We present NEPHELE Use Case 2: AI-assisted logistics operations based on the digital twin of the port. The Port of Koper handles over a million TEUs annually. Behind this bustling activity lies a complex logistics challenge affecting efficiency, costs, and environmental impact. Everyday, cargo containers must be efficiently routed from terminal yards to container freight stations within the port area, where cargo is loaded and unloaded. Traditional logistics operations face critical challenges: suboptimal routing leading to delays, higher CO2 emissions from inefficient vehicle utilization, limited real-time visibility, and reactive operational decisions. Current best practices rely on manual planning and static schedules, lacking real-time intelligence needed for optimal decision-making. The NEPHELE solution targets measurable improvements:
- Up to 5% faster delivery times.
- Up to 5% improvement in vehicle utilization.
- A maximum of two delivery errors per day.
- Up to 5% reduction in CO2 emissions.
- Reduced operational costs and improved workforce safety.
At the heart of our solution is a comprehensive digital twin, a real-time virtual replica of the port ecosystem. Our digital twin operates across five intelligent layers:
- Data collection from IoT sensors and cameras.
- AI-powered processing using cloud, edge, and far-edge computing.
- Interactive visualization providing real-time insights.
- Predictive simulation anticipating congestion.
- Intelligent decision support for automated coordination.
Advanced AI algorithms analyze multiple data streams to optimize container routing, considering safety rules, cargo sensitivity, and real-time traffic conditions. The system is built on cutting-edge technology including a private 5G network, industrial IoT devices, time-sensitive networking, and our Virtual Object Stack. Implementation involves installing industrial IoT devices on port vehicles and strategic locations, deploying 5G connectivity infrastructure, and implementing secure data processing and energy-efficient edge computing capabilities. Our pilot deployment at the Port of Koper has provided valuable real-world insights. Initial results show promising improvements in operational efficiency, with the system successfully handling container routing scenarios while providing enhanced environmental monitoring. The NEPHELE solution has demonstrated significant potential for transforming port logistics operations. The real-time visibility and AI-driven optimization capabilities represent a major step forward in port digitalization, assuring more efficient and sustainable operations. NEPHELE's AI-assisted logistics operations, powered by digital twin technology, represent the future of smart port operations: more efficient, more sustainable, and more intelligent.