01/23/2006

Process Automation for Baggage Loading and Offloading

Airline passenger numbers are constantly increasing and with them the piles of bags to be handled. In view of shorter time frames and stringent security regulations, in recent years airports invested a lot of money in high capacity, fully controlled automation systems for baggage handling, but all the same loading the bags into containers and carts still is an entirely manual process.

At least it was - up to now. With their development of an efficient robotic baggage loading cell, Grenzebach Onero GmbH now automates this labour intensive, physically demanding manual work.
Since May 2005 the first Grenzebach Onero loading cell has been proving its operating efficiency at Amsterdam Schiphol airport where it fits seamlessly into an integral handling concept. The system analyses incoming bags and assesses parameters such as weight, geometry and type. Using these data, a load manager automatically calculates the optimum load position within the ULD/ramp cart and a standard industry robot, equipped with a special loading tool performs the actual loading process. When several containers are filled at the same time, sorting criteria such as flight destination or class are considered.
The Grenzebach Onero baggage loading solution can be integrated as an add-on into existing baggage handling systems. Alternatively, an island version further upgrades bag handling and optimises bag flow management and when incorporated into new baggage handling processes, optimum integration into the handling processes will be reached.
Whatever level may be installed, applying automated baggage loading drastically reduces handling costs per bag. Mis-loads and damages are cut down considerably while at the same time process security is increased.
Developing a baggage loading solution consequently led Grenzebach Onero engineers to the counterpart process of unloading incoming baggage carts. The offloading system tilts the baggage cart so that the bags slide over a chute onto a withdrawal conveyor. Sensor technology integrated into the unloading device and sequence control of the tilting and conveying process ensure orderly removal of the baggage within two to three minutes and including cart changing time, 15–20 carts can be emptied each hour.
Automation technology for baggage loading and offloading offers a number of significant advantages: Manual operations with high physical strain are reduced to a minimum, there is less danger of injury to workforce and at the same time operational safety and process security are rising. According to Grenzebach Onero return of investment of automated baggage loading will be reached after only two years due to a reduction in direct process costs. Especially in view of the constantly increasing numbers of bags to be handled, cutting down baggage handling expenses will be a vital factor for airport profitability in a tight, competitive situation.
Grenzebach Onero GmbH, located in Karlsruhe, Germany, was established in early 2004. The company focuses on the development of baggage loading and offloading solutions for airports and is part of the Grenzebach Group. Grenzebach is a well-established manufacturer of production and handling technology for the flat glass and building panel industries operating world wide and provides an optimum background for the innovative technology of baggage loading.
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Grenzebach-Onero GmbH

Wikingerstr. 11
76189 Karlsruhe

Phone: +49/(0)721/92 13 97-0
Fax: +49/(0)721/92 13 97-29

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