The integration of 5G, AI, and cloud technologies is revolutionizing the freight industry, leading to the digitalization of logistics and transportation sectors worldwide. The innovative collaboration between East-West Gate (EWG), an intermodal terminal near the Ukrainian-Hungarian border, and Huawei, a leading technology company, has resulted in the development of a cutting-edge smart 5G freight terminal, showcasing the potential of next-generation technologies to transform freight operations, enhance efficiency, and promote sustainability in the industry.
The EWG intermodal terminal, located in Fényeslitke, Hungary, is the largest facility on the European continent in terms of area and capacity. The terminal serves as a critical node for freight traffic at the EU border, accommodating trucks and rail trains and enabling the seamless loading of full trucks and conventional road semi-trailers onto railways. This unique capability significantly improves freight traffic efficiency while supporting transportation from Ukraine, even in challenging geopolitical conditions.
The EWG terminal stands out as the first of its kind in the world to leverage 5G technology for real-time information integration across the logistics center. The collaboration with Huawei has enabled remote control of cranes using 5G, with high-resolution cameras providing real-time monitoring from the terminal headquarters. Additionally, the entire fleet of trucks, trailers, and containers can be tracked in real-time, empowering customers with visibility into their cargo’s location and status. The implementation of AI-powered analytics and simulations further optimizes operations across the freight network.
The adoption of 5G and AI technologies in the freight industry has resulted in numerous benefits. Notably, the EWG smart terminal has enhanced productivity by 20% through streamlined operations and efficient resource allocation. Operational expenditure (Opex) has been reduced by 40% as a result of improved process optimization and reduced manual intervention. The introduction of 100 solar-powered 5G sensors has significantly improved energy conservation, further promoting sustainability in the freight sector. Moreover, the implementation of smart technologies has contributed to a reduction in workplace accidents, ensuring a safer working environment for employees.
The freight sector encounters various obstacles such as escalating labor expenses, fuel costs, and the demand for improved supply chain coordination. However, the 5G-enabled intelligent terminal at EWG has successfully tackled these issues by optimizing procedures, cutting operational expenditures, and facilitating real-time freight tracking. Additionally, the integration of smart technologies has drawn a fresh cohort of tech-savvy professionals to the industry, alleviating worries about talent scarcity and future workforce succession. The smart terminal’s efficacy in addressing these challenges demonstrates the transformative potential of 5G and AI advancements, ushering in a more efficient, interconnected, and sustainable future for freight operations.
One of the critical objectives of the EWG smart terminal project was to promote sustainability in freight operations. By leveraging 5G technology, the terminal has reduced carbon emissions and energy consumption, contributing to environmental conservation. Additionally, the introduction of advanced analytics and simulation capabilities has optimized freight routes and operations, leading to a reduction in waste and more efficient use of resources.
