 - Transport Mode Automation-systems integration

  • Transport modes automation systems integration AGV’s, Hyperloop and spillover applications design