Qingdao Port's autonomous snow spreader to combat extreme weather

The Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) snow removal and de-icing spreader, independently developed by Shandong Port Group's (SPG) Qingdao Port, successfully cleared the port's snow-covered roads on Jan 18, ensuring uninterrupted operations and improved safety.

As a leading innovation from Qingdao Port, the vehicle incorporates advanced technologies, including system collaborative dispatching, autonomous driving, and automated spreader control. These advancements offer significant benefits over traditional manual snow removal methods.

By interfacing with the Automated Terminal Operating System (A-TOS) and the Automated Equipment Control System (A-ECS), the vehicle generates optimal routes that do not interfere ongoing port traffic. Even in extreme weather, the AGV maintains high-speed, efficient performance. Its intelligent sensors allow it to adjust the de-icing agent dosage based on road snow depth, vehicle speed, and lane width, effectively reducing material waste.

With a payload of 10 metric tons, the high-capacity spreader uses opportunity charging technology to remain operational for extended periods. It can cover the 148,000-square-meter operation zone in under one hour. Previously, the same workload required over 30 personnel and 10 hours of labor using four loaders and three small spreaders. Additionally, the shift to man-machine separation has significantly reduced safety risks for port staff.

This successful deployment marks a major advancement in Qingdao Port's mission to develop a world-class, all-weather smart terminal.