Towards AI driven environmental sustainability: an application of automated logistics in container port terminals

Abstract

Artificial intelligence and data analytics capabilities have enabled the introduction of automation, such as robotics and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), across different sectors of the production spectrum which successively has profound implications for operational efficiency and productivity. However, the environmental sustainability implications of such innovations have not been yet extensively addressed in the extant literature. This study evaluates the use of AGVs in container terminals by investigating the environmental sustainability gains that arise from the adoption of artificial intelligence and automation for shoreside operations at freight ports. Through a comprehensive literature review, we reveal this research gap across the use of artificial intelligence and decision support systems as well as optimization models. A real-world container terminal is used, as a case study in a simulation environment, on Europe's fastest-growing container port (Piraeus), to quantify the environmental benefits related to routing scenarios via different types of AGVs. Our study contributes to the cross-section of operations management and artificial intelligence literature by articulating design principles to inform effective digital technology interventions at non-automated port terminals, both at operational and management levels.

Supplier selection to support environmental sustainability: the stratified BWM TOPSIS method

“…Innovation for sustainability is becoming an integral part of the long-term strategies of organisations (Cui et al, 2021;Tsolakis et al, 2021). With the emphasis which governments and society put on the environmental aspects of innovation for sustainability, the growth of IES as a distinct field in the literature is not a surprise (Ecer & Pamucar, 2020).…”

Smart Business and the Social Value of AI

“…Looking at the downstream operations B2B firms cooperate with distribution partners and retailers to deliver their goods to end-users. In logistics, AI and ML use the RFID and blockchain to track materials, components, and products throughout the value chain to optimize and automate the schedule of deliveries (Tsolakis, Zissis, Papaefthimiou, & Korfiatis, 2021). Operations in large logistics hubs, such as for example Port of Rotterdam, rely on autonomous navigation and Automated Guided Vehicles, and use AI analytics for optimization and container management.…”

“…Circular economy is a closely associated concept: the idea that thanks to smart (re)use, recycling of materials in production, distribution, and consumption we can improve environmental quality (Ren et al, 2019). AI automation and the developments in robotics improve the operational efficiency in logistics, and help lower the total global warming effect of CO 2 emissions (Tsolakis et al, 2021). Finally, Google has used AI to anticipate temperature changes in its data centres and adjust air conditioning settings, which led to 15% reduction in their overall energy consumption.…”

Inovação no Setor Portuário à Luz da Avaliação de Desempenho: uma Revisão de Literatura

“…A primeira mudança relatada foi referente ao foco. Bititci et al (2012) ), automação (ACCIARO et al, 2018TSOLAKIS et al, 2021) e tecnologias da informação (ARDUINO et al, 2013;CHEN et al, 2018), focando em controles objetivos e técnicos, negligenciando qualquer tipo de controle cultural e de aprendizagem. A pesquisa de O resultado da análise, segundo a variável avançada de nível do SAD, é ilustrado na Figura 3.…”