Recently, KALMAR announced that it will introduce the automatic truck loading and unloading function (ATH) in the KALMAR AutostradTM straddle carrier. ATH automates the flow of containers between shore bridges and trucks through the automation of the final phase of land-based operations, that is, the placement of containers into collections. This feature has been used in the KALMAR field cranes and has been added to the KALMAR horizontal transport straddle carrier.

KALMAR AutoStrad is a proven solution for terminal, stacking and landside automation, for large and medium-sized terminals with high equipment flexibility, safety requirements and reduced labor costs. The flexibility of the KALMAR AutoStrad straddle carrier reduces the difficulty and risk of achieving terminal automation and reduces time costs.

ATH automatically places the containers on the automated straddle carrier onto the set cards in the dock collection area. The Truck Lane Measurement System (TLMS) is used to measure the contour, position and container placement of the truck, and the camera imaging system is used to accurately position the container when it is placed on the truck. ATH improves the safety, predictability and cost efficiency of terminal operations by eliminating the need for personnel in the truck exchange area.

“We are very pleased to introduce this feature on the horizontal transport straddle carrier. Thanks to the automation of the final step of the land side operation in the AutoStrad terminal, the staff can now withdraw from the truck exchange area. This helps to improve the safety of the terminal. Achieve 24/7 operation and increase flexibility,” said Henrik Häggblom, vice president of horizontal transport solutions at KALMAR.

Innovation has always been the core of KALMAR's business. As early as the 1940s, KALMAR had developed the first industrial straddle carrier and developed the first ro-ro tractor in the 1970s. In order to achieve more efficient container handling needs, KALMAR officially launched the first front hoist in the market in the 1980s. Ten years later, it introduced the first off-road container handling equipment. KALMAR has taken the first step in terminal automation more than 20 years ago. Through innovative solutions, KALMAR has revolutionized the cargo and container handling industry and is a pioneer in terminal automation and energy efficient container handling.

See the network analysis, the fully automated terminal can save a lot of labor, reduce the losses caused by personnel misoperation, and thus greatly improve efficiency. On the other hand, some low-tech jobs will disappear, but at the same time there will be some new jobs with high technology content, so the future ports will need more technical talents. Editor / Du Dongmei