The report explores the potential efficiency gains from automation across a plethora of airport-related functions, such as cargo-handling and logistics operations, as well as passenger transportation both to and within airports.
Trials of a variety of autonomous technological applications have already taken place at a number of UK airports. The first trials of automated air-side vehicles have been completed at Heathrow in collaboration with IAG Cargo and Oxbotica.
Commenting on the report, AIPUT Fund Manager, Nick Smith, said: “Autonomous technology promises enormous benefits to airports and the service companies that support them, transforming the way airports work and improving efficiency and safety, both for passengers and other airport users.
“At Gatwick, for example, 90% of the airport’s airside vehicles are stationary at any one time, which is both hugely inefficient and demands a vast amount of space. A much smaller pool of electric-powered autonomous vehicles would drastically cut costs, free up land, reduce emissions, and improve safety.”
Recently Gatwick became the first airport in the world to trial the use of autonomous vehicles to shuttle staff across the airfield, demonstrating that autonomous vehicles can operate safely in highly-complex airfield environments.
“In Düsseldorf,” Smith continued, “a newly-developed robotic car parking system has demonstrated a 60% reduction in required parking space compared to human drivers.”
While in Norway, an autonomous snowplough was tested at Fagernes Airport, with a single machine able to clear an area of 68 acres in a single hour.
“Airports and airport real estate providers need to be ready for the introduction of automated technology as soon as operational and safety regulations permit,” adds Smith. “AIPUT intends to stay ahead of the curve by embracing automation, working with our tenants and partners to build autonomous technology into our site masterplans; which we believe will adapt and future-proof our UK estate assets, ensuring that our clients’ buildings and facilities will be able to accommodate and benefit fully from the rapid development of autonomous technology.”
The UK Government has signalled its support for the industry, with the announcement of £22.4million of funding under the Industrial Strategy for off-road self-driving vehicles, which it believes will revolutionises productivity in a range of sectors, including mining, ports and airports.