Comparison of Approaches to Automated Terminals: USA vs. Europe

The paper presents a comparison of the decision criteria and approaches used for planning of semi-and fully-automated terminals in the USA as compared to Europe. The paper presented a comparison of the variations in drivers and decisions made with regard to semi- and fully-automated terminals in the USA as compared to Europe. While both Europe and USA both prefer end-loaded ARMG, there is a greater variation in preference for automated transport. Recent orders from USA now include full automation for the first time and show a more aggressive approach to automation than was taken in the past. We herein summarize the equipment orders to date by world region, and show representative calculations of alternatives. The paper considers the specific audience of Civil Engineers in the USA who are interested in learning about relevant technical issues that will help them be better planners and designers of these facilities. Specific areas of focus include: equipment choice, drivers for operating mode decision-making, and projections of total use by equipment type. Helpful charts and graphics are included to provide an overview in the critical differences in the various facility choices such as variation in capital and operational costs by equipment option and operating cost impacts of transfer vehicle choice. Last, a review of the technical planning tools will be presented, including simulation, emulation and site-civil sketches.