Modern airports are intricate ecosystems, and the baggage handling system (BHS) is at the heart of airport operations. A complex network of conveyors, scanners, and sorting mechanisms must operate flawlessly to ensure your luggage arrives safely and at the correct destination.
Traditionally, the burden of diagnosing issues within these systems has fallen on service engineers, skilled technicians who analyse vast amounts of data and alerts to identify the root cause of any problem. This manual work is time-consuming, but our BHS AI for airports has shown tangible proof of early detection and diagnosis of issues.
The Challenge: Diagnosing BHS Issues
Baggage handling systems are prone to various issues – a jam on a conveyor belt, a malfunctioning sensor, or even a misdirected bag can cause significant delays. The traditional approach for a service engineer involves a detailed review of data logs, alerts, and system schematics.
Engineers sift through PowerBI dashboards, searching for clues and often relying on experience and intuition to pinpoint the problem. This process is not only time-consuming but can be prone to human error, especially when dealing with the sheer volume of information generated by the system. The need for a faster, more accurate, and efficient diagnostic process is self-evident.
Introducing the AI Agents of BHS
We have developed AI to assist engineers, as illustrated in the process flow diagram. This agent processes daily data to identify anomalies.
When an alert is triggered, the AI begins its diagnostic work. The agent identifies the equipment most likely responsible for the alert.
It then identifies all the data points which are correlated, to better understand the factors contributing to the fault. The agent fetches the data relevant to the issue and provides a visualisation of that data, making it easier for a human to assess.
Finally, the AI agent summarises its analysis, presenting the engineer with a clear overview of the likely fault. At this point the human engineer takes over, using their expertise to complete the diagnosis and resolve the issue.
AI Agents in EDS (Explosive Detection Systems) Integration
The integration of AI extends beyond just EDS, with further opportunities in larger BHS architecture. Right now the AI agent is used to analyse and learn from the data coming from EDS to identify patterns and increase or monitor the machine’s reliability.
This makes for a much more robust system. The integration of AI into airport security systems is a huge step for the transport industry and airports in particular. We expect the system to become more dependable and less likely to cause delays for airlines and passengers.
The Benefits of AI for airports in BHS
The application of AI to baggage handling systems brings several tangible benefits.
1. Firstly, it will improve the speed of diagnostics, reducing downtime. By automating the initial analysis, we reduce the time engineers need to identify an issue’s root cause.
2. Secondly, it helps minimise human error. The system ensures that the analysis is always consistent and accurate. This all leads to more efficient system maintenance; with the AI agent doing the initial analysis, engineers are able to focus on the more complex issues.
3. Enhancing passenger experience. Minimising disruptions also contributes to a more seamless operation, in turn enhancing the passenger experience.
Looking Forward for AI for airports integration
We anticipate further development of these systems in the future.
Continued refinement of AI algorithms will lead to even more precise diagnostics, while integration with machine learning allows for predictive maintenance, anticipating problems before they even occur. At Amygda we are continuing to innovate for airports and ensuring that airport operations become as efficient and reliable as possible.
In conclusion
Technology plays a critical role in the future of modern airport operations.
AI driven solutions are no longer an idea but a vital part of daily operations. They enable us to create more robust systems to improve passenger experience and streamline efficiency. By harnessing the power of AI, you can build and maintain a more dependable and reliable baggage system, keeping airport operations running smoothly, and in turn providing an altogether better travel experience.
Let’s integrate AI for Airports
I started this journey with service teams at Rolls-Royce, watching engineers tackle complex problems with limited tools. Today, we’re helping the transport industry work smarter, not harder. But this is just the beginning.
If you’re managing airport operations, you know the daily challenges of keeping complex systems running smoothly. You might be wondering how AI could help your team work more effectively. Or perhaps you’re curious about what the use of your data could do for your operational costs.
Let’s talk. I’d like to show you how we’re helping airports like yours save 70% of engineering time while catching issues two weeks before they cause disruptions.
Book a 30-minute chat with me. On how AI might help. Email me at [email protected] or connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/faizanpatankar/).