Neousys highlights how its diverse range of embedded computing solutions caters to the needs of the seaport automation sector.
Neousys offers products in various sizes,from compact to ultra-compact,with options for both GPU-accelerated and non-GPU computing.
Key features include compatibility with a wide array of power and temperature specifications, along with IP67 waterproofing. For particularly harsh environments, Neousys provides extremely rugged computers constructed from monoblock stainless steel chassis.
explore the case study below for further insights.
Industry Insights
The world’s busiest ports handle between 500 million to 1 billion tons of cargo annually.Deepwater ports are equipped to accommodate the largest cargo vessels, capable of carrying up to 24,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and ensuring rapid turnaround times for ships. Most ports feature multiple entry and exit points, operating every day of the year, around the clock. The scale of manpower required to maintain such operations is staggering.
Challenges in Operations
While efficiently moving ships in and out is crucial, the real challenge lies in managing the millions of tons of containers once they are unloaded. With cranes continuously offloading containers, each weighing up to 28 tons (25,400 kg), the logistics of transporting, placing, and tracking these containers is complex. Even if a cargo ship carries only half of its capacity, dock workers may still need to unload around 10,000 teus.
Innovative solutions
The journey toward seaport digitization began in the early 1990s, but the technological capabilities available for port applications have considerably evolved since then. One of the most notable advancements is crane automation, which allows for remote control of cranes. This innovation offers multiple benefits: it reduces the need for skilled crane operators, enhances safety by minimizing the need for operators to climb in and out of crane cockpits, saves time, and provides operators with greater adaptability, such as easier access to breaks.
Remote crane operation ensures that operators can work with peace of mind, knowing that facilities like restrooms are conveniently located nearby, rather than far away from their stations.
Another critical aspect of seaport digitization is the transportation of containers.Traditionally, this required a driver to maneuver the carrier to the designated location. Earlier attempts at automation involved magnetic strip-guided vehicles, but these systems necessitated extensive modifications to the port infrastructure and ongoing maintenance.
Today,offloaded containers are transported by Bright Guided Vehicles (IGVs) equipped with cameras,sensors,lidars,and radars. These vehicles can autonomously navigate, avoid obstacles, and deliver containers to their designated spots. The IGV system tracks the exact timing and location of each container pickup and drop-off, with all data relayed to the main control room.
The integration of these two automation systems enhances safety,boosts efficiency,reduces labor costs,and leads to important savings.
Neousys Embedded Computing Solutions
In crane cockpits, embedded computers must connect to multiple cameras, ideally via USB or Power over Ethernet (PoE), as power sources are limited. These systems need to provide a complete view of the container from various angles during the offloading process,as the crane’s approach angle is critical.Additionally, the ability to operate under a wide range of temperatures and withstand harsh environmental conditions is essential.
For IGVs, the computing requirements are similar to those of vehicle computers. Key considerations include connectivity to sensors, lidars, cameras, and wireless communication modules, as well as durability against shock and vibration.
Neousys provides a variety of embedded computers, from GPU-accelerated to non-GPU options, and from ultra-compact to compact designs. Their products feature wide-ranging power and temperature compatibility, along with IP67 waterproofing. The extreme rugged computers, made from monoblock stainless steel, are specifically designed for the most challenging environments, ensuring that there is an embedded platform suitable for every seaport automation requirement.
Advantages of Neousys Embedded Solutions
Neousys rugged embedded platforms offer numerous benefits:
Environmental Resilience
- IP67-rated water and dustproof GPU computers
- Extremely rugged systems for volatile environmental conditions
- Operational temperature range from -25°C to 70°C for harsh environments
- Patented cassette design to minimize thermal and electrical interference
- Tri-axis tested damping brackets to endure shock and vibration
- Ultra-compact VTC systems designed for tight spaces
Connectivity and Expandability
- PoE+ connectivity for GigE cameras
- USB 3.1 Gen1/Gen2 ports for USB cameras
- Screw-lock connection ports for enhanced ruggedness
- WiFi 6, WiFi 5, 5G, and 4G wireless communication options, with mini-PCIe module expansion
Processing Power for Inference
- Support for dual NVIDIA® RTX 30 series graphics cards
- Compatibility with NVIDIA® RTX 3080 graphics cards
- Support for NVIDIA® Tesla/Quadro inference accelerators
Electrical Features
- Patented SuperCAP UPS to mitigate unexpected power outages
- Wide-range DC input capabilities
Expansion Options
- PCIe expansion slots
- PCI expansion options
- mini-PCIe expansion capabilities
- M.2 B/E key expansion
- Ignition control features
- MezIO digital I/O, COM, Ethernet, and USB interfaces
