CIRCLE Group is participating, through Circle Garage, in the DIGISTAR – Data Integration for Geospatial Intelligence in SmarT and Automated teRminals project.
The project, with a total value of over €747,000 and a duration of 18 months, has been launched within the framework of funding provided by the Liguria Region under the ERDF Regional Program, dedicated to the development of innovative services based on space technologies, and benefits from a non-repayable grant of over €417,000. Circle Garage is participating with activities worth approximately €174,000, supported by a non-repayable grant of over €92,000, mainly aimed at developing the DIGISTAR Platform, with the objective of addressing the needs of terminals already in operation, which are increasingly required to improve the efficiency and digitalization of cargo handling and management processes.
The objective is to support port terminals and intermodal centers in their transition towards a model of progressive automation, capable of improving container tracking, yard space management and the organization of transport flows, while minimizing disruptions to operations.
The project is being developed by a consortium of companies led by Aitek, alongside Circle Garage and INNOVAL. The working group also collaborates with CIELI – the Italian Centre of Excellence on Logistics, Transport and Infrastructure of the University of Genoa, which is involved in analysis and scientific research activities, as well as with major port and intermodal hubs participating in field testing activities.
Among the most innovative aspects of DIGISTAR is the ability to combine differential geolocation systems with video processing tools directly on board handling vehicles, while also integrating additional operational technologies, including drones to verify train composition and digital headsets to support operators.
The approach also makes it possible to proceed according to a gradual and interoperable model, introducing new technological functionalities within existing infrastructures and fostering cooperation between different systems and devices.
The expected impacts concern three main areas: operational efficiency, through a reduction in processing times and cargo positioning errors; safety, by reducing the need for direct operator intervention in handling areas; and environmental sustainability, through route optimization, reduced waiting times and fewer empty movements, resulting in benefits in terms of energy consumption and emissions.
Luca Abatello, Chairman and CEO of CIRCLE Group, commented: “DIGISTAR is a very good example of the innovation model that we believe is necessary for the evolution of logistics: advanced technologies that are progressively integrated into processes, interact with existing infrastructures and systems, and generate tangible benefits in terms of efficiency, safety and sustainability. The integration of satellite data, field information and digital tools opens up new opportunities to make terminals increasingly intelligent and automated. Circle Garage’s participation in the project and the synergy with MILOS are fully aligned with the innovation and growth path set out in our Connect 4 Agile Growth plan.”
CIRCLE Group’s participation in DIGISTAR therefore confirms its commitment to the development of technologies and interoperability models capable of supporting the digital evolution of the supply chain, with particular focus on process automation and the integrated use of data across the entire logistics chain.
