ConexBird offers a truly unique source of information on the structural condition of shipping containers based on vibration analysis and machine learning: the insight we provide allows you to make informed, reliable decisions for your intermodal logistics.
ConexBird’s insight is produced using our patented combination of vibration-analysis hardware and machine-learning software. Our hardware units, installed on the spreaders of container terminal cranes, read physical vibration data from each container as it’s being lifted. This raw data is processed in the cloud by our machine-learning algorithm, which delivers an individual assessment of the container's structure and durability.
The science behind vibration analysis has been known since at least 1939 [1]. Similar techniques to ours were used by NASA to test the structural integrity of the command modules for the Apollo Program [2]. Today, vibration testing is used for a variety of engineering and technical applications, including fracture detection on quay cranes and bearing inspections in ship engines.ConexBird combines the benefits of vibration analysis with the power of machine learning. Our software instantly compares each container to thousands of previous measurements with a depth and detail unattainable by an unaided human: we are thus able to provide a comprehensive analysis of the physical condition of each container lifted, while it is being lifted.[1] Mitchell, J. S. (2007). From vibration measurements to condition-based maintenance. Sound and Vibration, 41(1), 62.[2] https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19730019785.pdf, p. 55
Our hardware is simple to install on container handling spreaders, and looks like this:
For more pictures and information about our hardware, check out our Technology page.
Vibration analysis offers multiple advantages over competing techniques for detecting structural deficiencies in shipping containers. The physical contact vibrations have with the container allows for a complete, three-dimensional assessment that considers the internal structure of core components such as corner casts and understructure cross-members. Furthermore, even minor deficiencies in container structure are easy to detect using this method, to a degree not always possible with manual container inspection or vision-based technologies.The application of machine learning to our vibration-analysis data also confers significant advantages to ConexBird's solution. A vast database of previous measurements allows ConexBird to interpret vibration data with greater speed and precision than would ever be possible by hand (or with "traditional" software). Furthermore, the very standardization that has made containers so versatile and commonplace also facilitates the interpretation of measurement data through a machine-learning algorithm.
Get in touch with us!We're ready to deliver ConexBird container information all around the world: get in touch to find out more about how ConexBird will start providing the insight you need.
ConexBird hardware can be installed to existing container spreaders without the use of drilling or welding. This can be done in one day, after which the device is fully operational and the spreader can be returned to regular use. Moreover, the hardware is fitted in such a way that it will not interfere with normal operation of the spreader.
Our solution can currently analyze the following intermodal container types:
The use of machine learning means that this list can only grow over time; if you have any particular requests about the measurement opportunities available through ConexBird, please contact us.
Currently, ConexBird’s solution can produce structural assessments of empty containers. Our immediate focus is on delivering these assessments to supply-chain stakeholders before these containers are re-used for cargo.We are already gathering training data with which our system can analyze loaded containers in the same manner as empty ones. Please contact us for further details.
ConexBird hardware can be installed onto all new or existing container spreaders from all major manufacturers: our hardware is compatible with both single- and twin-lift spreaders.ConexBird hardware is compatible with Ship-to-Shore, RTG, reach-stacker or straddle-carrier cranes.We are currently exploring the potential to install ConexBird on an empty container handler (side-loader): please contact us for more details.
Our technology does not perform any chemical analysis: however, ConexBird strives to combine its original container insight with the most recent manual container inspection results, providing you with a holistic appraisal of each unit's condition.
A machine learning algorithm is used by computers to interpret and analyze data, without having explicit instructions on how to do so. These algorithms are typically "trained" on a large quantity of data in order to build up their capabilities: in the same manner, they continue to improve with further use.ConexBird’s algorithm has been trained on thousands upon thousands of containers, representing all levels of structural integrity. Our software can reference this training to make quick, precise judgments on any new container measurements we feed it; every time it does so, it gets even smarter.
The results provided typically look like this:
ConexBird can currently provide information on the following aspects of a container:
The range of data points our solution can deliver is continuously growing, and we expect to be adding to this list in the near future.
ConexBird's cloud-based digital infrastructure allows us to receive data from hardware units and other sources: it also allows us to deliver container insight to interested parties around the world.
ConexBird’s solution can be used as input to help render a “digital twin” of each container which visualizes its physical condition (including any damages/defects). Within container logistics, digital twins of vessels and terminals are rapidly becoming commonplace: following this trend, it is inevitable that we digitalize the container itself.
Generally speaking, we consider the following data to be important supplements to our vibration measurements:
If you'd like to learn more about our data requirements, please get in touch.
The unique insight ConexBird can offer into shipping containers benefits stakeholders across the intermodal supply chain, and we are always looking for new applications of our solution to the many issues and inefficiencies persistent throughout container logistics.The nature of our solution offers particular benefits to the following groups of stakeholders:
If you believe ConexBird could help your intermodal business but you're not sure how, we'd be happy to help: get in touch!
The short answer? A lot. ConexBird was founded due to a pervasive lack of knowledge on container conditions within the very industry that uses them. This has far reaching consequences which, in total, make container transport less effective, efficient and sustainable than it could be. Here are some examples:
If you'd like to learn more about how much ConexBird can help you grow, please contact us.
The logistical inefficiencies resulting from inadequate container knowledge correspond to significant emissions of CO₂, sulphur oxides, nitrous oxides and other pollutants. We estimate that ConexBird could save container shipping lines several million tonnes of emitted CO₂ per year, simply by enabling them to make better decisions on the use of their container assets.
ConexBird will supply all relevant hardware, software and data directly to our clients and partners across the globe. For hardware maintenance, we team up with responsible local hardware partners who ensure that the data keeps flowing.The nature of ConexBird's solution requires that we work with container handling cranes, and therefore with the operators of those cranes. If you would like to receive ConexBird insight but do not have cranes of your own, we'd be happy to use our experience and expertise to explore viable solutions: get in touch!
We expect that it soon will be. After nearly a decade of research and development, with extensive real-world trials conducted at multiple locations, ConexBird is now ready to supply container insight on a commercial level.External factors conspire to help us: the overdue modernization of container logistics and the capacity issues of recent times both make ConexBird a compelling tool for efficiency gains. Moreover, the commoditization of container transport is driving service providers to find ways to stand out: ConexBird's container insight poses a very attractive addition to any added-value services portfolio.
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