Agent based simulation for C-AGVs at Intermodal Terminal

Sammanfattning: In recent history there has been a steady increase in container traffic worldwide. As a result modern western Container Terminal ports are turning towards automation to raise their productivity, capacity and reliability. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are among the most commonly used solutions for horizontal transport within a container terminal. A more recent development in the automated container handling is the use of cassette based or C-AGVs. The latest generation of which provides a zero emission, all electric solution through the use of induction recharge points in the terminal area. The Multi-Agent System (MAS) based simulation model provides a method for evaluating dispatching strategies for this newest generation of C-AGVs. The location and number of recharge points, cassettes, yard and quay cranes as well as the paths containers have to travel are all included in the model. The NetLogo based simulator will be used to compare existing dispatching strategies, modified versions of them, or develop and test new ones. The simulator will also simulate different scenarios, which are described in the later chapters, and can thus be used to determine the best configuration and investment plan in a highly complex domain like a Container Terminal.