Automatic Guided Vehicles Introduction Impacts to Roll-On/Roll-Off Terminals: Simulation and Cost Model Analysis

Sang Hyung Park,Sohyun Yun,Sihyun Kim,Jeho Hwang,Michele Simoni

doi:10.1155/2022/6062840

Sang Hyung Park, Sohyun Yun + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6062840

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Abstract

Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) have been successfully applied to cargo terminals to reduce operating costs and improve productivity. However, the focus was on container terminal operations. Ports with roll-on/roll-off (RORO) terminals still heavily depend on human resources for the loading/unloading processes. Work operations are affected by human errors and safety issues. In particular, terminals where vehicles cannot be stacked pressure workers to handle cargo more rapidly, which induces more errors. In this study, we propose automating RORO terminal operations by using AGVs. We assessed the impact of AGVs on the productivity, cost efficiency, and environment. A series of simulation models was developed on the basis of the current loading system at an actual port to test the impact of AGVs. Then, we developed a cost model to analyze the economic benefit of AGVs compared with the current loading system. The environmental benefits were also analyzed. Results revealed that a system using 29 AGVs matched the productivity of the current loading system, and using more AGVs increased the productivity. For a given productivity level, the total operating cost of the AGV system was three times less than that of the current system over a 15-year period. The AGV system also showed great potential for improving the environmental friendliness of terminal operations. This is the first study to propose automating RORO terminal operations to improve productivity and sustainability through AGV technology rather than human factors. AGVs are expected to become a good option in the future to address labor shortages and the “untact” era.

Highlights

Seaports are one of the most important elements of a country’s economy and play an important role in international commerce and trade [1]. ey handle commercial cargo, and are centers of economic activity [2]
Past literature did not consider automating the operation in RORO terminal. erefore, in this study, we developed a series of simulation models to test the loading system in the RORO terminal and suggest the automation with Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) for the first time
Simulation Results. e results of the simulation models were compared for the current loading system, AGV loading system scenario 1, and AGV loading system scenario 2

Summary

Introduction

Seaports are one of the most important elements of a country’s economy and play an important role in international commerce and trade [1]. ey handle commercial cargo, and are centers of economic activity [2]. E increased competition in the port industry has encouraged the development of automated terminals to reduce operating costs and improve productivity, safety, and environmental sustainability [4]. E greatest proponents of automation in the port domain are container terminals [5]. Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) terminals are still heavily dependent on human resources because drivers have to move vehicles one by one. Vehicles in the terminal cannot be stacked, so workers are under pressure to complete tasks quickly in the given time [6]. A significant element of automated terminals is AGVs. Automated container terminals using AGVs have seen many benefits such as reduced costs and improved productivity, safety, and environment [5].

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