2022, the decisive year for the ports’ technological revolution

The digital technologies that will impact port logistics by 2022

The port of today is not the port of tomorrow. The implementation of a set of digital technologies detected as 'key' by experts from different departments of the Port of Barcelona will be a reality during this 2022. These are ten technological trends whose degree of implementation is expected to generate a remarkable effect, not only in port activity, but also in global logistics.

These technologies, most of them digital, are the result of an exchange between managers from various departments, the result of which is illustrated in the infographic below.

1. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning consists of "teaching" machines to learn by themselves so that their work is optimized and they know how to sift through what data is or is not useful. 

Machine learning is often confused with AI, but it is only a part of it. It involves processes in which the machines themselves create their own rules (algorithms) and predictions based on data provided by humans. 

Although its irruption occurred four or five years ago, the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G and Edge Computing represent a substantial improvement in the collection, transport and transmission of data obtained from sensors, cameras and other information-gathering devices.

Operational processes such as container movement or traffic volume forecasting are examples of its implementation.

Deep learning is a subdomain or type of machine learning. It bases its power on what we know as neural networks, layers and layers of information processing. Unlike machine learning, the systems, with little supervision, are able to learn to improve themselves as they gain experience.

Many of the most recent innovations in artificial intelligence are linked to this form of learning and the advance of big data. But beware, because although all deep learning is machine learning, not all machine learning is deep learning.

"At the Port of Barcelona, machine learning is being used to improve the OCR reading of containers and trains, using TensorFlow. Artificial Intelligence algorithms are also used to predict waiting times to pick containers up at the terminals," explains Enric Rodellas, head of GIS at the Port of Barcelona.

2. Digital twin

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical system. In the case of ports, it allows for more operationally efficient decision making, data management and the avoidance of dangerous situations.

These simulation models are designed to solve hypothetical crises that may be high-risk without putting port personnel at risk. From burning cargo to toxic spills, the digital twin allows port personnel to monitor vessel movements, infrastructure, geographic information, assist pilots in their operations or reduce fuel consumption rates.

At the Port of Barcelona, the base or canvas of the digital twin is being built from the combination of existing data in the Geographic Information System, BIM technology and 3D models obtained by satellite imaging and LIDAR data from drones. The 1,400 Ha of the port contains 1 million elements (buildings, utility networks, traffic signals, hydrants, etc.) that have been designed and installed. And then transferred to their operation and maintenance. 

"The digital twin of the port will add the characteristics of these elements to the 3D model, the maintenance operations performed, as well as real-time operation information. For example, which vehicles are transiting through an access gate. The digital twin will also be used for the planning and design of new infrastructures, as well as on the basis of the dashboards that are being defined," Rodellas points out.

3. Automation

A rather broad concept that can be applied to vehicles, logistics processes or even port terminals. In the case of the former, thanks to artificial intelligence programs, automation allows vehicles to make their own decisions without the need for human interaction. 

In the second scenario, automation adapts logistics processes to current needs with flexibility, resilience and transparency. Globalization and recent crises demand planning models capable of finding alternative materials and resources, new ways of securing supply and minimizing disruptions. This can be achieved through automation.

In the case of port terminals, automation can minimize errors by reducing human intervention, increase efficiency, reduce the operating cost of a terminal, increase security and, finally, reduce the carbon footprint.

"Automation in the port environment is a continuous process, which is advancing at an intense pace and still has room for improvement according to the different emerging technologies to be incorporated. Issues such as robotization, autonomous and connected vehicles, AI-based decision making or the automation of electronic documentation will bring great benefits in terms of safety, productivity and the environment," says David Serral, director of information systems at the Port.

4. Big Data Analysis

The management of large volumes of data is and will be key to a myriad of scenarios. They have an impact on maritime operations thanks to the collection, in real time, of millions of sensor data. This massive collection can be done, among others, with bathymetries or satellites with software that organizes, manages, analyzes, shares and distributes the information obtained for post-processing.

The usefulness of big data is wide and varied. It makes it possible to make predictive models that are used, for example, in the virtual gates through which thousands of vehicles enter every day. 

"Storing huge amounts of data is something has become normal in any organization, the key now is how to efficiently manage and treat this information with two key objectives within our reach: to analyze the information in real time, allowing us to operate and manage efficiently, and to analyze future models of behavior by studying these variables, that is, to anticipate," says Serral.

5. Virtual/Augmented Reality

We have already talked about virtual twins and virtual gates, the best examples of the application of virtual reality in the port environment, and how they allow us to simulate and predict a multitude of scenarios. However, these digital technologies are also extremely useful in, for example, the training of specialized personnel.

Especially in those tasks in which the handling of, for example, heavy machinery, may pose some risk to operators. Or the management or maintenance of facilities as complex as port environments.

"Having digital models and being able to "navigate" them using virtual and augmented reality will have an impact on changes in facility management, maintenance and training models, so that many risky jobs can be prepared with higher success and less risk to employee’s safety. Additionally, the advantages of this technology in the field of training are already being successfully applied in training on the use of complex machinery present in our facilities," shares Serral.

6. Internet of Things

The Internet of Things or Internet of Things (IoT), are devices connected thanks to 5G that transmit and receive information. It is, in short, a network of digital interconnection between devices, people and the Internet itself that allows data exchange and capture key information about the use and performance of these devices.

These are connected and communicate with a process called "machine-to-machine" in which any two devices or machines communicate with each other without the need for human intervention. This communication is carried out with sensors placed in these devices and allows them to generate and obtain a large amount of data stored in an IoT platform that collects, processes and analyzes them.

"Sensorics has become enormously more flexible in recent years. We used to talk about spires that counted vehicles or smoke detectors. Today a video camera, a broad spectrum camera, multigas sniffers or a LIDAR device can provide much more information and are much more versatile, but the interpretation of the data requires subsequent analytics, in many cases based on artificial intelligence or machine learning," says Carles Rúa, head of innovation at the Port.