Ports and container terminals are among the most complex and resource-intensive industrial zones in the world. Heavy vehicles, towering metal structures, and unpredictable human activity all coexist in tight, constantly shifting environments. These dynamics not only challenge safety—but also pose significant barriers to sustainability.
AUMOVIO Engineering Solutions partnered with FERNRIDE to take a meaningful step toward ethical terminal logistics. By optimizing radar perception systems on autonomous trucks, we enable low-emission, efficient, and safe port operations, even under the harshest conditions.
AUMOVIO Engineering Solutions partnered with FERNRIDE to take a meaningful step toward ethical terminal logistics. By optimizing radar perception systems on autonomous trucks, we enable low-emission, efficient, and safe port operations, even under the harshest conditions.
“Container terminals are a difficult radar environment—but also a critical use case for low-emission, autonomous solutions. Working with AUMOVIO Engineering Solutions, we developed radar systems that reliably perceive and track in highly reflective, cluttered settings. This is key for safe and energy-efficient autonomous operations.”
— Stan Hristov, Principal Engineer, FERNRIDE
Smart radar engineering that supports sustainability
AUMOVIO Engineering Solutions’ approach begins with ethical design principles: precision, reliability, and adaptability. By selecting radar hardware and optimizing sensor placement specific to terminal layouts and traffic flows, we reduce unnecessary vehicle movements, idling, and energy use. The ARS430 Long Range Radar was selected for its balance of detection performance and compact integration—ensuring energy-efficient sensing without compromising on safety or coverage.
This radar enables automated terminal tractors to detect pedestrians, vehicles, and obstacles in blind spots, improving not only operational efficiency but also reducing the likelihood of collisions and delays that consume additional fuel and resources.
Real-world data: grounded in environmental realities
In pursuit of sustainability, data is power. AUMOVIO Engineering Solutions conducted on-site data campaigns in Tallinn, Estonia, capturing radar signals in live operational settings. This helped identify real-world emission and safety hotspots, enabling the system to be tuned for maximum impact.
Through a flexible data acquisition kit, FERNRIDE gained the ability to collect radar data independently—allowing them to refine performance in edge scenarios like poor weather or unusual container layouts, with minimal additional testing infrastructure or energy consumption.
Algorithms engineered for resilient, low-impact logistics
Sustainability in automation isn’t just about electrification—it’s about intelligent software that prevents waste, maximizes uptime, and protects workers. AUMOVIO Engineering Solutions developed modular, adaptive algorithms capable of:
- Tracking multiple moving actors in real time—even in crowded, metal-rich environments.
- Distinguishing between cranes, pedestrians, and vehicles to improve situational awareness.
- Converting radar “noise” from environmental reflections into actionable perception insights.
- Tracking multiple moving actors in real time—even in crowded, metal-rich environments.
- Distinguishing between cranes, pedestrians, and vehicles to improve situational awareness.
- Converting radar “noise” from environmental reflections into actionable perception insights.
By handling weather, occlusions, and dynamic loading scenarios, these algorithms make it possible for autonomous systems to remain functional and safe—reducing human risk and operational downtime.
Engineering collaboration for environmental impact
True sustainability comes from interdisciplinary collaboration. AUMOVIO Engineering Solutions‘ engineers worked hand-in-hand with FERNRIDE across design, deployment, and validation. Our radar systems not only support their autonomous vehicle architecture, but align with their sustainability vision: zero-emission yard logistics powered by automation and clean energy.
“Radar technology must work in the real world—not just in labs. Our experience across automotive and industrial sectors helped us design perception systems that are rugged, safe, and energy-efficient.”
— Cagatay Erbatur, Radar Perception Specialist, AUMOVIO Engineering Solutions
TÜV-certified safety, with sustainability in mind
FERNRIDE became the first to achieve TÜV certification for autonomous terminal trucks, with AUMOVIO radar solutions forming a critical part of the safety system. This certification is not only a milestone for automation—but also for safe, green logistics. Safety, after all, is a foundation for sustainability.
By enabling automation in complex industrial ecosystems, we contribute to a broader goal: a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a safer working environment, and a scalable model for resilient port logistics worldwide.
Looking ahead: automation for a better tomorrow
What began as a radar optimization project has evolved into a shared journey toward sustainability. As ports around the world search for ways to decarbonize, improve safety, and manage workforce challenges, automated systems with smart perception offer a clear path forward.