To avoid road congestion, we are developing a highly automated underground transport system using automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) around Schiphol Airport. It is unique in its scale, incorporating 16 to 25 km tubes connecting five to 20 terminals, and it includes 200 to 400 AGVs to transport an estimated 3.5 million tons of cargo in 2020 with different ordering priorities. According to the current plans, the system will run from 2006 on. Since 1997, we have used object-oriented simulations to plan the dimensions of the system (number of AGVs, terminal sizes) and to design the layout (network, terminals). We showed that an investment reduction of plus or minus 20 percent is feasible using periodically switched one-way tube sections. We developed a variety of logistics optimization algorithms and heuristics, including allocating AGVs between terminals, scheduling terminals, and controlling traffic. We used simulation control structures to test prototype AGVs on a test site. Performing distributed simulations with a mixture of simulated and real objects, we could reduce the risks of the new technology.

Container terminals are struggling with a continuously increasing volume and increasing performance demands. As space is typically limited, terminals are searching for solutions to increase throughput capacity without expanding their physical footprint. Furthermore, they aim to increase their productivity on vessels in order to be able to handle bigger ships with larger call sizes in the same time frame. A terminal operating system (TOS) plays a major role in today's terminal operations, as it supports planning, scheduling and equipment control. Recently more and more tasks are performed by the TOS. These tasks need to be well-tuned to the operation (such as stowage planning, grounding decisions and equipment dispatching) in order to reduce cost and risk. In this paper, we present a meanwhile proven, safe and inexpensive approach to test and tweak the TOS and train operators on an emulated virtual terminal. This novel approach in the field of container terminals has been successfully applied during the previous 3 years at over 15 container terminals.

Extending or changing systems that are in operation 24fl should disturb the operation as little as possible. Therefore, the extensions or changes should have been thoroughly tested in advance under conditions comparable to operational conditions. Baggage handling systems is typically an area to which these requirements apply. Control software is one of the main components for baggage handling systems, at high and low level. Software is often the reason for system failure. Therefore, a need exists for tools that support testing without involving the real equipment on site. By using a simulation environment for emulating baggage handling equipment it was possible to test the low level control software without involving any real baggage handling equipment. The simulation environment enabled detailed tests and provided insight into the behaviour of the PLC for our client. This approach saved significant lead time in the project and reduced the required time for testing on-site.

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