The project partners intend to use the state funding to procure systems such as drones and walking robots to monitor the condition of the port's superstructure or an autonomous ship demonstrator. The intelligent networking of these systems via a cooperation platform is intended to optimize processes in the port and increase the security and resilience of (digital) infrastructures in maritime logistics. To this end, the partners want to apply for and implement projects together with the port industry in order to transfer the scientific findings into practice as quickly as possible.
At DFKI Bremen, the focus is on developing a control center platform capable of monitoring, visualizing and managing both physical and virtual processes within the Smart Port. This includes virtual processes based on digital twins, such as the modeling of secure logistics processes, resilient IT infrastructures and robust network structures. In addition, the platform enables the control of real-world processes, such as the operation of (prototypical) robotic and drone applications. Furthermore, the control center, in conjunction with corresponding – partly mobile – control stations of the collaborating partners, facilitates the integration and presentation of cross-partner developments. It also serves as a platform for demonstrating newly developed solutions at partner locations.
In addition to DFKI, other Bremen research institutions are involved in the Smartport Living Lab. The Bremen Institute for Production and Logistics (BIBA) is developing drone and robot solutions for automated condition monitoring of port superstructures. The Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) focuses on process optimization, resilience and port security. TOPAS Industriemathematik is setting up a test field for autonomous systems to test new technologies under realistic conditions. Another partner is the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Bremerhaven.
By working closely with the port industry, the Smartport Living Lab creates a development environment in which scientific findings can be quickly translated into practical applications. The project is thus making an important contribution to the digital transformation of maritime logistics and to the safety, efficiency and sustainability of port operations.
