Bench Talk

Airport Technology: Part Two

New Tech Tuesdays

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Few things are more frustrating than lost or delayed luggage when traveling. Legacy baggage handling systems rely on manual processes that are susceptible to human error, and chances are, we’ve all had an experience with those errors. Solutions to this age-old problem are emerging, however. In this week's New Tech Tuesdays, we look at how airports are trying to improve the complex logistics surrounding baggage tracking by incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

How IoT Is Assisting in Baggage Tracking

The IoT-based systems finding their way into airports equip bags with radio frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), or Bluetooth^®-enabled tags that communicate with airport infrastructure. These systems provide luggage location updates via smart readers and connected networks to provide transparency at every stage of a bag’s journey.

For example, RFID tracking works with an associated RFID chip on each bag that communicates with the readers in the airport to make sure each bag is accounted for at each transfer point to reduce misplacement. Bluetooth tags paired with a user app allow travelers to get real-time updates on their bags’ location. Additionally, IoT-enabled conveyor belts and smart handling systems route luggage to the correct aircraft to minimize delays and reduce manual interventions (Figure 1). These technologies work together to streamline luggage transport from when it is checked in to when it reaches its final destination.

Figure 1: IoT-connected baggage handling systems in airports are designed to minimize errors by leveraging advanced automation and real-time data analytics. (Source: Heng Heng - AI Stock/stock.adobe.com; generated with AI)

More Convenience and No More Lost Bags

Although bags may still get misplaced, these IoT-powered solutions reduce lost luggage rates and make handling more efficient. They offer several enhancements, including the following:

• Real-time alerts: Officials receive alerts when a bag is marked as lost so that they can act in real time to rectify the problem.
• Enhanced logistics: Airlines and airports leverage data analytics for actionable insights to optimize routes, reduce delays, and improve resource allocation.
• Improved traveler experience: Passengers receive peace of mind when they have access to baggage tracking information through smartphone apps, which brings trust to the system.

Real World Applications

Many airports are already embracing IoT-enabled baggage tracking systems. For example, Delta Air Lines introduced RFID tracking in the Fly Delta app so passengers can receive real-time updates on their luggage’s location.^[1] Moreover, Alaska Airlines sells an NFC-based bag tag that customers can use to avoid waiting in checked baggage lines.^[2] Lastly, Hong Kong International Airport has deployed an IoT-integrated system to ensure baggage is routed to the correct place, minimizing delays for millions of passengers each year.^[3]

The Newest Products for Your Newest Designs^®

For engineers designing contactless applications based on NFC technology, STMicroelectronics offers the STEVAL-25R200SA Discovery Kit. Supporting both read and write modes, the kit includes a main board with an ST25R200 NFC reader IC and STM32G0 microcontroller, five antenna configurations, and two tag boards. The kit is certified to CE, UKCA, FCC, and ISED and includes a comprehensive firmware library.

Tuesday’s Takeaway

The IoT makes baggage tracking smarter, faster, and more reliable. When airports and passengers bring technologies like RFID, NFC, and Bluetooth into the picture, airports and airlines can create seamless experiences for travelers. With IoT predicted to continue evolving, we expect more intelligent systems to be included in airport luggage logistics.

Sources

[1] https://pro.delta.com/content/agency/gb/en/products-and-services/baggage/real---time-bag-tracking.html#
[2] https://alaskaair.bagtag.com/
[3] https://www.hongkongairport.com/iwov-resources/html/MyTag/en/mytagseries.html