UC3 (Autonomous APRON) trial successfully completed
Autonomous and smart systems can perform ground handling operations at the airport APRON, such as passenger handling, fueling, and baggage handling, using unmanned vehicles and collaborative robots. The development of Digital Twins enables real-time monitoring and remote control of vehicles, ensuring safer and more efficient operations. AI techniques are used to analyze data from sensors and cameras, generating alerts and suggestions for improving operations. The integration of a Network Monitoring System (NMS) enables continuous monitoring and automated mitigation of network anomalies.
All these innovations have been demonstrated in the trial of UC3, led by WINGS ICT Solutions in collaboration with AIA staff. The trial was executed on March 6, 2025.
Key Technologies Used
A remotely operated AGV was deployed to autonomously transport baggage between designated points, relying on RTK-based localization for centimeter-level positioning accuracy. The vehicle continuously monitored satellite signal quality to maintain precise navigation and safety. The solution utilised:
- WINGS Wi.SUPPLY platform – the central visualization dashboard for monitoring real-time status, navigation, and system diagnostics
- WINGS Digital Twin application – providing an interactive, real-time virtual model of AGV operations, including 360-degree video streaming and sensor data representation
- Advanced sensors (cameras, LiDARs, GPS, IMU) for accurate navigation and obstacle detection
- 5G connectivity for high-speed, low-latency communication, enabling real-time data transmission
Key Outcomes & Next Steps
The trial successfully showcased how autonomous baggage handling can improve airport logistics, ensuring:
- Optimized baggage and cargo transport with autonomous AGVs
- Accurate, real-time tracking of assets via sensor fusion and AI analytics
- Enhanced operational safety through continuous monitoring and collision avoidance
The recorded KPIs and KVIs are currently under analysis, with findings expected to further refine system capabilities and support broader deployment in airport logistics.
By integrating AI, automation, and B5G, WINGS ICT Solutions, AIA and TrialsNet are pioneering smart airport operations, driving efficiency, safety, and innovation in the aviation sector.
