It may seem like science fiction, but Schiphol recently started a trial with a self-driving baggage vehicle that will independently transport passengers' baggage to the aircraft on the apron. This trial is being conducted together with KLM Ground Services and Smart Airport Systems and will last until the end of February. Schiphol reports that the trial will start in an area that is demarcated. 

Hassan Charaf, head of innovation at Royal Schiphol Group:

Despite the corona crisis, we continue to invest in quality and innovation. We have started the 'Autonomous Airside Operations' program in order to be able to work step by step with airport partners towards smart and future-proof ground handling. In this early phase, we focus on knowledge development through trials at various airports. In this way we can combine insights and determine which bottlenecks require particular attention and which steps must be taken in the future towards an autonomous airport. Based on this, concrete follow-up steps are determined.

Schiphol is starting this trial to see and learn whether this technology is efficient and safe and how self-driving vehicles can be integrated with other traffic on Schiphol Airport. During all tests, a safety operator is in the self-driving vehicle, in order to intervene in an emergency. The self-driving vehicle is made by TLD, the autonomous software is provided by EasyMile.

Dennis van Kleef, head of baggage at Royal Schiphol Group:

Employment also remains with autonomous technology. In the future, it can be used for work for which personnel is difficult to find, or for work that is physically demanding. The human factor remains crucial, for example in management and overview. Employees can also focus more on service.

Also read: Amazon opens delivery center at Schiphol