IBM, Vanderlande will use robots, RFID to ramp up Schiphol airport baggage handling

Our Aviation Bureau
06 October 2007

The airport has seen increased traffic. In 2006, it catered to over 46 million passengers, compared with 44 million in 2005. (See table below.)

IBM will provide the baggage management system to control and track each bag throughout the baggage transportation system using high-tech availability techniques and robot handling software. It will also deliver consulting services, hardware, software and application development for the project, including radio frequency identification (RFID), which will be used to track checked-in baggage.

The two companies will work in close partnership with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to design and build the extension of the airport''s baggage handling facilities to help it keep pace with the expected future growth in passenger numbers. "Work begins immediately," according to an IBM statement.

IBM has Baggage Centre of Excellence in Amsterdam, and has extensive expertise in baggage handling solutions. It has been involved in other projects with Schiphol Airport and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and has also provided baggage management systems globally. The US company has worked with Vanderlande Industries at several airports in the world.

The airport''s new 10,000-sq.m. baggage hall is designed to handle baggage for departing and transferring passengers. While different airlines will use it, Air France KLM will be the biggest user.

The system will be connected to the airport''s other baggage halls, ensuring more efficient and faster transfers of baggage between connecting flights. When the hall opens in 2011, six robots will mechanically manage baggage, handling 60 per cent of the loading and further decreasing connection times.