Project funding by HessenAgentur
CargoSteps implements "Smart Air Cargo Trailer (SAT)" research project with partners
The logistics software Startup CargoSteps from Frankfurt, the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, the Fraunhofer Institute, the manufacturer of autonomous vehicles KAMAG, operator of Frankfurt Airport Fraport AG, warehouse logistics specialist LUG and the forwarding companies Sovereign and Dachser have received a grant from the HessenAgentur for their joint research project "Smart Air Cargo Trailer (SAT) ".
The goal of SAT is to automatically control inefficient short-haul transports between airfreight handlers and freight forwarders with the help of a cloud-based platform and to replace them with (semi-) autonomous transports.
The desired solution leads to needs-based transports, which are then carried out when it is required by the sender or recipient (variable push-pull control).
The self-control algorithm must process a variety of data and plan and control the transports on the basis of a multi-dimensional decision matrix. With the aid of the camera-based bar code acquisition, information about the loaded packages can be recorded without interrupting or interfering with the process, thus considerably simplifying the process of the initial scan. Here, packages are recognized in parallel and not isolated from moving video images and the attached barcodes read. A particular challenge lies in the recognition of the different packages, the recognition of partially concealed barcodes as well as the handling of different lighting situations. For the first time, the implementation of automated, semi-autonomous transports in mixed environments is being tested within the framework of the research project.
It is expected that the waiting times can practically be eliminated by carrying out the transport on demand. In addition, the transfer process between the partners can be accelerated and its error rate massively reduced. It is also strived to significantly increase the utilization of the vehicles by the needs-based implementation, which leads to less needed transport and especially contributes to the avoidance of CO2 emissions in connection with the standing and waiting times.
The self-control and automation of transports reduces costs at the interface, so that users benefit from cheaper transports. In addition, the consistent demand-oriented implementation means that more shipments can be handled, which not only leads to increased sales for the individual company involved, but also strengthens Frankfurt Airport's competitiveness compared to other air freight hubs and integrators such as DHL, UPS and FedEx.
The shipment-oriented self control follows the Internet of Things (IoT) principle and goes well beyond existing loading-aided approaches. The developed algorithms can be transferred to other areas of logistics.
The camera-based barcode recognition, with its necessary frameworks and algorithms, can also be used for further process steps and thereby replace time-consuming scan processes.
CargoSteps is looking forward to contributing in this two-year research project to achieving a new, promising milestone in logistics and perhaps also setting a new global standard for airports, ports and large corporate campuses.