Autonomous project at Port of Tyne shows what’s possible

The project, delivered through the UK government-funded CAM Pathfinder programme, was designed to deploy and validate a fully autonomous terminal tractor within a live port environment.

Ports are especially challenging spaces in which to test autonomous technologies due to the continuous movement of goods, people and equipment.

Over the course of the project the consortium designed, integrated and tested an autonomous container transport solution capable of operating on a busy quayside. It involved supporting the terminal tractor with a secure mesh communication network that enabled it to integrate with terminal operating systems, alongside a robust cyber security framework.

The project demonstrates that autonomous movements within a port are possible, strengthening the case for future, larger deployment. It also generated valuable insights that will inform future deployment of CAM solutions across ports, logistics hubs and industrial sites nationwide.

Autonomous systems are capable of taking on more repetitive or hazardous tasks, freeing up skilled workers to focus their attention elsewhere.

The next phase will examine how the system performs across broader port operations including the pressure of multiple vehicles working alongside people and equipment.