HHLA and CML Complete Project “Pin-Handling-mR”

The Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) and the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services (CML) have successfully completed the research project “Pin-Handling-mR”. The aim of the IHATEC project was to develop a mobile robot that automates the manual repositioning of locking pins on container wagons. The innovative solution for rail handling was tested under real conditions at the HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT).

(Hamburg) At the closing event on April 1, 2025, HHLA, together with Fraunhofer CML, presented the project results at the CTT. It was demonstrated how a specially developed robot can take over the manual repositioning of pins from container wagons at terminals. The autonomous system, which is controlled via a control station developed by HHLA Sky, navigates independently along the container train and positions the necessary pins precisely and efficiently using its robotic arm.

Currently, the handling of the pins before loading trains is still done manually. They are installed at different positions on the container wagons and must be opened or closed depending on the container size. Although the system is not yet ready for production, the research project has established a significant foundation for the further development process. In a potential follow-up project, the technology could be further optimized and brought to market readiness to enable economic and operational use in practice.

Automation of Rail Handling is Technically Feasible

Pablo Rossio, HHLA Project Manager: “This research project has shown: The automation of pin handling in rail handling is technically feasible. The insights gained now form the basis for further evaluation of operational use. Thanks to the company-wide networking in the project – from our container terminals to HHLA Sky and the railway subsidiary Metrans – we were able to pool our expertise to make terminal processes more efficient and safer. In the next step, we want to specifically further develop this technology to enable its use in operational operations.”

Johann Bergmann, Team Leader Port Technologies: “We are pleased with the successful completion of the joint project: The robot receives mission data from a control station, navigates independently along the train, and moves the previously detected pins using a magnetic gripper. The system components were initially simulated and then tested on a demonstrator in the laboratory. Particularly noteworthy is the interplay of standardized hardware and a Robot Operating System (ROS)-based software architecture, which were specifically tailored to the requirements of this particular process.”

HHLA took on the role of project coordinator and accompanied the project with its subsidiaries HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort, HHLA Sky, Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), and Metrans. The use of the robot was tested under real conditions at the CTT. Fraunhofer CML was responsible for the conception and development of the mobile robotics system. This also includes the selection and procurement of suitable hardware components, their integration into the overall solution, and system testing.

In the Funding Program of the BMDV

The project was funded as part of the funding program for Innovative Port Technologies (IHATEC) by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). The aim of this initiative is to promote innovations in port technologies in the field of autonomous systems and automated technologies.

Photo: © HHLA/Thies Rätzke / Image Caption: Mobile robot for automating the repositioning of pins on container wagons at the HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort