AI Manages Port Logistics... BPA Files Patent for Container Alignment Monitoring Safety Technology

The technology developed by BPA monitors the loading and alignment status of containers in real time and automatically analyzes their safety using artificial intelligence.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] Busan Port Authority (BPA) developed a technology that monitors the loading and alignment status of containers in real time and automatically analyzes safety based on artificial intelligence to prevent safety accidents within the port, and filed a patent application on the 15th.

The terminal operators at Busan Port store container cargo by stacking them in multiple layers in the yard. When the alignment between upper and lower containers is inaccurate, there is concern about safety accidents such as collapse in the event of gusts or strong winds.

BPA uses intelligent CCTV and LiDAR sensors to capture corner castings adjacent to the upper and lower containers.

Corner casting is a component that supports the load on top of the container and acts as a medium to integrate with other containers when transporting by trailer, loading onto container ships, or stacking in the yard.

The authority applied artificial intelligence learning techniques such as deep learning to the captured images to develop a technology that automatically classifies and notifies the alignment status as ‘Normal’ in green, ‘Risk’ in yellow, and ‘High Risk’ in red.

When applied on site, the technology allows immediate detection and rapid response if there is an abnormality in container loading and alignment status.

BPA plans to introduce the monitoring safety technology on site and establish regulations related to container loading safety standards.

In Europe, safety standards for container loading specify a maximum misalignment range of 25 mm horizontally and 35 mm vertically, but there are no clear standards at Korean ports.

The patented technology was developed as part of the ‘Intelligent Unmanned Automated Smart Logistics System’ R&D project jointly supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and Busan City, and led by BPA.

The technology is evaluated as a representative case of collaboration that strengthens safety at port sites and drives technological innovation through close cooperation among the central government, local governments, and public institutions.

BPA plans to develop container loading monitoring equipment applying the patented technology by 2022 and install it on regularly operating vehicles within the port such as yard tractors and port patrol cars. After real-time testing, a cargo loading safety monitoring system will also be established.

Kang Jun-seok, President of BPA, said, “We will strengthen policy cooperation and R&D functions with the central government and local governments to make Busan Port a safe and advanced port,” and added, “We will do our best to ensure that the developed innovative technology is quickly introduced on site.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.