Fraport trials AI-powered autonomous robot at Frankfurt Airport (Isabella & Chiara)
Fraport trials AI-powered autonomous robot at Frankfurt Airport
ROBOTICS & AI // OCT 2019
Retrieved from: https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2019/10/fraport-trials-ai-powered-autonomous-robot-at-frankfurt-airport/
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| YAPE carrying around passengers luggage |
The case:
This year, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany has introduced a new self-driving guide robot, called YAPE, to accompany passengers to their gates and help them transport their luggage. The robot can carry up to 30 kilograms at a speed of about 6 kilometers per hour indoors. Since the self-driving electric robot senses its surroundings, it is able to circumvent obstacles. By trialing the autonomous transport robot, Fraport aims to test new ways of enhancing the passenger experience, while at the same time reducing staff workload. The outcome of further testing will determine whether and when YAPE will go into permanent service at Frankfurt Airport.
1. What is new? For whom is it new? How new is it?
A new self-driving guide robot, called YAPE, was introduced to accompany passengers to their gates and help them transport their luggage.The robot is new for passengers and the staff at the airport. The robot was first introduced in the market in 2018. Frankfurt Airport is currently testing the innovation since this year 2019.
2. What type of innovation?
The self-driving guide robot, also called autonomous AI-powered autonomous robot, can be classified in the technical innovation in the mobility industry that aims to improve and facilitate the luggage transportation at airports. Also, it can help to use the recent supporting staff for other tasks or even save those personal costs.
The self-driving guide robot, also called autonomous AI-powered autonomous robot, can be classified in the technical innovation in the mobility industry that aims to improve and facilitate the luggage transportation at airports. Also, it can help to use the recent supporting staff for other tasks or even save those personal costs.
3. What can you find about the background of the innovation? Who was the innovator? Story of the invention? How has it been generated?
Alexander Laukenmann, Head of Airside and Terminal Management unit at Fraport AG, said: “As a leader in innovation, we constantly strive to push forward new digital technologies aimed at enhancing the travel experience for our passengers. Our aim with YAPE is to test which aspects of artificial intelligence and robotics can help to further improve the quality of services at Frankfurt Airport.”
About the innovator:
The AI-based transport and delivery robot is developed by Yape Srl, a company of Italian hi-tech manufacturer e-Novia, and was deployed in FRA’s transit area for five days. During the initial phase of the trials in FRA’s Pier A Terminal 1, a smartphone app was used to interact with the robot. Passengers placed their small luggage in the robot’s luggage compartment and let YAPE guide them to their gates. Thanks to its integrated navigation system the robot is able to freely move through the terminal. According to the airport, in the next phase, the robot will interact autonomously with passengers.
The AI-based transport and delivery robot is developed by Yape Srl, a company of Italian hi-tech manufacturer e-Novia, and was deployed in FRA’s transit area for five days. During the initial phase of the trials in FRA’s Pier A Terminal 1, a smartphone app was used to interact with the robot. Passengers placed their small luggage in the robot’s luggage compartment and let YAPE guide them to their gates. Thanks to its integrated navigation system the robot is able to freely move through the terminal. According to the airport, in the next phase, the robot will interact autonomously with passengers.
Possible learnings about the innovation process (what does it need to develop an innovation like this?)
A robot that supports travelers at the airport with their luggage can be an effective innovation but, in my opinion, also can cause problems. For example, is there enough space on the airport for robots when it is already overcrowded by passengers? How to deal with accidents when people crash with a robot or elderly do not see them due to their small height?
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