Early last week, the hyper-intelligent 'Container 42' was sent from the port of Rotterdam on a two-year data-gathering journey around the world. Equipped with sensors and communication technology, the container measures vibration, inclination, position, noise, air pollution, humidity and temperature during its journey. The container is also equipped with solar panels to see how much energy a container on a container ship, a train or a truck can harvest during the journey. The container will make its first stop in Munich tomorrow, where it will be on display during Transport Logistic 2019 (TLM).
Container 42
With the ambition to be the 'smartest port', Rotterdam is taking the lead in the digital transformation of port and logistics. 'Container 42' is a metaphor for that transformation.
What does a container cargo experience during its sea voyage and land transport? Container 42 records everything. The data collected helps provide insight into the challenges in transport and logistics and contributes to the development of a so-called 'digital twin' of the port: a digital representation of the real, physical port. The Port of Rotterdam Authority's current Internet of Things (IoT) platform lays the foundation for this.
Through this cloud platform, the Port Authority collects and processes data coming from sensors in the port. This way, real-time information about infrastructure, water and air, among other things, comes in and the Port of Rotterdam can further improve services. Digitalisation in the port of Rotterdam leads to even safer, more reliable and faster throughput and enables Rotterdam to welcome autonomous ships to the port in the future.
Transport Logistic Munich
Before the container starts travelling around the world, the world can get to know Container 42 during Transport Logistic 2019 in Munich, one of the best-known trade fairs on Logistics and Transport. From 4 to 7 June, Container 42 will be at the entrance on the East Side. There, experts from the Port of Rotterdam Authority and participating partners will be happy to provide information on the latest innovations in digitalisation.
Container 42 is a platform where Port of Rotterdam Authority, IBM, Cisco, Esri, Axians, Intel, HyET Solar, Van Donge & de Roo, Awake.ai, Betta Batteries, Simwave, Advanced Mobility Services, Kalmar and Shipping Technology are working intensively together.
Source: Port of Rotterdam Authority
