CNBC’s Dan Murphy takes a look at features and technologies in T4, the newest terminal at Singapore’s Changi Airport.
What Changi Airport’s newest terminal looks like from CNBC.
source : https://tinyurl.com/y9ejkokl
Heathrow and Mr Men Little Miss have teamed up to launch Around the World with Mr. Adventure, a brand new interactive augmented reality app, at Heathrow Terminal 2 to entertain children as they navigate through Heathrow’s terminals. Using any digital device, children can help the official Mr Men and Little Miss characters, Mr. Adventure and Little Miss Explorer to find five badges hidden around the terminals.
The digital device’s camera will identify when a child has reached each badge’s hiding place and will play a 3D animated video, enabling the child to photograph/video themselves with the characters.
Once they have found all five digital badges in the game, they can collect their own limited edition iron-on badges to keep, from information desks around the terminals. The app aims to entertain children and encourage them to start their journey of exploration before they leave the airport.
Iona Harper, Senior Experience Manager at Heathrow, said, “As summer sees a greater number of families visit Heathrow, we want to ensure they receive the best possible start to their holiday adventures. The Mr. Adventure app is a great, fun experience for Heathrow’s tiniest travellers, encouraging discovery for the next generation of explorers.”
From Thursday 13 July to Sunday 10 September, Mr. Adventure and Little Miss Explorer will also be making appearances in all terminals to chat to children and help them find the badges. In addition, Heathrow will be hosting themed craft activities and workshops; as well as handing out themed Biscuiteers biscuits and stickers, and offering Kids Eat Free menus and free play areas across terminals.
For more information, visit Heathrow.com/aroundtheworld .
source : https://tinyurl.com/y84mzn3h
at six airports in an attempt to catch immigrants overstaying their visas. While government officials say they are not keeping biometric data of U.S. citizens, privacy advocates are skeptical. Associated Press reporter Frank Bajak joins Hari Sreenivasan from Houston.
No More Wait Time Surprises at Oslo and Stavanger Airport, thanks to BlipTrack technology.
From Christian Bugislaus Carstens
Content Marketing Specialist and Communication Extraordinaire on Linkedin
Passenger numbers exceeded the 25 million milestone for the first time in Oslo Airport´s history in 2016. As one of Europe’s leading airports, Oslo retains ambitious service quality indicators to ensure they remain among the continent’s most efficient airports, particularly in the face of increased passenger numbers and terminal capacity constraints.
To ensure the passenger experience remains positive as volumes increase, Avinor has extended the relationship with BLIP Systems´ partner, Leidos, to implement BlipTrack in Oslo Airport’s new terminal extension. The platform has already been introduced to other airports within the Avinor group, with implementation at Stavanger Airport now underway.
“Avinor has been working closely with BLIP Systems and Leidos since 2009. We value the long-term cooperation and their professional approach in providing us with technology and data to ensure efficient operations and passenger satisfaction. The implementation of BlipTrack in Oslo´s new terminal building and at Stavanger Airport will help to ensure that passengers experience a quick and easy passage through the first stages of the journey, while significantly increasing the opportunity for a positive experience throughout these airports,” says Lars Erik Flatner, Head of ICT Portfolio at Avinor.
Operationally, the airports uses, among other things, the technology to monitor line density in real time, which allows management to respond promptly and effectively to irregular operations and disruptions, for example by opening additional lines. It enables airports to comply with service-level agreements, and to evaluate and challenge key performance indicators with great accuracy.
In addition, live wait time is shared with passengers on screens and through a mobile app. The continuously updated information helps passengers to plan accordingly, and reduces the stress levels associated with queuing by creating realistic expectations.
“With the expansion at Oslo and the new installation at Stavanger Airport, BlipTrack has proven to be an effective platform to provide visibility on resource effectiveness for greater processing efficiency and improved passenger experience. We look forward to continuing to be part of Avinor´s ongoing plan in having Europe’s most progressive and service-minded airports,” says Preben Andersen, Sales Manager at BLIP Systems.
The BlipTrack solution is successfully employed in optimisation efforts in more than 25 international airports, including Schiphol in Amsterdam, JFK in New York, and airports in Manchester, Cincinnati, Auckland, Dublin, Brussels, Geneva, San Diego, and Edinburgh
this week, providing tips to get them smoothly through security checkpoints. The human-sized robot carries a large sign and can speak up to six languages. (July 14)
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The Changi Airport Terminal 4 Fly-Through
A piece of dream as usual
Presenting a glimpse of what passengers and fans will experience at our all-new Terminal 4. T4 presents a new passenger travel experience through a unique terminal design and innovative use of technology.
Sign up for our T4 Open House Facebook event for more updates and information: bit.ly/T4OpenHouse
More information about T4: http://t4.changiairport.com
Read more: 3 Oxford grads say: Drop your bags & be free!
Other upstarts, however, are making it their business to upgrade your bag itself – embracing everything from clever AI features, to laptop charging.
But are robot suitcases the future?
We checked out 5 leading bot bags to find out…
The sell: This loyal companion follows you wherever you go.
For: People who always wanted a puppy, but travel too much.
The good
It’s cute and practical: the Travelmate rolls at your heel (matching your walking pace up to 6.75 mph). It’s also adorned with colourful lights that beam with excitement to see you (Beethoven, eat your heart out).
Additional perks include multiple USB ports and a handle that folds into a work desk (ideal for business trips), a camera mount (for all your selfie needs), and a self-weighing feature (no more panic at the airport check-in).
Worried that this suitcase will be tossed at a security checkpoint? Not a problem – the bag is fully compliant with security regulations.
The bad
Our fear is that people will get jealous, and get a little too hands-on with this hands-free item. But should your Travelmate be stolen, it comes with a trackable GPS chip (which can also be removed and attached to other items – computer, passport, laptop, etc).
As with all rolling suitcases, stairs are out of the question.
You’ll also need to remember to charge it. The Travelmate has a battery life of just four hours, which could be problematic for those doing lots of layovers.
Manual mode isn’t so bad though: with three different sizes, Travelmate cases weigh in at 3kg, 4kg and 5kg – pretty similar to standard hard shell suitcases.
Still, there’s no point paying for a fancy suitcase if the battery’s forever flat.
Can I buy one?
Yes, through Travelmate’s 1637%-funded Indiegogo campaign site. First orders are due to be shipped in September 2017.
The sell: A smart autonomous bot for people who mean business
For: The no-frills digital nomad
The good
When it comes to autonomous bags, China’s offering is the slick minimal Cowa Robot R1.
Like the Travelmate, this also offers USB charging, tracking and won’t slow you down through airport security.
However, in addition to app controls, the Cowa Robot R1 also comes with a wearable bracelet controller to help you easily switch from “autonomous” to “manual” on the go. No need to faff about for your smartphone.
It also has a slightly longer battery life (4 hrs and 20 min).
The bad
The Cowa Robot R1 has a slower top speed, capped at 4.5 mph. So if you’re a Speedy Gonzales, this probably isn’t for you.
With just one size, you also risk being landed with a 4.8kg case if it runs out of juice.
Can I buy one?
Not yet. But Cowa’s online shop says it’s ‘coming soon’.
The sell: It could be the first self-charging smart suitcase.
For: Forgetful travellers who hate faff – and would prefer to wait for the perfect device
The good
With the NUA case, you can charge your devices, track the case’s location, and have it weigh itself. It also includes a pint-sized anti-theft alarm to freak out any would-be robbers.
But what’s most exciting are plans for a self-charging option, that will power the case it up as it rolls along.
This could banish flat battery moments – with virtually no faff involved.
The bad
The NUA Robotics Suitcase remains a bit of a wild card, with few specs publicly available.
For the meantime we know that team has capped its top speed at 5km per hour for safety, while battery life is limited to 1 hr 30 min per charge.
After unveiling a prototype in 2016, the company said it would release the case in the upcoming year or so.
So whether it will live up to its self-powering ambitions remains uncertain.
Can I buy it?
No, not yet. But you can sign up for regular updates here.
The sell: This has a striking circular design that can tackle tough terrain with ease.
For: Eccentric tech fanboys and girls.
The good
The least case-like item on this list, the Gita is for those who really don’t mind attracting stares, and are happy to pay out for the pleasure.
Created in partnership with Piaggio (the company that brought you the Vespa), it’s a wonderfully robust autonomous assistant: it can go up to 22 mph, and hardy wheels that can tackle rough roads and bad weather.
Like the takeaway delivery bots that have started to hit the streets, it can also roll off on its own to any pre-assigned destination.
While it might look deceivingly minimalistic, a biometric key and passcode are required to open the locking bay, and the Gita is equipped with cameras and sensors that render it virtually steal-proof.
It’s batteries last about 8 hours at walking speed.
The bad
The downside of this experimental concept design, is that it has less storage space than the cases on this list – although it can still carry an impressive 18kg.
It’s also still in development, and won’t hit stores for a few years yet.
Piaggio also wouldn’t confirm or deny whether you’d be able to get it through airport security (we’re not hopeful).
Can I buy one?
Sorry, no. You’ll have to be patient.
The sell: It’s fit for all your super-charging needs
For: The long-haul multi-tasker (who doesn’t mind carrying their own bag)
The good
It’s simple, sleek, and smart, and comes in a choice of sizes. But instead of focusing on autonomy, the Bluesmart Series 2 takes your charging needs to the next level.
Each case has two USB charging ports, but just 2.5 hours of charge allow it to serve as a power source for 30 days.
You can also pair it with a bluetooth-tracked laptop bag or passport case, and you guessed it: the laptop bag also acts as a portable charger – with a further two USB ports.
Other perks are that the Bluesmart 2 can weigh itself, it has a remote lock and it has a GPS locator.
The bad
You will have to stick with the muggles and wheel this case yourself.
source : https://tinyurl.com/y8w7eyna