Exploring the Potential Adoption of Collaborative Autonomous Material Handling Vehicles/Robots in Non-Containerized Cargo Ports

Material-handling vehicles are increasingly being automated with varying levels of autonomy for various applications along the supply chain. In a port context, automation is typically associated with fully automated container terminals, requiring significant investments, extended installation times, and limited flexibility with dedicated workflow. However, partially automated solutions are now available, offering relatively affordable alternatives while remaining highly flexible and adaptable to various material flows through the port transit, such as collaborative Autonomous Mobile Robots increasingly used in factories, warehouses, and distribution centers but less prevalent in port. This article explores the potential adoption of collaborative robotic systems in ports for handling non-containerized goods, aiming to improve productivity and operational flexibility. These robots aim to reduce unproductive travel times and greenhouse gas emissions while assisting human operators in the autonomous manipulation and transport of goods from one point to another, facilitating and streamlining operations. The study begins by exploring the horizontal movements of goods in the manufacturing and distribution sector, carried out by various types of Autonomous Material Handling Vehicles. Subsequently, it examines handling practices in the internal flows of a port (intralogistics), typically carried out by non-autonomous mechanical equipment, operator staff in traditional ports, or by high-tech equipment in a minority of fully automated container terminals. Finally, the article discusses the potential for adopting autonomous handling practices observed in the manufacturing and distribution sector towards port intralogistics transport.