The solution should result in significant time savings and reduce the reliance on manual labour for the container inspection process, hence improving the depot’s handling capacity. The solution should also reduce/eliminate risky activities such as working at height or movement under the container trailer chassis. Being able to remotely/autonomously inspect the containers will make the job more attractive too.
Background
There are about 11 shipping container depot operators in Singapore, operating around 20 container depot yards. At each of these yards, the inspection of containers (20 ft and 40 ft) for defects is carried out manually by a surveyor, in accordance to standards such as the Technical Reference 39 (TR 39 [1], developed by the Singapore Standards Council, Logistics Technical Committee), Cargo Worthy Standards by Shipping Lines or relevant IICL Standards (Institute of International Container Lessors). On average, about 3 to 5 surveyors are deployed to inspect containers at each of the container depot yards.
Existing Process
On average, about 100 to 200 containers are inspected daily for defects or damages. Generally, about 30 to 40% of the containers are expected to have some form of defects or damages that should be detected and identified.
The existing inspection process is carried out by visual survey on all visible areas of the container, interior and exterior.The estimated time taken to inspect each container may range from 5 to 10 mins (no defects), 20 minutes (minor defects) and up to around 40 minutes (serious defects). Inspection is typically carried out under daylight with containers mounted on trailers. Common defects or damages may include dents, deformations, or visible spillages of liquids.
Further details on the reporting criteria for conditions of containers can be found in TR 39 [1].
As the inspection may include some work at heights, the appropriate safety considerations for fall prevention would have to be put in place. Other challenges include inspection of the undersides of container surfaces which may be obscured from view unless the surveyor accesses under the trailer chassis.
The solution sought should be able to inspect the container autonomously or remotely, effectively detect, assess and classify the defects on containers and tag the findings to the containers based on their identification numbers. Ideally, the number of surveyors required per inspection yard should be reduced to 1 or 2.
[1] TR 39:2015 - Technical Reference – Freight container equipment interchange receipt, Singapore Standards Council, Enterprise Singapore
Requirements
There are no restrictions to the types of technology deployed, including drones, gantries, laser scanners, computer vision, AI, AR etc. However, the proposed solution should address the following requirements:
Data and physical containers for the training of AI models will be made available to shortlisted proposals.
Geographical Restrictions
No geographical restrictions on the origin of the technology. However, the proposed solution should be deployable for test and demonstration on-site at a Singapore-based container yard.
Minimum Required Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
Level 7
Development Timeframe
6 months (including prototype and trial).
Trade and Connectivity Challenge2020
The present Innovation Call is part of theTrade and Connectivity Challenge 2020 co-organised by Enterprise Singapore along with IPI Singapore.
Singapore’s position as a strategic trade hub is backed by its strong regional networks and connectivity. In recent years, Singapore has also transformed into a hub for innovation activity.
The Trade and Connectivity Challenge (TCC) leverages Singapore’s vibrant ecosystem of global trade, connectivity and innovation as a call for solutions to drive partnerships in the aviation, maritime, land mobility, logistics, and trade sectors. Now, in its second year, TCC 2020 continues to provide opportunities for startups and SMEs to co-innovate, deploy, and adopt innovative solutions.
Enterprise Singapore, together with IPI, invites you to showcase your innovative solutions in growth areas, such as big data analysis, Internet of Things and sustainability post-COVID19.
The Singapore Management University Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE) is a practice-oriented institute that nurtures changemakers and founders who aspire to make the world a better place. To achieve this mission, SMU IIE focuses on its three areas of competencies which include customised training programmes, an equity-free incubation programme, and fostering a cohesive innovation and entrepreneurship community.
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