Prototype aims to take a load off airport baggage handlers

Singapore

A TEAM led by Singapore Technologies (ST) Dynamics has come up with a prototype to help automate baggage handling, winning them the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore's (CAAS) inaugural Aviation Challenge.

The winning prototype makes use of barcode readers, automated baggage sorting and transfer systems as well as robotic arms to make the entire process easier for baggage handlers.

The baggage-scanning system scans the luggage using barcodes and channels each bag to its individual flight's trolley. Loading bags onto a trolley is typically done manually by baggage handlers but the prototype makes use of the robotic arm to do the task. An autonomous baggage tractor then transports the bags with the help of RFID transponders and GPS.

Meanwhile, to unload the bags, the automatic trolley offloader prototype lifts the fully loaded baggage trolley, tilts it and offloads the entire load of bags onto a baggage conveyor belt in under two minutes. This can be done by simply pushing a button.

The Aviation Challenge was launched back in 2014 with the aim of developing innovative ways to automate labour-intensive processes at the airport amid a tight labour market.

Five teams were selected from fourteen and given a total of S$9.2 million in funding to develop prototypes from September 2015 to July this year. The other four teams were Ctrlworks, Cyclect Electrical Engineering, Singapore Aerospace & Aviation Services and Temasek Polytechnic.

The prototypes were jointly evaluated by a panel consisting of stakeholders from the aviation community such as CAAS, airport operator Changi Airport Group, Sats, dnata and Singapore Airlines.

The team led by ST Dynamics was presented a cash prize of S$500,000 at an award ceremony on Thursday.

Minister for Education (Schools) and Second Minister for Transport, Ng Chee Meng, said: "We should systematically and proactively look for ways to apply technology such as robotics and automation, to raise productivity and create better jobs for all our air transport workers."

"Our solution, developed together with our partner Israel Aerospace Industries, integrates seamlessly and safely in the operating environment," said Paul Tan, vice-president of technology development at ST Dynamics. "It reduces operator fatigue, enhances workplace safety and increases productivity by simplifying existing tasks. In addition, a central fleet management system manages and optimises the use of available resources, reducing business costs."

The second Aviation Challenge, which is slated for completion by year-end, will focus on automating the consolidation of cargo into pallets and containers for air transport as well as the reverse process of removing cargo.