Airport Baggage Handling: Automation's Role And Future

The automation of airport baggage handling systems has been instrumental in improving the efficiency of baggage management and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. The first automated baggage handling system was introduced in 1971, and since then, airports worldwide have been adopting this technology to streamline operations and reduce manual labour. These systems consist of conveyor belts, sorting technology, and specialised software that work together to efficiently transport, sort, and track luggage within an airport. The automation of these processes has led to reduced wait times for passengers, improved accuracy in baggage delivery, and increased convenience through self-service options. Additionally, the integration of robotics and advanced technologies such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) has further optimised baggage handling, allowing airports to manage large volumes of luggage more effectively and improve security measures.

The benefits of automation

The automation of airport baggage handling systems has brought about numerous advantages, from improving efficiency and accuracy to enhancing the overall customer experience.

Firstly, automation significantly enhances efficiency and productivity. By automating processes such as check-in, baggage handling, and security checks, airports can reduce wait times for passengers. For instance, at London Stansted Airport, the installation of an automated baggage handling system resulted in bags taking just six minutes to travel from check-in to being ready for loading onto an aircraft. Automation also ensures consistent operations as robots can work without breaks, reducing the likelihood of human error.

Secondly, automation reduces the need for human labour in repetitive tasks, leading to cost savings in salaries and training. It also frees up staff to focus on more complex and value-added tasks. Furthermore, robots can perform maintenance tasks such as cleaning more efficiently and frequently, potentially extending the lifespan of airport facilities and equipment.

Thirdly, automation improves the overall passenger experience. Self-service kiosks, automated check-in, and bag-drop systems streamline the process for passengers, offering convenience and personalised services. Automation also improves accuracy in tracking and delivering bags to the correct destination, reducing the risk of lost or delayed luggage.

Additionally, automated systems can better adapt to increased passenger volumes. They allow airports to scale up operations without a proportional increase in staffing. Automated systems can effectively manage peak times and high passenger volumes, ensuring a smooth flow of passengers through the airport.

Lastly, automation enhances security and safety. Automated systems provide continuous surveillance and monitoring, improving the accuracy and speed of security checks. They also handle dangerous or physically demanding tasks, reducing the risk of injury to human workers.

In summary, the automation of airport baggage handling systems brings numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced passenger experience, better capacity management, and increased security and safety. These advancements ultimately contribute to making air travel more efficient and stress-free.

The role of robotics

Robotics plays a crucial role in modern airport baggage handling systems, with airports increasingly relying on robots for tasks such as cleaning and assisting passengers. The use of robotics in baggage handling offers several benefits, including enhanced security, reduced wait times, improved accuracy, and a better overall passenger experience.

Robots are highly effective in performing repetitive and mundane tasks, such as cleaning and assisting passengers with wayfinding and navigation. They can also be employed for more complex tasks, such as baggage screening, sorting, and retrieval. For instance, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, in collaboration with Vanderlande Industries and Grenzebach Automation, has implemented the Integrated Robot Loading concept, where a robotic arm, supervised by a logistics transport manager, automatically loads ramp-carts and containers. This not only optimises the baggage handling process but also frees up staff for more specialised tasks.

Robotics, in conjunction with automation, plays a pivotal role in streamlining the entire baggage handling process. Airports are now adopting automated baggage handling systems (BHS) that utilise advanced technology to sort, transport, and track luggage, reducing the need for manual labour. These systems consist of conveyor belts, sorting technology, and specialised software that work together to efficiently manage and organise luggage throughout the travel process.

The integration of robotics and automation in baggage handling systems brings numerous advantages. Firstly, they enhance efficiency and productivity by speeding up processes such as check-in, baggage handling, and security checks, resulting in reduced wait times for passengers. Secondly, robots can work tirelessly without breaks, minimising human errors and ensuring consistent operations. Thirdly, automation reduces labour costs by decreasing the reliance on human labour for tedious tasks.

Furthermore, robotics can improve the overall passenger experience by providing convenience through self-service kiosks and automated check-in and bag-drop systems. Robots can also offer personalised services, providing information and assistance in multiple languages. As airports continue to embrace robotics and automation, we can expect further advancements in efficiency, security, and the overall travel experience.

The impact on passenger experience

The impact of automated baggage handling systems on passenger experience is significant. Firstly, automation improves efficiency and reduces waiting times for passengers. The systems can manage thousands of pieces of luggage daily without interruption, ensuring seamless and timely baggage processing. This means passengers spend less time waiting for their luggage, which enhances their overall experience.

Secondly, automation reduces the risk of human error and improves accuracy in tracking and delivering bags to the correct destination. This minimises the chances of lost or delayed luggage, contributing to a smoother and less stressful travel experience. The use of advanced scanning and tracking technology enhances security by monitoring luggage throughout its journey, reducing the risk of tampering or loss.

Thirdly, automated baggage handling systems offer increased convenience and personalisation. Self-service kiosks, automated check-in, and bag-drop systems streamline the passenger journey. Passengers can also benefit from personalised services, such as robots that provide information, assist with navigation, and offer services in multiple languages.

Furthermore, automation allows for better capacity management. Automated systems can effectively handle peak times and high passenger volumes, reducing congestion and improving the overall flow of passengers. This is particularly beneficial in managing the increasing global flight passenger numbers and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Finally, automation enhances safety and sanitation. Robots can handle dangerous or physically demanding tasks, reducing the risk of injury to human workers. During health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, robots can also assist in maintaining hygiene standards by performing cleaning and disinfecting tasks, protecting both passengers and staff.

The use of radio-frequency identification (RFID)

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification technology that has been broadly accepted across multiple industries, including aviation. It offers benefits beyond bar code technology. Bar codes, for instance, require light to transmit and receive data, while RFID uses radio waves to transfer data to/from an RFID tag.

RFID technology uses radio waves to transmit data through, around, in, under, and behind objects to reach an RFID tag. The technology can also read hundreds of tags per second, allowing it to gather data instantaneously. This enables airlines to determine whether every airplane seat has its life vest underneath or if security has been breached on any life vest boxes.

A complete RFID system requires several components: an RFID tag (chip + tag antenna), an antenna to send and receive radio signals, a reader to decode the signals, and a computer system to control the process and store/use the data.

RFID technology is particularly useful for baggage handling. Airlines are incorporating RFID chips into tags to track bags in real time and reduce mishandling. This is part of the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Resolution 753, which requires member carriers to maintain an accurate inventory of passenger baggage by monitoring the acquisition and delivery of baggage. While RFID is not required by R753, IATA recommends it because it is more effective than bar code technology.

RFID is also used in Individual Carrier Systems (ICS), where each bag is loaded into its own carrier and 'married' to the carrier throughout its journey. The bag is identified by a unique RFID tag, which is easier to read than a system where the baggage tag may be concealed. ICS systems are used at regional airports and large airport hubs worldwide. They allow for higher speeds than conveyor systems and provide safe transportation with no baggage jams and no lost tracking.

The future of baggage handling

AI, Machine Learning, and Robotics:

AI, machine learning, and robotics will continue to play a significant role in the future of baggage handling. These technologies will enable predictive analytics, allowing airports to anticipate passenger needs and optimize resource allocation. This will result in enhanced efficiency and reliability, ensuring seamless travel experiences for passengers.

Real-time Tracking and Data Analytics:

Real-time tracking systems are being developed to provide passengers with the ability to follow their luggage's location throughout their journey. This adds a layer of convenience and peace of mind, further improving the overall travel experience. Additionally, automated systems collect vast amounts of data that can be analysed to optimize airport operations, improve passenger flow, and enhance decision-making processes.

Integration of New Technologies:

The integration of advanced technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), radio-frequency identification (RFID), robotics, and blockchain will continue. These technologies will be used to deliver end-to-end baggage handling solutions, improve process efficiency, enhance security, and reduce baggage mishandling.

Enhanced Security and Safety:

Baggage handling systems will continue to incorporate advanced security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and comply with regulations. This includes the use of Explosive Detection System (EDS) machines and the integration of security screening within the baggage handling process.

Improved Efficiency and Capacity Management:

Automated baggage handling systems will continue to enhance efficiency by speeding up processes such as check-in, baggage handling, and security checks. This will reduce wait times for passengers and improve overall airport operations. Additionally, these systems will be designed to handle larger volumes of luggage, supporting increased passenger traffic without placing additional strain on resources.

Customization and Flexibility:

Baggage handling systems will become increasingly customized to meet the specific needs of airports. Factors such as airport size, passenger volume, and types of aircraft serviced will influence the design and functionality of these systems. Distributed Baggage Handling Systems (BHS), for example, offer greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness for smaller airports.

Focus on Passenger Experience:

Frequently asked questions