Yesterday, Changi Airport Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to trial autonomous buses at Changi Airport.
The MoU with SATS Airport Services Pte Ltd and SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) details an initial two-year collaboration to implement a proof of concept (POC) for using autonomous buses to transport airport staff around the airside. This initiative is co-funded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)’s Aviation Development Fund, and supports its commitment to a “digital-first Singapore.”
With Changi Airport Group looking to leverage technology to optimise the workforce, it is not the first automation trial at the airport. Changi are using automation to free up professionals for “more complex activities,” and this latest initiative could pave the way for broader, efficiency-focused, adoption. Mr Yeo Kia Thye, Managing Director, Airport Operations Control, Changi Airport Group said:
“CAG is excited to be on this innovation journey with our airport partners to trial the use of autonomous buses on the airside. This complements ongoing automation trials, such as the use of autonomous vehicles for baggage transportation and automated Passenger Loading Bridge, to drive greater manpower productivity across our airport operations. We look forward to collaborating on further innovation trials towards our vision of an airport of the future.”
Prioritising safety throughout the trial, the POC comes in two phases and will be overseen by an onboard safety driver. The first, building confidence in its operational performance within a sterile environment and the second, in the live operational environment.
With many airports turning to technology to combat a reduced workforce, do you think the adoption of automation will continue to grow at leading airports?
For more like this see:
- Interview: Technology with a human touch at Singapore Changi Airport
- SITA’s Baggage IT Insights 2024: Trust through visibility
- The evolving role of robotics in travel with United Robotics Group
