Move2Green: Data and AI driving net-zero logistics

Heavy material handling is traditionally carbon-intensive because most equipment still runs on fossil fuels. While electrifying machines and switching to renewable fuels are vital milestones, they are only one step. To reduce emissions further, machines need to operate more intelligently and use energy efficiently. Automation and optimising operations using data and AI are key to eliminating remaining energy waste.

Translating intelligence into efficiency

Within Move2Green, we are developing a new generation of profitable, efficient, and safe solutions with our ecosystem partners. The goal of the ‘Data-Driven Services and Processes’ theme is to transform real-time intelligence into measurable efficiency. We are focusing on:

• New data-driven business models for services
• Serviceability
• Predictive and intelligent maintenance
• Digital twins and simulations
• Autonomous and driver assistance systems
• Enabling digital optimization systems to work together in multi-partner ecosystem

Data and AI: The fuel for the next generation of logistics

Digitalisation and AI are the foundations for the future of logistics.

“In the future, the physical machine will be only one part of the value proposition. The data it generates, and how we use it smartly, will continue to unlock new levels of efficiency, safety, and reliability,” says Tomi Krogerus, Senior Manager, Analytics & AI, and co-leader of the Data-Driven Services and Processes theme.

He adds:  “Within Move2Green, we want to build a secure data foundation to ensure seamless interoperability across our customers’ operations. We’re also driving agentic development, creating autonomous AI systems that actively eliminate operational redundancy and minimise emissions.” 

Moving toward full autonomy

“Full automation is already a reality at our customer sites, with equipment operating independently in dedicated port areas,” explains Lari Melander, Technical Product Owner at Kalmar’s Automation business line, and co-leader of the Data-Driven Services and Processes theme. “The next frontier is true mixed-traffic autonomy, where machines react safely and efficiently to unpredictable manual traffic and pedestrians in open, barrier-free spaces while handling demanding conditions like fog or snow through advanced sensors and AI.”

Within Move2Green, we are researching and developing the sensor technologies needed for this mixed-traffic autonomy, combining them with digital twins to optimise logistics chains, anticipate potential failures, and elevate safety in even the harshest conditions.

Smarter service, smaller carbon footprint

Predictive maintenance is a crucial topic within the ‘Data-Driven Services and Processes’ theme. By maintaining machines before they break down, we can reduce the overall carbon footprint and ensure continuous operations for our customers.

“Imagine a machine that recognises its own maintenance needs, requests a technician, and orders the necessary parts. The technician then arrives at the best time to minimise operational disruption, fully prepared with the right maintenance information and spare parts," says Krogerus, describing the future vision. 

Collaborating for breakthrough results

The greatest results in innovation come from collaboration, which is why the ecosystem is a vital part of our Move2Green program. “We need expertise from diverse fields to achieve our ambitious goals. In the ecosystem, more people can focus on the same goals, results come faster, and we can share valuable new viewpoints,” says Susanna Kiijärvi, Move2Green ecosystem manager at Kalmar. 

We are thrilled to have several exciting R&D projects already underway, including external collaborations and internal initiatives, like:

• Autonomy without Fences: A co-research project coordinated by Aalto University, aiming to revolutionise how humans and machines interact in logistics and mining. 

“We welcome new ecosystem partners to join us in developing breakthrough data-driven services and processes for the logistics chain. Let’s work together to create solutions that enable net-zero logistics chains in ports, terminals, and heavy industrial logistics by 2045,” says Kiijärvi.