Vision for Innovative Transport (VIT)

Delft - June 1 - 2008

As of June 1st, 2008, Systems Navigator is a member of the EU-Consortium for the EU-sponsored Project Vision for Innovative Transport (VIT). The VIT project is about the development of computer vision technologies for an innovative system for intermodal shipment of containers and swap bodies called Metrocargo. This system will setup a network of terminals distributed in the territory connected by scheduled freight trains. Containers will be transferred from one train to another as for passenger traffic. Loading will be done horizontally under the electric feeding line, without shunting the train to a load yard with diesel traction. The time required to load a train will be 40 minutes instead of the curent 8-12 hours. It is forseen that 10% of the current long distance road traffic can be transferred to rail with comparable delivery time and lower costs. The modules developed within VIT will be integrated in Metrocargo. Computer vision is the key technology enabling the design and implementation of comprehensive SW modules covering automation, safety, and security. A high degree of automation guarantees the processing speed that makes the loading system practically viable and economic sound. In addition, VIT will ensure human safety when human presence is detected in dangerous areas and security of the infrastructure. All processes describing arrival of containers, load/unload, movement to a buffer zone, as well as automation- and security issues will be set up in a simulation model to support design, operational and saftey issues and risk assessment - a task conducted by Systems Navigator. The VIT-Project will run run to December 31st, 2009. Other members of the EU-Consortium are:

  • ILOG Iniziative Logistiche, Italy
  • Molinari Rail AG, Switzerland
  • Witt Industrielektronik GmbH, Germany
  • Systems Navigator, Netherlands
  • SAT, Germany
  • University of Genova, Italy
  • Speed Poland, Poland
  • IMAVIS, Italy
  • University of Dundee, Scotland

A simulation model to show the fundamental processes can be seen here, also with an animation showing the loading and unloading of containers.

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