The Port of Corpus Christi Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Autonomy Institute Inc. to develop and deploy autonomous projects along the port’s Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor.
The new partnership constitutes a continuation of the Port of Corpus Christi’s established Technology Advancement Program which is designed to enhance safety and efficiency across multiple modes of freight mobility.
The agreement provides ground for the deployment of intelligent infrastructure such as Public Infrastructure Network Nodes (PINN), NextG wireless, assured position navigation timing, edge computing and smart Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
“The Port of Corpus Christi is future-focused and committed to bringing best-available technology to bear to increase safety and efficiency in support of our customers,” stated the Port’s Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Jeff Pollack, who went on to point out that partnering with the Autonomy Institute is a great way to leverage innovation to fulfill the port’s core mission.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Port of Corpus Christi will provide access to select geospatial data and infrastructure to support the development and deployment of emerging technologies, according to a statement.
In the meantime, the Autonomy Institute will help in identifying potential technology partners and funders as well as it will provide technical assistance through the development and deployment of intelligent and autonomous technology projects at the Port of Corpus Christi. The two entities will also mutually conduct research and demonstration projects.
“PINNs are designed to rapidly deliver a multitude of advanced edge sensors and computing capabilities urgently needed to support autonomy and IoT,” explained the Chairman of Autonomy Institute, Jeffrey DeCoux, who pointed out PINNs are the first to incorporate 5G wireless, Edge Computing, Radar, Lidar, Enhanced GPS, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as a single unified system.
The Chairman of the Port of Corpus Christi Commission, Charles W. Zahn Jr expects that the agreement with the Autonomy Institute will reinforce the port’s position in fostering innovation to drive commercial success in South Texas and beyond.
The MoU with the Autonomy Institute is the latest agreement into which the Port of Corpus Christi has entered as a part of its efforts to incorporate emerging technologies into its operations. Earlier in February, the US port has announced its partnership with the Port of Rotterdam to advance the evolution of innovative technologies related to navigational safety and environmental protection.
Since May, the Port has also announced MoUs with Stabilis Solutions Partners (LNG bunkering infrastructure) and Ares Management Corporation (solar energy/green hydrogen production), as well as Howard Energy Partners (carbon neutral hydrogen production from waste gas feedstock) and the Texas General Land Office (large-scale carbon storage).
