Industrial mobility automation: docked for success in ports
The port industry is at a pivotal moment. Vast global trade volumes – a staggering 12.35 billion tonnes handled globally in 2024 – are placing immense pressure on operations. Compounding this, inflationary pressures and labour shortages are intensifying the need for cost-effective solutions that can increase resilience and reduce risk.
Automation within ports has long been recognised as key to addressing these challenges. The next leap forward lies in advanced autonomous vehicle technology that moves beyond the constraints of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).
This is where Industrial Mobility Automation (IMA) comes in. A broader category that encompasses autonomous vehicles and intelligent systems for optimising industrial and operational workflows, it enables the automation of the billions of processes that involve driving, with an estimated market of $2trn.
For ports, autonomous vehicles hold the key to supercharging efficiency, enhancing safety, and driving resilience within global commerce. By deploying autonomous solutions tailored for port operations, we can redefine operational paradigms and unlock unprecedented potential for the maritime sector.
Ports represent ideal environments for the successful deployment of autonomous vehicles. For many years, AGVs have played a vital role in streamlining container movement within port terminals.
However, their operational scope and flexibility are inherently limited by their requirement for fixed infrastructure within fenced areas, away from human operations.
Advanced autonomous vehicle technology offers an advantage, enabling terminal tractors to navigate complex, dynamic port environments, including operating safely in mixed traffic scenarios on shared roadways. This capability redefines what's possible in port automation now and well into the future.
The benefits of autonomous vehicles help port operators answer some of the most pressing challenges they are facing today. The enhanced operational flexibility offered by autonomous vehicles represents a significant evolution in port logistics.
Unlike AGVs, autonomous vehicles adapt dynamically to evolving demands across the entire port, not just within the confines of fenced AGV zones. This adaptability allows for a more fluid and responsive operation, enabling resources to be deployed precisely where and when they are needed, ultimately boosting efficiency.
Being able to operate in mixed traffic areas eliminates the bottlenecks often associated with transferring cargo between fenced AGV zones and other port areas. Delays are also reduced through intelligent navigation and real-time decision-making that minimise congestion and streamline the movement of goods across the port. This leads to faster turnaround times and reduces the likelihood of penalties.
Another area where autonomous vehicles can lead to improvements is in safety. Advanced sensor suites and sophisticated AI algorithms enable them to perceive and intelligently react to pedestrians, other vehicles (manned and unmanned), and obstacles.
Lastly, while AGVs often require significant infrastructure investment, autonomous vehicles can operate within existing port layouts, minimising disruption and maximising return on investment.
The use of autonomous vehicles in ports is already a reality. The Port of Rotterdam, handling a staggering 14 million TEU and 436 million tonnes of cargo annually, has long integrated automation into its landside container movement operations. It is now embracing autonomous vehicle technology, with autonomous terminal tractors driven by Oxa's self-driving software already running in the port.
The compatibility of autonomous vehicle technology and port operations is clear. While overhauling existing operations represents a significant capital undertaking for port operators, the benefits of autonomous solutions are compelling from day one. Beyond immediate operational relief, autonomy offers long-term and wide-reaching advantages with the potential to reshape global trade.
Industrial Mobility Automation using autonomous vehicles is not a futuristic concept, but a present-day necessity for ports navigating the complexities of global trade. It is the pathway to building a more efficient, safe, and sustainable future for maritime logistics.
"Industrial mobility automation: docked for success in ports " was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Kargo Raises $18M to Set New Industry Standards for Inventory Management
Global supply chain leader Armada makes its first strategic investment in Kargo after successful implementation of AI solution across its national network of warehouse hubs SAN FRANCISCO, June 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kargo, a leader in industrial artificial intelligence (AI) technology, announced an $18.4 million investment led by Matter Venture Partners, with participation from previous investors Sozo Ventures and Founders Fund, as well as existing customers and new strategic investors Lineage and Armada Supply Chain Solutions, LLC. Kargo also announced the successful rollout of its computer vision solution at 240 Armada dock doors to automate inventory management across the food supply chain provider's national network of warehouse hubs. "Comprehensive, proprietary data is the key to unlocking the full potential of AI. Kargo has become the trusted provider of inventory data to leading global supply chains. AI plays a critical role in supply chain integrity and we're helping customers across industries build their AI stack to connect their warehouses, back offices and customers," said Sam Lurye, founder and CEO of Kargo. "This capital investment enables Kargo to develop new products that connect supply chain data and rapidly expand our customer base." Kargo provides Kargo Towers and Kargo Lifts, integrated hardware and software solutions that automate freight data capture and verification. Kargo Towers are installed at warehouse loading docks or gateways, and use AI-powered cameras to gather information on freight labels, cases and product condition. Kargo's LLM structures the image data into coherent inventory information to flag exceptions (i.e. overages, shortages, damage or compliance concerns) in real-time. The Kargo Lift is purpose-built for forklifts and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and extends Kargo's AI capabilities to a new vantage point. By providing visual proof of the contents and condition of every pallet, Kargo supplies customers with accurate and timely inventory data. This deep technical moat has resulted in: 7x YoY Customer Growth: serving 25 customers, including Armada, Tyson, Lineage, Tillamook, Utz, Wayne Sanderson, Aurobindo, DB Schenker, and NFI. Currently, Kargo manages over 500 active towers and forklifts in the field. $200M of Inventory Processed Daily: handling approximately 20,000 pallets per day and 2M scans per week. 215% NRR: customers are quick to adopt, adapt and act on increased visibility to valuable supply chain data, typically doubling Kargo hardware deployments within the first year. 47 days from signature to go-live: Kargo's platform is built on the principles of rapid time-to-value and no change management. Kargo doesn't rely on customers' infrastructure to install their products, introducing minimal change to existing processes. "Kargo played a critical role in our ability to successfully implement AI in a meaningful way. We were live in under a month, significantly enhancing our inventory management. Our clients – predominantly large, multi-unit restaurant companies – benefited almost immediately from increased accuracy and traceability." said Rick Rover, President of Armada's warehouse division. "Our commitment to reliability, agility, and resilience ensures exceptional service that consistently benefits our clients." "Kargo is redefining how supply chains operate by making freight data visible, reliable, and actionable at scale," said Haomiao Huang, Founding Partner at Matter Venture Partners. "Their rapid customer adoption, real-world impact, and deep technical moat make them a category-defining company in logistics AI. We're proud to back Kargo as they build the modern infrastructure layer for the physical economy. About KargoKargo's mission is to create a universal interpreter for supply chains by using computer vision to connect the physical world of freight to the digital systems used to manage it. Kargo believes that applications of artificial intelligence like this are critical to a more efficient future for logistics. The Kargo system verifies all inbound and outbound freight in real-time, aggregating data, ensuring accuracy, and providing visibility that enables efficient warehouse operations and supply chain management. Kargo was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in San Francisco. To learn more, visit: About Matter Venture PartnersMatter Venture Partners is a venture capital firm dedicated to accelerating HardTech innovation—reshaping industries like semiconductors, robotics, AI infrastructure, and electrification. As experienced founders and investors, Matter combines capital with deep technical and operational expertise to help startups scale. The firm partners with strategic LPs and leverages a global supply chain network to support founders from early product-market fit through industrial-scale growth. Matter raised a $311 million inaugural fund in 2023 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. To learn more, visit: About ArmadaArmada Supply Chain Solutions creates innovative, data-driven, fully integrated supply chain solutions that improve business performance for our clients, enabling them to serve their customers best. We deliver supply chain solutions with extraordinary service, powered by technology, driven by analytics, operating at scale. We are revolutionizing the way supply chains are managed by creating resilient and agile networks to manage the challenges of today's market. Armada believes there's a better way – a better way rooted in transparency, advocacy, and ingenuity. To learn more, visit: View source version on Contacts Media Contact Julie Bishopjulie@
Business Wire
30-05-2025
- Business Wire
Odysee Unveils 'Portal' with Independent Media Alliance as Flagship Partner for New Decentralized Publishing Platform
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Odysee announces Portal, a groundbreaking decentralized publishing platform that will transform how independent media operates online. The Independent Media Alliance (IMA) — featuring prominent voices Whitney Webb, Derrick Broze, and Ryan Cristián of The Last American Vagabond — will serve as the flagship partner, operating as the first major Portal within Odysee's broader Decentralized Media Ecosystem (DME). "Platforms shouldn't decide what audiences see or how creators connect with their communities," said Chandra. "We believe decentralization offers a better path forward — one that puts power back in the hands of journalists and the public." Share Odysee Founder and CEO Julian Chandra states the IMA is intended to showcase how decentralized technologies can empower independent media to maintain direct relationships with their audiences, free from the editorial filters and algorithmic controls of centralized platforms. "Portal is about returning control to the creators," said Chandra. "The Independent Media Alliance shows how groups of journalists can build their own spaces, manage their own communities, and protect the integrity of their work without reliance on centralized platforms." A Response to Centralized Censorship The Independent Media Alliance emerges at a time of growing concern over censorship, deplatforming, and algorithmic suppression across major technology platforms. Many independent journalists argue that these dynamics restrict their ability to reach audiences, particularly on sensitive topics related to public health, foreign policy, and government accountability. Whitney Webb, an investigative journalist known for her reporting on intelligence agencies and global corporate networks, has consistently warned about the dangers of media consolidation. Through her platform Unlimited Hangout, Webb has produced long-form investigations that challenge dominant narratives and highlight underreported stories. "The online media landscape, despite the plummeting trust in mainstream media, has never been more weaponized and difficult to navigate," stated Webb. "By pooling our collective resources and creating some new resources, the goal is for this group of principled independent journalists and content creators, who have proven themselves over the past several years as willing to challenge official narratives even when difficult, to be able to withstand the increasing pressures of disseminating adversarial content in an increasingly adversarial social media landscape." Similarly, Derrick Broze, founder of The Conscious Resistance Network, has advocated for decentralized alternatives to mainstream platforms. "Together we have the power to maximize our reach and counter false solutions and narratives which are infecting the indie media and 'truth community'," Broze said in a recent public statement endorsing the IMA's mission. "We believe there has never been a more important time for independent, principled journalists and content creators to collaborate more than ever." The Last American Vagabond, led by Ryan Cristián, has gained a substantial following for its critical analysis of geopolitics, health freedom, and civil liberties. Cristián's work emphasizes the importance of transparency and the dangers of allowing centralized platforms to dictate the scope of public discourse. "At a time when objective, non-partisan media is under more attack than ever, and the two party illusion has never been more vulnerable, like the cornered animal it is, the system lashes out at those who try to change it," Cristián explains. "Whitney, Derrick and I decided to start this Independent Media Alliance to organize against this rising threat using objective, well-researched journalism and collaboration." The creation of the Independent Media Alliance represents a collective effort by these and other figures to reclaim control over their work and to engage directly with their audiences without external interference. The alliance will conduct regular panels and debates featuring members and guests, collaborative investigations, and content distribution through Portal to ensure it cannot be easily censored. Portal: A Decentralized Publishing Platform Portal, developed by the Odysee Team, is a decentralized publishing system designed to allow communities and organizations to manage their own spaces independently of traditional centralized platforms. Functionally similar to website-building tools but with significant advantages, Portal provides the technical infrastructure for creators to launch customizable websites in a decentralized environment where they retain full control. Rather than relying on external infrastructure, Portal users will be able to establish their own commenting systems, messaging functions, content moderation policies, monetization models, and customized site designs. The Independent Media Alliance will operate as one such Portal. By controlling the tools for community interaction, content hosting, and financial support, the IMA intends to minimize reliance on centralized intermediaries and maintain full editorial autonomy. The platform will serve as a key distribution channel for the alliance's collaborative investigations and content focused on countering narratives around the "false two-party paradigm, support for imperial wars, 5th Generation Warfare, and technocratic solutions to legitimate problems." The Odysee Team created Portal to offer organizations like the IMA a way to distribute and manage content without the risks of algorithmic suppression, deplatforming, or third-party moderation. Each Portal, including the IMA's, will function autonomously within the broader Decentralized Media Ecosystem. "Platforms shouldn't decide what audiences see or how creators connect with their communities," said Chandra. "We believe decentralization offers a better path forward — one that puts power back in the hands of journalists and the public." Key Advantages of Portal Portal offers several critical advantages over traditional publishing platforms: Content Sovereignty: Contributors retain legal ownership of their work unless explicitly transferred, making it ideal for collaborative publishing projects Contributor Autonomy: Self-publishing or submission workflows can be customized without complex plugins Enhanced Transparency: Built-in support for edit history and transparent moderation, with admins able to set their preferred level of openness Decentralized Architecture: Content can be optionally stored on immutable, censorship-resistant platforms like Arweave Structured Governance: Tailored for collectives or movements where multiple editors, contributors, and policies need to coexist Seamless DME Integration: Native compatibility with the broader Decentralized Media Ecosystem for content syndication and sharing A Growing Movement Toward Independent Infrastructure The formation of the Independent Media Alliance reflects a broader movement among journalists, content creators, and activists seeking to build their own resilient infrastructure for communication and community-building. As centralized platforms face increased criticism over content moderation practices and political influence, the need for independent alternatives has become more urgent. Those close to the project describe it as an effort to foster transparency, protect editorial independence, and create a sustainable alternative to traditional media channels. "You're seeing a lot of established prominent creators increasingly launching their own micro-communities where they communicate directly with their audience separate from larger platforms," notes Chandra. "We're enabling a return closer to the diverse internet landscape of the past, where there were many different websites rather than just a few that everybody visits today." Supporters argue that the Independent Media Alliance could serve as a model for how journalism can adapt to the challenges of the digital era — leveraging decentralized tools to maintain freedom of expression and ensure that critical reporting continues to reach audiences worldwide. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the success of initiatives like the Independent Media Alliance may signal a turning point for how journalism organizes itself in a decentralized future — a future less dependent on corporate platforms and more rooted in direct relationships between creators and their communities. About the Independent Media Alliance The Independent Media Alliance (IMA) brings together several established independent journalists and media platforms, including: Whitney Webb - Investigative journalist and founder of Unlimited Hangout, known for in-depth reporting on intelligence agencies and global corporate networks Derrick Broze - Founder of The Conscious Resistance Network, investigative journalist, documentary film maker and advocate for decentralized media solutions Ryan Cristián - Founder of The Last American Vagabond, focusing on geopolitics, health freedom, and civil liberties The alliance aims to create a sustainable model for independent journalism through decentralized technology, direct audience relationships, and collaborative approaches to newsgathering and distribution. About Odysee Odysee is a Web3 video-sharing platform committed to free speech and creator sovereignty, serving over 15 million users worldwide. Founded and led by Julian Chandra, Odysee was acquired by Forward Research in 2024 to accelerate its mission of building a resilient, censorship-resistant media infrastructure. Through its integration with decentralized technologies like Arweave, Odysee strengthens its promise of content permanence, transparency, and user control. Developed by the Odysee team, Portal is a decentralized publishing system that enables anyone to launch their own website or media hub with full ownership and no intermediaries. Creators and communities can independently control how their content is published, discovered, and monetized---without relying on centralized platforms or algorithms. As part of Odysee's broader Decentralized Media Ecosystem (DME), Portal empowers a new generation of independent media to thrive on their own terms.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Yahoo
Odysee Unveils 'Portal' with Independent Media Alliance as Flagship Partner for New Decentralized Publishing Platform
Led by Whitney Webb, Derrick Broze, and Ryan Cristián, the Independent Media Alliance will pioneer Odysee's revolutionary Portal technology in the emerging Decentralized Media Ecosystem NEW YORK, May 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Odysee announces Portal, a groundbreaking decentralized publishing platform that will transform how independent media operates online. The Independent Media Alliance (IMA) — featuring prominent voices Whitney Webb, Derrick Broze, and Ryan Cristián of The Last American Vagabond — will serve as the flagship partner, operating as the first major Portal within Odysee's broader Decentralized Media Ecosystem (DME). Odysee Founder and CEO Julian Chandra states the IMA is intended to showcase how decentralized technologies can empower independent media to maintain direct relationships with their audiences, free from the editorial filters and algorithmic controls of centralized platforms. "Portal is about returning control to the creators," said Chandra. "The Independent Media Alliance shows how groups of journalists can build their own spaces, manage their own communities, and protect the integrity of their work without reliance on centralized platforms." A Response to Centralized Censorship The Independent Media Alliance emerges at a time of growing concern over censorship, deplatforming, and algorithmic suppression across major technology platforms. Many independent journalists argue that these dynamics restrict their ability to reach audiences, particularly on sensitive topics related to public health, foreign policy, and government accountability. Whitney Webb, an investigative journalist known for her reporting on intelligence agencies and global corporate networks, has consistently warned about the dangers of media consolidation. Through her platform Unlimited Hangout, Webb has produced long-form investigations that challenge dominant narratives and highlight underreported stories. "The online media landscape, despite the plummeting trust in mainstream media, has never been more weaponized and difficult to navigate," stated Webb. "By pooling our collective resources and creating some new resources, the goal is for this group of principled independent journalists and content creators, who have proven themselves over the past several years as willing to challenge official narratives even when difficult, to be able to withstand the increasing pressures of disseminating adversarial content in an increasingly adversarial social media landscape." Similarly, Derrick Broze, founder of The Conscious Resistance Network, has advocated for decentralized alternatives to mainstream platforms. "Together we have the power to maximize our reach and counter false solutions and narratives which are infecting the indie media and 'truth community'," Broze said in a recent public statement endorsing the IMA's mission. "We believe there has never been a more important time for independent, principled journalists and content creators to collaborate more than ever." The Last American Vagabond, led by Ryan Cristián, has gained a substantial following for its critical analysis of geopolitics, health freedom, and civil liberties. Cristián's work emphasizes the importance of transparency and the dangers of allowing centralized platforms to dictate the scope of public discourse. "At a time when objective, non-partisan media is under more attack than ever, and the two party illusion has never been more vulnerable, like the cornered animal it is, the system lashes out at those who try to change it," Cristián explains. "Whitney, Derrick and I decided to start this Independent Media Alliance to organize against this rising threat using objective, well-researched journalism and collaboration." The creation of the Independent Media Alliance represents a collective effort by these and other figures to reclaim control over their work and to engage directly with their audiences without external interference. The alliance will conduct regular panels and debates featuring members and guests, collaborative investigations, and content distribution through Portal to ensure it cannot be easily censored. Portal: A Decentralized Publishing Platform Portal, developed by the Odysee Team, is a decentralized publishing system designed to allow communities and organizations to manage their own spaces independently of traditional centralized platforms. Functionally similar to website-building tools but with significant advantages, Portal provides the technical infrastructure for creators to launch customizable websites in a decentralized environment where they retain full control. Rather than relying on external infrastructure, Portal users will be able to establish their own commenting systems, messaging functions, content moderation policies, monetization models, and customized site designs. The Independent Media Alliance will operate as one such Portal. By controlling the tools for community interaction, content hosting, and financial support, the IMA intends to minimize reliance on centralized intermediaries and maintain full editorial autonomy. The platform will serve as a key distribution channel for the alliance's collaborative investigations and content focused on countering narratives around the "false two-party paradigm, support for imperial wars, 5th Generation Warfare, and technocratic solutions to legitimate problems." The Odysee Team created Portal to offer organizations like the IMA a way to distribute and manage content without the risks of algorithmic suppression, deplatforming, or third-party moderation. Each Portal, including the IMA's, will function autonomously within the broader Decentralized Media Ecosystem. "Platforms shouldn't decide what audiences see or how creators connect with their communities," said Chandra. "We believe decentralization offers a better path forward — one that puts power back in the hands of journalists and the public." Key Advantages of Portal Portal offers several critical advantages over traditional publishing platforms: Content Sovereignty: Contributors retain legal ownership of their work unless explicitly transferred, making it ideal for collaborative publishing projects Contributor Autonomy: Self-publishing or submission workflows can be customized without complex plugins Enhanced Transparency: Built-in support for edit history and transparent moderation, with admins able to set their preferred level of openness Decentralized Architecture: Content can be optionally stored on immutable, censorship-resistant platforms like Arweave Structured Governance: Tailored for collectives or movements where multiple editors, contributors, and policies need to coexist Seamless DME Integration: Native compatibility with the broader Decentralized Media Ecosystem for content syndication and sharing A Growing Movement Toward Independent Infrastructure The formation of the Independent Media Alliance reflects a broader movement among journalists, content creators, and activists seeking to build their own resilient infrastructure for communication and community-building. As centralized platforms face increased criticism over content moderation practices and political influence, the need for independent alternatives has become more urgent. Those close to the project describe it as an effort to foster transparency, protect editorial independence, and create a sustainable alternative to traditional media channels. "You're seeing a lot of established prominent creators increasingly launching their own micro-communities where they communicate directly with their audience separate from larger platforms," notes Chandra. "We're enabling a return closer to the diverse internet landscape of the past, where there were many different websites rather than just a few that everybody visits today." Supporters argue that the Independent Media Alliance could serve as a model for how journalism can adapt to the challenges of the digital era — leveraging decentralized tools to maintain freedom of expression and ensure that critical reporting continues to reach audiences worldwide. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the success of initiatives like the Independent Media Alliance may signal a turning point for how journalism organizes itself in a decentralized future — a future less dependent on corporate platforms and more rooted in direct relationships between creators and their communities. About the Independent Media Alliance The Independent Media Alliance (IMA) brings together several established independent journalists and media platforms, including: Whitney Webb - Investigative journalist and founder of Unlimited Hangout, known for in-depth reporting on intelligence agencies and global corporate networks Derrick Broze - Founder of The Conscious Resistance Network, investigative journalist, documentary film maker and advocate for decentralized media solutions Ryan Cristián - Founder of The Last American Vagabond, focusing on geopolitics, health freedom, and civil liberties The alliance aims to create a sustainable model for independent journalism through decentralized technology, direct audience relationships, and collaborative approaches to newsgathering and distribution. About Odysee Odysee is a Web3 video-sharing platform committed to free speech and creator sovereignty, serving over 15 million users worldwide. Founded and led by Julian Chandra, Odysee was acquired by Forward Research in 2024 to accelerate its mission of building a resilient, censorship-resistant media infrastructure. Through its integration with decentralized technologies like Arweave, Odysee strengthens its promise of content permanence, transparency, and user control. Developed by the Odysee team, Portal is a decentralized publishing system that enables anyone to launch their own website or media hub with full ownership and no intermediaries. Creators and communities can independently control how their content is published, discovered, and monetized---without relying on centralized platforms or algorithms. As part of Odysee's broader Decentralized Media Ecosystem (DME), Portal empowers a new generation of independent media to thrive on their own terms. View source version on Contacts Press Contact: contact@
