Bringing innovation to cargo handling
September 23, 2024
Compared to the rapid advances in aircraft technologies, ground operations have been slow to evolve – and more specifically, the logistics side of cargo handling has largely remained unchanged.
According Airbus’ latest global services forecast, the ground operations market is worth around $39bn in 2024 and is expected to reach $65bn in 2043. It is a huge market but the lack of innovation over time has led to heavy costs for airlines. Airbus projects an estimated 31 million aircraft turnarounds in 2024, highlighting the benefits of digitalisation and connectivity to improve efficiency and reduce incidents on the ground.
In the cargo sector, for instance, new wireless and robotic technologies will ensure greater efficiency in handling cargo containers and unit load devices (ULDs). The adoption of such innovation for ULD movement is still in its early stages, suggests Delphine Perridy- Boile, chief commercial officer at Envirotainer – a key player in temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments. However, she already sees these advancements taking shape in the industry.
“The integration of AI with IoT [Internet of Things] devices and robotic systems is already helping to streamline warehouse and transportation solutions,” thus reducing manual handling errors while enhancing speed and accuracy, noted Perridy- Boile.
Currently, digital systems can provide real-time information and adjust warehouse processes based on flight schedules, reducing bottlenecks and improving efficiency. Also, automated cargo systems already implement ‘just-in-time’ maintenance to keep handling equipment in good condition.
“Autonomous robots are being explored for various tasks, such as patrolling warehouses, identifying storage locations, and moving pallets,” said Perridy- Boile. Additionally, fully automated robotic freight handling solutions are being developed to manage a variety of cargo sizes and shapes, she stated. “These systems automate key operations such as cargo acceptance, storage, and ULD build-up, using AI to simplify processes and increase efficiency.”
As AI continues to develop, Perridy- Boile reckons its integration with other technologies will provide complete visibility and automation in logistics, making the transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals more reliable and efficient than ever. In the future, new technologies should further improve processes, like using autonomous vehicles to transport ULDs on the apron.
Bas Vermeer, Unilode’s chief information officer, feels that while these technologies work well within a single ground handling agent or in one airport, it can be difficult to harmonise or use digital technologies across the whole supply chain across all ground handlers and airports.
Vermeer pointed to IATA’s OneRecord initiative as a potential solution. “It will be influential from our perspective; because it takes care of the standardisation of messages between parties across the whole supply chain.” As IATA indicates, the vision for OneRecord is an end-to-end digital logistics and transport supply chain where data is easily and transparently exchanged in a digital ecosystem of air cargo stakeholders, communities and data platforms.
In the current era of rapid technological change, predicting the future has become increasingly complex, especially with advancements in AI and machine learning, argues Leroy Galloway, business development manager for the UK and Ireland at DoKaSch. The company specialises in smart active containers for cold chain transportation.
“While the logistics side of handling ULDs has remained relatively unchanged, we are constantly evaluating new technologies to stay ahead,” Galloway remarked, adding that wireless and robotic technologies offer promising improvements in the movement and handling of ULDs.
“However, the human element remains vital, and we believe in enhancing human capabilities with technology rather than replacing them.” Galloway added that the focus at DoKaSch is on leveraging AI and predictive analytics to improve operational efficiency and decision-making processes. “This approach ensures that we can adapt to new technological advancements while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability in our logistics operations.” By staying at the forefront of technological innovation and continuously updating practices, Galloway reckons the industry can better anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of the air cargo industry.
Back at Unilode, another important driver are the people that actually do all the ground handling work. According to Vermeer, they [ground handlers] will remain critical to support logistical processes around ULDs for the coming years and consequently, Unilode are investing heavily in the e-ULD app.
This app – which Unilode launched in March – is compatible with both iOS and android devices and replaces its previous application for ULD scanning and tracing. It aims to reduce manual work on Stock Control Messages (SCMs), ULD loan transfers and other operational processes, and helps reduce ULD losses, repairs and inefficiencies.
“The app greatly improves the day-to-day work of the ground handling staff, while at the same time, significantly enhancing our digitalisation of the supply chain next to our readers and tags. This makes the e-ULD app a critical piece of our overall digital solution,” Vermeer explained. Certainly, ground operators are handling ever-evolving airline products by leveraging the use of data within the ecosystem.
As the evolution of ground operations begin, the leveraging of that data, the conversion of data through digital technologies is going to be essential to create that connection between the different actors on the operations of the aircraft. Additionally, real-time AI-based monitoring of operations is expected to facilitate prediction of potential problems and issues at an early stage, enabling prompt and accurate decision-making on matters such as resource allocation.
A recent collaboration between German-based airside automation specialist Evitado Technologies and ground handler dnata echoes this drive to revolutionise airside operations. The partnership, announced in August, will see dnata harness the power of Evitado’s collision avoidance system, enhancing both safety and efficiency in ground towing operations.
The integration of Evitado’s systems will enable the collection of vital airside data, supplying key performance indicators to dnata’s operational and safety teams, and as both companies suggest, this will refine operational efficiency and fortifying ground handling safety protocols.
