Shipping Yard Automation System Using AI for Workflow Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital solutions for shipping yard operations are fragmented and provide only isolated solutions for particular aspects of supply chain management, leading to sub-optimal operations, delays, and lack of visibility in shipping yards.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving and standardizing data from various sources, using artificial intelligence to generate operational decisions, and integrating warehouse and transportation data formats to automate workflows, including digital check-in processes, workflow determination, and resource management within a shipping yard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tracking and paper-based operations are used in shipping yards, then operational flexibility is maintained, but operational efficiency deteriorates and delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based tracking systems with an automated computer vision system using cameras and machine learning algorithms to detect, track, and manage shipping containers, vehicles, and equipment throughout the yard, eliminating manual intervention while improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operations where the automated detection and tracking system independently monitors and manages yard operations without human intervention, with the AI model automatically making decisions about container placement, vehicle routing, and equipment coordination
2Loss of information
If fragmented digital solutions are implemented for specific supply chain aspects, then particular operational areas improve, but overall visibility and coordination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate tracking and management functions into a single unified system that simultaneously tracks containers, vehicles, equipment, and personnel using a common infrastructure of cameras and a centralized AI model, providing comprehensive yard-wide visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal multi-functional cameras and a versatile AI model that can perform multiple detection tasks including identifying containers, vehicles, equipment, and personnel, as well as tracking their movements and coordinating operations across the entire yard through a single platform
3Measurement precision
If automated image processing is used to validate truck identities, then security and accuracy improve, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing images of trucks at the gate and processing them through the AI model in advance, before the truck needs to be directed to its destination, enabling rapid validation and immediate workflow determination without delaying operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual identity verification processes with automated computer vision technology that uses machine learning models to rapidly analyze images, extract identifying features, and validate truck identities automatically, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances operational efficiency, reduces delays, improves throughput, and provides actionable visibility across shipping yard operations, leading to reduced emissions, improved security, and optimized resource allocation.
Implementation Method 1
collecting, by a camera, an image of the truck and determining an actual truck identity by executing automated image processing of the image of the truck
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a shipping yard includes receiving a truck at a gate of the shipping yard, executing a digital check-in of the truck to the shipping yard, automatically determining a workflow for the truck in response to the digital check-in and using an integrated data structure that that interrelates a warehouse data format used by a warehouse management system and a transportation data format used by a transportation management system, and executing the workflow for the truck using an application surfacing the workflow to shipping yard personnel, wherein executing the workflow comprises moving the truck to a warehouse dock of the shipping yard indicated by the workflow.