Recent Incidents Show that Predictive Maintenance is a Missing Link in Baggage Handling Automation
Karl Hirsch
President & CEO @ TinMan Systems | AI, Industrial IoT, Sensor Systems, Robotics
Recent incidents, such as a mechanical glitch at Denver International Airport (DEN) and a conveyor belt fire at Miami International Airport (MIA), underscore the importance of maintaining efficient systems.
Baggage handling systems at major U.S. airports play a crucial role in ensuring smooth travel experiences. Some airports have baggage handling systems that stretch for miles. For instance, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) boasts over 10 miles of conveyor belts, while Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) features more than 8 miles. These extensive systems handle millions of bags annually, and when they fail the impact is huge.
Denver International Airport (DEN) - January 2024:
In January 2024, a mechanical glitch in DEN’s baggage handling system caused chaos. Around 7:15 a.m. on a Sunday, the system hiccupped, leading to significant backlogs and separation of travelers from their luggage. Over 480 flight delays occurred on that day due to the glitch, affecting all airlines. Imagine the frustration of passengers waiting for their bags or missing connecting flights.
Miami International Airport (MIA) - March 2022:
In 2022, a conveyor belt malfunction sparked a fire in MIA’s baggage handling area. The fire temporarily shut down the system, disrupting flights and leaving passengers without their belongings. Emergency crews responded swiftly, but the incident highlighted the vulnerability of these critical systems.
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Conclusion
In the dynamic landscape of airport operations, baggage handling systems stand as vital arteries, ensuring the seamless flow of luggage from check-in to aircraft holds. As automation continues to revolutionize this critical infrastructure, predictive maintenance through new state-of-the-art tools, sensor systems and best practices will be key to operational efficiency. By identifying issues before they escalate, we ensure that baggage handling systems remain robust, efficient, and adaptable.
Sources:
Here are the two news stories referenced in the article:
As automation transforms baggage handling systems, staying ahead requires cutting-edge tools. TinMan Systems' Mobile Conveyor Inspection System (MCIS) is an Autonomous Multi-Sensor Diagnostic Inspection Device for Conveyor Systems. It helps ensure the reliability and availability of baggage handling conveyors.