The second and third paradigms crea

The second and third paradigms create many logistical challenges
for container terminals. An analogous situation to having
a static crane and the containers moving can be found in warehouses
and distribution centers where a picker moves to access
stored loads. Modern warehouses use MHE to bring the required
loads to the picker. Examples of such material handling equipment
are automated storage/retrieval systems, carrousels, conveyors,
and Kiva systems. Interestingly, modern container terminals are
focusing on improving the speed of the gantry cranes (pickers) instead
of having the required containers (loads) move to the picker.
Clearly, the biggest difference between warehouses and container
terminals’ storage yards is the weight of the loads. However, to
our understanding the necessary MHE to challenge the current
paradigm already exists. Interestingly, a system of well managed
straddle carriers may be analogous to an autonomous containers’
system.