The demonstration is set to unveil the potential of Honda’s AWV which is aiming for full commericalisation.

Cat Vitale October 18, 2023

The all-electric Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle has been unveiled at Toronto Pearson Airport. Credit: Honda.

Japanese-based automobile manufacturer Honda has demonstrated its electric autonomous work vehicle (AWV) at the Toronto Pearson Airport with the aim of bringing new value to airfield operations.

The demonstration featured an autonomous fence inspection with applications including perimeter security analysis, aircraft equipment hauling and baggage cart towing.

According to Honda, the AWV is now aiming for commercialisation and is looking for partners to field test the system for future airfield operations.

The off-road vehicle is set to navigate its own inspection routes through the use of Honda’s software system, which will oversee the vehicle moving around worksites by setting start and stop points. The system can also work manually through the use of a remote control.

Additionally, the AWV features a variety of sensors that enable its autonomous features, including GPS for location, radar and lidar for obstacle detection and stereoscopic 3D cameras for remote monitoring. 

Jason VanBuren, systems engineering manager at Honda, emphasised the further collaboration opportunities expected between the manufacturer and airside operators.

Veovo, a prominent player in airport management solutions, has introduced Lidar technology into its Intelligent Airport Platform. This game-changing addition is poised to advance airport operations and elevate the overall passenger experience by significantly enhancing situational awareness.

The integration of Lidar technology reinforces Veovo’s solution for managing passenger flow. This solution has the capacity to cover extensive areas within and outside the airport, including low-light conditions. It is adaptable to various airport layouts, making it suitable for spaces with varying ceiling heights, long corridors and open areas. Beyond its primary function of anonymously measuring passenger movements, Lidar can effectively track a wide range of moving objects within the airport environment, from luggage to vehicles. This adaptability caters to the diverse needs of both passengers and airport authorities.

Comprehensive ecosystem

What sets Veovo’s Lidar technology apart is its seamless integration with their cloud-based analytics platform and other sensors like 3D cameras and people counters, forming a comprehensive ecosystem. Veovo CEO James Williamson highlights the significance of this integration: “With Veovo, airports are no longer bound by hardware limitations. Now operators can choose the perfect mix of sensor technology including Lidar, for their infrastructure, measurement and budget needs. They can even incorporate their existing sensors to protect their investments.”

Veovo’s platform, powered by machine learning, delivers real-time and historical data on queues and passenger movements. It goes further by predicting passenger arrivals and behaviors in the future. This innovation provides an efficient and cost-effective means of tracking and predicting wait times, monitoring occupancy and managing queues, even in unstructured or wide areas of the airport. Consequently, airport operators can make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and planning, thus improving efficiency and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

source : https://www.gim-international.com/content/news/veovo-advances-airport-operations-with-lidar-based-solution

This webinar will examine the progress being made and challenges being faced by the business aviation community as it pursues environmental strategies to meet the sector’s commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It will explore the big issues of the day, examining the pressure the sector is facing from green protest movements and potential exclusion from some airports on environmental grounds; the progress business aviation is making on Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Book & Claim; and discuss the technological and operational progress being made to reduce emissions. It will feature leading players to explain developments to date and what to expect in the coming year. Speakers Kurt Edwards Director General, International Business Aviation Council Kurt Edwards joined IBAC as the Director General in 2012 and leads business aviation advocacy through IBAC’s 15 member associations located across six continents. He has overseen IBAC’s increased outreach to industry, greater engagement with the International Civil Aviation Organization, growth of IBAC’s codes of best safety practices for business aircraft operators and ground handlers, and redoubled commitment to environmental programs. Prior to IBAC, Mr. Edwards held various senior-level positions in the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responsible for liaison with European authorities and for global environmental matters. Scott McElvaine Vice-President Business Development & Commercial Services, Pratt & Whitney Canada Christopher (Scott) McElvaine was named Vice President, Business Development & Commercial Services at Pratt & Whitney Canada in January 2022. Drawing on his knowledge of trends and market factors, he provides leadership in planning, directing and managing our next product and service strategy transformation. Scott Cutshall Senior Vice-President Strategy & Sustainability, Clay Lacy Aviation Scott leads strategic development activities and directs marketing, sustainability, and workforce development initiatives across Clay Lacy’s diverse line of business jet services. He is a third-generation pilot whose business aviation expertise spans a wide spectrum of disciplines. His passion for aviation started early. Upon receiving his B.S. in business management from Biola University, he became a Certified Flight Instructor with instrument and multi-engine instruction privileges. In 2000 he began working as a dispatcher for an aircraft management and sales organization with four aircraft that grew to over 75 business jets in 25 cities in the U.S. and China. During his 14-year tenure he served as operations manager, sales director and then vice president of marketing and aircraft management. Ève Laurier Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs Ève Laurier is Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs at Bombardier. A seasoned professional and senior executive leader, Ève brings more than 20 years of knowledge and experience in public relations, communications, corporate marketing and branding to Bombardier. Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world’s most exceptional business jets. Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier is also a leading force in making business aviation more sustainable. Ève’s mandate is to steward the brand journey internally and externally, around the world, and lead the company’s community engagement, employee and customer outreach. She is known to be a leader who shows genuine care for her teams and peers, and her accomplishments and strong involvement towards philanthropy and her community have contributed to her recognition as a role model for future generations of women. Based in Montréal, Québec, Ève holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from McGill and HEC Montréal and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION | ON THE GROUND | WAYFINDING & PASSENGER SERVICES // SEP 2023

Hamad International Airport, in partnership with Atos and Royal Schiphol Group, has introduced Passenger Digital Assistance Kiosks to enable seamless journeys for travellers. The kiosks provide easy access to information, assist in navigation and help passengers through live video calls to customer service agents.

“The new Passenger Digital Assistance Kiosks are part of our overarching digital strategy to transform passenger experiences,” said Suhail Kadri, Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation, Hamad International Airport. “We are committed to investing in the latest technology and innovative solutions; to create the most seamless airport experience for all passengers traveling from and to Hamad International Airport, we are working with industry innovation leaders such as Atos and Royal Schiphol Group.”

The kiosks are multilingual with 20 language options. With the airport map for wayfinding, tey provide information related to flights, airport services, retail and F&B outlets and passenger events at the airport.

“Together with our strategic partner Schiphol, we are proud to have successfully delivered this solution at Hamad International Airport to improve the digital passenger experience, and to manage passenger flow more effectively especially during the airport’s critical peak periods,” said Marc Veelenturf, CEO of Middle East and Turkey, Atos.

Hear more from Hamad International Airport at FTE Global, Los Angeles, 19-21 September 2023. Suhail Kadri, Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation, Hamad International Airport is speaking in the Future Airports conference track in ‘The Airport Technology Leaders Conversation’.

source : https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2023/09/hamad-airport-partners-with-atos-and-royal-schiphol-group-to-implement-digital-passenger-assistance-kiosks/