Dassault Systèmes has announced the real-world deployment of its virtual twin technology for autonomous cargo operations with Singapore-based deep-tech startup iHawk Global.
Reportedly, the autonomous system is currently being piloted at an active 50,000m² (c. 538,195ft²) container yard in Singapore.
At this facility autonomous aerial drones and ground rovers are designed to work together to capture live inventory data and provide operators with real-time asset visibility in dense, GPS-denied container environments.
The iHawk system pairs an aerial drone with a ground rover acting as a precision navigation anchor, enabling sub-decimeter positioning accuracy in complex container yard environments.
The system allows operators to improve inventory visibility while reducing reliance on manual inspections and on-ground operations.
Before deployment, the entire system was designed and validated virtually using Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
iHawk simulated airflow conditions, mapped signal dead zones, and stress-tested operational scenarios digitally before hardware was deployed in the field.
Dassault Systèmes vice president Asia-Pacific South, Sharon Toh, said: “This deployment shows how virtual twin technology can fundamentally change how complex industrial systems are built and operated.
“As Singapore advances as a leading digital logistics hub, our AI-powered platform is helping scale engineering knowledge and operational know-how for deep tech startups and industry partners, enabling faster innovation.
“By connecting the virtual and real worlds, we are improving today’s operations while laying the foundation for future autonomous and sustainable port ecosystems across the region.”
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