CHEOPS powers Camco’s back-end server software, wirelessly connecting with all RTLS devices installed on the CHE’s. It interfaces seamlessly with the TOS, THE BRIDGE (2D maps), and THE TWINBRIDGE (3D maps).

Camco fully integrates its RTLS solutions into THE BRIDGE.

A 2D terminal map displays all CHE’s in real time, showing ongoing work orders and allowing users to define restricted areas with alarms that trigger when unauthorized CHE’s enter these zones.

The combination of static and dynamic containers, along with IoT-enabled CHE data, has allowed Camco Technologies to develop new automation applications, such as real-time digital twin technology.

This technology creates a visually accurate, interactive digital model of the terminal, containers, and moving equipment. It updates in real-time, reflecting all current activities. As a result, THE TWINBRIDGE helps identify weaknesses, test process changes, and calculate cost savings and performance improvements.

For example, the virtual twin can test methods to speed up loading and unloading, or explore ways to accommodate more vessels.

Camco designed the TriTech RFID reader specifically for container yard automation, integrating the latest RFID chips to extend the read range up to 12 meters. This advanced reader combines an integrated antenna, radar, and camera for enhanced performance. The radar detects vehicle presence, preventing erroneous tag readings caused by reflections. Meanwhile, the camera allows remote visual monitoring of the RFID reading zone. For greater coverage, users can connect additional external antennas.

Additionally, the TriTech RFID reader ensures seamless compatibility with industry standards like EPC GEN2 and RAIN. It also meets FCC, CE, and country-specific conformity certifications.

Camco deploys these RFID readers across key terminal locations, including OCR portals, gate lanes, yard entry points, yard block entries, and RTG and RMG cranes.

Camco’s GNSS solution covers 90% of the yard’s surface, but the area under STS cranes presents a unique challenge. Multipath effects, signal blockage from vessels or cranes, and atmospheric conditions often disrupt GNSS data, making it unreliable.

As a backup, INS (Inertial Navigation Systems) provides accurate positioning for moving vehicles. However, once stationary, INS begins to drift, causing inaccuracies over time.

To solve this issue, Camco developed a Micro Location Technology (MLT) solution using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices. Six UWB antennas, or anchors, are installed on the STS crane, while two UWB antennas are mounted on the straddle carrier or ITV. By transmitting RF pulses between the six STS antennas and the two vehicle antennas, the system calculates the vehicle’s location and identification with centimeter-level accuracy.

Camco’s GNSS receiver is the backbone of our RTLS solution, installed on all moving vehicles, including straddle carriers, ITVs, RTGs, RMGs, empty handlers, and reach stackers.

Designed for efficiency, this compact, fully integrated device houses two GNSS receivers, two embedded antennas, a processor, and a 470MHz radio receiver—all in one unit. With just a single POE Ethernet connection, installation is simple and hassle-free.

To enhance performance, the integrated radio receives RTCM messages directly from the GNSS base station, providing a more reliable and efficient alternative to Wi-Fi transmission.

RTLS becomes even more powerful when combined with telematics data from the vehicle. While GNSS pinpoints a truck’s location along its route, telematics adds valuable insights, such as whether the truck is parked and turned off or idling with a driver inside. It also transmits critical engine and tire data.

To enable this integration, all CHE’s come equipped with PLCs. Camco connects the MLT controller to the vehicle’s PLC via Profibus or CAN bus, allowing telematics data to flow seamlessly into the BRIDGE and Camco’s RT Digital Twin.

Acting as the vehicle’s central processor, the MLT controller unifies GNSS, UWB, PLC, VMT, and the Alignment LED bar into a single, streamlined system.

Vehicles as straddle carriers, internal trucks, Empty handlers, top handlers, reach stackers all have VMT Vehicle Mounted terminals. Usually, the driver gets instructions from the TOS via this screen. With Camco’s RTLS solution the TOS screen is replaced by an interactive user interface, showing a map and job details.