The Project

CoboTank - A project for the development and testing of collaborative and automated robotic systems to support the loading process of tanker barges.

The progressive automation of inland waterway transport is only effective if it is viewed holistically. The importance of liquid cargo handling in German inland ports is often neglected in this context. Current tanker loading processes are sometimes characterised by manual, physically strenuous and error-prone work. This project addresses the great need for future-proof, automated solutions in the field of liquid cargo handling.

In a first work strand, the project is realising partial automation using a collaborative robot system, a so-called cobot, to support the loading process of inland tankers.

In addition to the cobot, a robotic arm is being developed in a second line of work to realise a fully automated refuelling process. An interdisciplinary approach involving engineers, psychologists and business economists will ensure the effectiveness and acceptance of the solutions in equal measure.

The project will run from July 2022 to June 2025 under the leadership of Garant Mineralölhandelsgesellschaft mbH. In addition to Port of Hamburg, other partners include Deymann Tankrode Logistics GmbH, DST - Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems eV, mercatronics GmbH and the University of Duisburg-Essen.