AI Models Drive Ports to Embrace All-Element Agents
At MWC Barcelona 2026, Huawei and Shandong Port Group launched the Shandong Port Global Smart Port Showcase.
Through close technical collaboration, the two parties have jointly developed an all-element intelligent scheduling solution, along with a smart production security solution powered by computer vision (CV) models.
The launch of this showcase represents a step forward in applying AI models within the port industry, shifting from isolated applications towards the integration of multiple production elements. The all-element intelligent scheduling solution reduces port operation planning time from hours to minutes. Meanwhile, the CV model-based smart security system provides high-accuracy recognition for operations at high altitude, helping to identify potential safety hazards in terminal production.
The system aims to shift port security from passive response to proactive prevention, helping reduce operational risks. Qingdao Port, part of Shandong Port Group, is among China’s first national pilot bases for AI applications and the only one in the port industry. In 2025, it received a special commendation for innovation at the Transportation Foundation Model Agent Application Innovation Competition.
All-element scheduling agent: Tackling port scheduling challenges
As critical hubs in the global supply chain, ports must coordinate a wide range of operational elements, including berths, quay cranes, yard cranes, and container trucks. Traditional scheduling methods based on manual experience are increasingly challenged in dynamic operating environments.
The all-element intelligent scheduling solution developed by Huawei and Shandong Port Group aims to address these issues. It leverages agents powered by a large model chain-of-thought reasoning to generate operating plans within minutes, providing technical support for more efficient port operations.
CV model: A new approach to smart security
Huawei and Shandong Port Group have also introduced a smart production security solution that integrates CV models into key port production processes. The solution addresses challenges such as complex operating conditions, human fatigue, and missed alarms during operations.
By combining AI vision algorithms with large model inference, the system can detect equipment anomalies and unauthorised access to hazardous areas even in tough weather conditions. This approach shifts port safety management from post-event tracing towards early warning and real-time intervention.
Mr Chen Haiyong, President of Huawei Smart Port Business Unit, said that AI large models are enabling ports not only to see, but also to perceive and understand operational environments.
“From the security cases we saw with CV large models, AI is no longer just detecting whether someone is wearing a helmet. It understands complex operations, predicts risks, and even optimises production plans proactively. The idea of AI Agents is already here. The paradigm is shifting from ‘people telling machines what to do’ to ‘machines assisting humans or even making autonomous decisions.’”
The global showcase marks a milestone in Huawei and Shandong Port Group’s collaboration. It signals a future in which ports evolve into smart entities with self-awareness, self-decision-making, and self-evolution. With this global showcase underway, Huawei says it will collaborate with more international port operators to usher in a new era of smart shipping.
To date, Huawei has served more than 100 ports worldwide. Moving forward, the company says it remains committed to its vision of “driving mobility and logistics into the intelligent world”. Guided by its “platform + ecosystem” strategy, Huawei will continue to develop industrial applications using technologies such as AI, 5G, and cloud computing to support the digital and intelligent transformation of global ports.
