Kalmar has unveiled a new automation platform with open interfaces to accelerate development in the container shipping industry.

The new Kalmar Key platform offers a common system architecture to create an end-to-end and customised automation platform based on the Kalmar Terminal Logistics System (TLS).

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It also aims to provide a joint network for organisations to continue business development within the industry.

Kalmar Key is designed to open the application interfaces to the Kalmar TLS, as well as allows container terminal operators to modify their automation deployments and use third-party developers to offer services that are interoperable with the automation platform.

Customers are expected to be able to integrate any new system and equipment into their existing automation system using the new solution.

Furthermore, Kalmar Key facilitates the collection of data from different sources into a single interface.

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The consolidated data platform will allow users to make faster and more informed decisions to improve the efficiency of their operations.

"We want to speed up the industry transformation of container shipping by offering our customers an automation platform they can utilise in their development."

Kalmar president Antti Kaunonen said: “We want to speed up the industry transformation of container shipping by offering our customers an automation platform they can utilise in their development.

“One of the most important factors holding back our industry today is the lack of global commercial standards for terminal automation.

"Until now, most terminal automation systems have been based on extensive integration of various subsystems and solutions, and each deployment has been more or less unique.

“Now we have a common open platform to build on, allowing us to adopt a systemic approach in designing terminal automation.”

In a separate development, Kalmar has also introduced an automation-ready platform to help improve intermodal or container terminal operations.

The new Kalmar Rail Mounted Gantry Crane (RMG) features a 20m-55m rail span and a lifting capacity of 65t. It also has an outreach of up to 18m.

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