ANA partners with Toyota Industries to test automated technology at Saga Airport

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest and 5-Star airline for eight consecutive years has partnered with Toyota Industries to conduct additional tests of the robotic baggage loader and autonomous towing tractor to further develop these innovative technologies to accelerate their adoption. Scheduled for December 14^th – 18^th, this latest series of tests will demonstrate the gains made by autonomous technology. The tests will take place at Kyushu Saga International Airport (hereinafter referred to as Saga Airport) where ANA has conducted trials of automated technology since March 2019. The airport has served as the location for the trials as ANA has partnered with Saga prefecture to transform Saga Airport into one of the world’s smartest, best connected airports.

“ANA prides itself on our history of innovation and embrace of the latest technologies in order to maximize passengers’ comfort and convenience, while improving the overall travel experience,” said Masaki Yokai, Senior Vice President of ANA. “Toyota Industries also has a legacy of innovation and we are proud to partner with an organization that is also dedicated to continually advance consumer needs. Innovation has always been a key component of our approach to offering unrivaled service and the upcoming tests at Saga Airport bring the next generation of smart technology one step closer to reality.”

Capable of operating at a top speed of 15 kilometers per hour without human oversight, the autonomous tractor offers a glimpse of the airport of the future. The trial program for the automated towing tractor will help confirm its record of efficient and safe operation. By driving a preset course without any human input, the tractor will build upon the advances it has already made to validate its labor-saving utility by improving safety and usability. The latest trials will help to demonstrate its ability to function autonomously when connected to the baggage loading robot prototype. Furthermore, insight from these tests will make it easier to plan for the rollout of these autonomous tractors to other airports across Japan.

The baggage loader is also innovative, being the first of its kind in Japan designed for aircraft use. It also boasts a recently developed robot hand and a unique loading process. Capable of loading a piece of luggage every 25 seconds, the arm effortlessly lifts items weighing up to 35 kg and is even able to accurately stack them according to size for the most efficient storage aboard the aircraft. The advanced loader will streamline the automation of container baggage loading, which is the most time-consuming part of the loading process.  

ANA and Toyota Industries are promoting the automatic towing tractor as part of a program to boost innovation in the aviation sector by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The program aims to respond to changes in the domestic work environment, including labor shortages resulting from the decline in the population.

By automating baggage and cargo handling operations, ANA is advancing its initiative to develop ”Simple & Smart” airport ground support operations, helping to create a streamlined and comfortable working environment for all while allowing airports to function efficiently with smaller workforces.

ANA is committed to creating the best possible travel experience for its passengers and will continue partnering with leading companies and organizations that share its dedication to excellence. Furthermore, ANA and Toyota Industries will build on their sustained success in developing automated technologies to continue creating solutions that can be adopted across a range of industries.