Kian Gould, CEO and Founder of AOE, talking about Digitalizing the Global Travel Retail World at Global Retailing Conference 2018. Talk topic: “Global Travel Retail: Digitally disrupted or digitally evolved?”
However, if you’ve visited Terminal 4 (T4), Changi Airport’s newest terminal, you may have noticed its bright and colourful chairs – all 30 different types of them, in an assortment of about 40 fabrics, leathers, patterns and colours! Here are some interesting highlights of these quirky chairs that can be found in both the public and transit areas of the terminal.
Upholstered in a combination of solid colours and floral patterns, these chairs come with character… and for some, a nifty side table, complete with charging points.
Those with an eye for detail might realise there’s something distinctly different in the way the chairs in T4 are arranged. As compared to the other terminals, you’ll discover that resting in one of these chairs feels almost like being at home! Having drawn inspiration from the warm and welcoming hotel lounges, the chairs have been arranged in cosy seating clusters so that people can fully relax and feel at ease.
A unique twist (literally) to the more traditional benches.
Apart from lounge seats, explore the other kinds of chairs all around the terminal that are equally comfortable and eye-catching, such as the plush sofas and quirky spiral seats.
Inspired by hotel lounges, these plush sofas are great for sharing seats with friends, loved ones, or even strangers you’ve just met!
Fabrics are coated with water repellent coating to prevent damage or staining from spills.
Besides its intriguing shapes and attractive colours and patterns, these chairs are highly durable as well. As the chairs need to be able to withstand heavy usage by Changi Airport’s passengers over many years, the fabrics used were chosen for their high durability. In fact, a “rub count” test was done for each fabric before it was chosen. During this test, a mechanised arm rubs a piece of heavy canvas over the test fabric back and forth repeatedly. It is only after the fabric starts to show significant wear that its rub count is determined – in the case of T4 chairs, up to 100,000 double rubs!
Stretch of fabric is especially important for such plush seats.
You might also find that the chairs in T4 bounce back to its original shape quickly after it’s vacated – that’s because there was special attention paid to the ‘stretch’ of the fabric, to ensure that these seats are always in tip-top form. There are also chairs around the terminal designed for passengers with reduced mobility, such as chairs that are not too low and with arm rests.
source : Now boarding Changi Airport
Another amendment to the Air Navigation Order 2016, through which the new rules are being carried, will require the pilots of drones weighing more than 250 grams to register and take a test – or face a £1,000 fine.
TROUBLE MAKER: Governments the world over are working on how to integrate drones into existing regulatory frameworksNew laws will make it illegal for drones to fly above 400 feet and within 1 kilometre of airport boundaries in the UK from this summer.
The change in legislation, which will come into effect on July 30, follows year-on-year increases in the number of reported incidents involving drones and aircraft – 89 in 2017, up from 71 in 2016.
Further laws expected to come into force on November 30 next year have also been tabled. These will require owners of drones weighing 250 grams or more to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and for drone pilots to take an online safety test. Users who fail to register or sit the competency tests could face fines of up to £1,000.
The CAA and airports will have the power to make exceptions to these restrictions in specific circumstances.
Baroness Liz Sugg, the UK’s Aviation Minister, said: “We are seeing fast growth in the numbers of drones being used, both commercially and for fun.
“Whilst we want this industry to innovate and grow, we need to protect planes, helicopters and their passengers from the increasing numbers of drones in our skies.
“These new laws will help ensure drones are used safely and responsibly.”
In addition to these measures a draft Drones Bill will be published this summer, which will give police more tailored powers to intervene on the spot if drones are being used inappropriately.
According to the Department for Transport, drone operators will also eventually be required to use apps – so they can access the information needed to make sure any planned flight can be made safely and legally.
Interest in drones and their potential uses outside of leisure has been surging in recent years, with PwC predicting the industry could be worth £42 billion in the UK by 2030. However, this surge has not been without its controversies. Last summer, a drone passed directly over the wing of an Airbus 319 as it approached London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in an incident that, it was said, could have cost more than 100 lives.
Chris Woodroofe, Chief Operating Officer, Gatwick Airport, said: “We welcome the clarity that today’s announcement provides as it leaves no doubt that anyone flying a drone must stay well away from aircraft, airports and airfields.
“Drones open up some exciting possibilities but must be used responsibly. These clear regulations, combined with new surveillance technology, will help the police apprehend and prosecute anyone endangering the travelling public.”
The Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, Karen Dee, said: “Drones are a great new technology that are expected to bring many benefits to aviation and the UK as a whole. To achieve these benefits, we must ensure drones are operated safely and pose no risk to aviation.
“The new laws introduced today are an important step in the right direction. As partners in the Drone Code, the AOA will support efforts to educate the public on these new rules.
“An important way to ensure people do not inadvertently break the law is through introducing mandatory geo-fencing technology as soon as possible. This would safeguard critical airspace around airports from accidental drone incursions. We believe this is the most effective way to ensure that unsafe drone use does not have major consequences.”
source : International Airport Review
Digital transformation is increasingly becoming relevant for businesses, with national infrastructures too investing in evolving digitally. Airports are more driven than ever to become more innovative, but their efforts could be costly.
According to research by Frost & Sullivan, the efforts to increase passenger traffic and global capacity constraints through the means of digital transformation could drive airport IT spending to nearly $4.63 billion by 2023.
Digital transformation efforts are already driving growth opportunities, so the spending will not be in vain. According to analysis, European airports are more motivated to invest in digitalizing operations rather than physical infrastructure while airports of Asia-Pacific are innovating as a brand attribute and to enhance the airport experience.
“Capacity constraints coupled with unprecedented growth in aircraft and passenger traffic,” said Renjit Benjamin, Senior Industry Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “As well as competition and the promise of new non-aeronautical revenue streams necessitate a transformation in airports’ value proposition, by leveraging emerging technologies and transitioning from a process centric to a passenger centric business model.”
Among the technologies being used to drive digital transformation in airports are biometrics, blockchain, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). AI will play a pivotal role in e-commerce functions in airports, while blockchain will be an imperative part of passenger data.
“As airports transition to a data-driven infrastructure, there will be considerable investment in data analytics, storage, and security products and services. The industry will also witness the growth of end-to-end data platforms that consolidate airport functions and processes,” added Benjamin.
source : Forbes Middle East
can’t understand why robots — like the ones used by Amazon.com Inc.’s warehouses — aren’t handling airport baggage yet.
Outlining what automation, artificial intelligence and big data can do for air travel, the carrier’s President Tim Clark laid out a vision in which robots, with no need for human intervention, would ID bags, put them in prescribed bins and later take them out of the aircraft. His concept also includes cutting back on what is still the most laborious part of flying — the central security search.
“That’s in today’s technology,” he told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday at the International Air Transport Association’s annual general meeting. “We can actually do this.” The entire process, from arrival at the airport, check-in, immigration through all the way to the boarding gates, would become seamless and uninterrupted, he said.
Amazon’s Robot War Is Spreading
The technology can be deployed even for security searches, said Clark, 68, adding a passenger passing through the system would keep walking while being inspected by “lots of entities.”
If there’s a problem, “something will come out — I can’t say whether it’ll be humanoid or whatever — and stop him.”
Say ‘Konnichi Wa’ to Robots in Tokyo Airport as Population Ages
Emirates is already close to producing a walk-though security system that doesn’t require passengers to remove boots and belts and offload mobile phones and keys.
The construction of the new Al Maktoum International Airport south of Dubai, which Clark says was designed with “old think,” has been paused so its architecture can be reworked to accommodate new technologies and the internet of things.
“If it means we delay a couple years, we have to do that,” Clark said. “Those that don’t do it are going to be problem children in the future.”
source : Bloomberg
7 Humanoid Robots Which Were Made In India, And Their Success Stories
Humanoids robots have been gaining popularity in India for quite some time now. Although the country is still catching up with the developments in artificial intelligence and robotics as compared to others, Indian startups, as well as the government, are working at a rapid pace to integrate new age technologies. According to an IFR research, robot sales in India increased by 27 percent to a new peak of 2,627 units in India — almost the same as in Thailand. Another survey claims that India ranks third in implementing robotic automation.
Let us take a look at a few noteworthy humanoid robots that are designed and developed in India:
Manav is India’s first 3D-printed humanoid robot. The two kilo, two-feet tall robot has an inbuilt vision and sound processing capability which allows it to walk, talk and dance — just in response to human commands.
Developed by Delhi’s A-SET Training and Research Institute, the humanoid robot is primarily meant for research purposes and is made available to research institutes which offer robotics as a subject of study.
Manav can also perform activities like push-ups, headstands and can also play football. It uses an open-source code so that it can also be taught to learn and respond like a human child. It also has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and has a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that can work for an hour with a single full charge. The parts of Manav are all made in India, the outer frame of the robot is made of plastic and was 3D printed from A-SET’s own 3D printing venue, Buildkart Retail.
The first indigenously built humanoid robot is capable of interacting with humans smartly. The five feet-tall humanoid robot is made of fibreglass and is programmed to greet customers using contextual help, autonomous navigation and facial and speech recognition. It also has a touchscreen on its chest which can be used to interact where speech is not possible. It can work for eight hours on a single charge. It can also understand multiple languages.
The humanoid robot was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ivanka Trump, First Daughter and advisor to the President of the United States Donald Trump, at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) conference last year.
Developed by a Bengaluru-based robotics startup Invento Robotics, the robot can be found floating in the corridors of the Canara Bank and PVR Cinemas in Bengaluru, chatting with the customers and making them feel welcome.
According to the robot’s official website, the robot is as handy in the service sector as it is as a host. In fact, one can rent the robot for any party. Depending on the requirement, the startup customises the humanoids accordingly.
Reportedly, Mitra was also showcased at an annual technology conference Slush 17 in Helsinki, Finland. During the event, the robot not only caught the attention of the audience but also received opportunities for partnership with a European firm.
Hyderabad-based AI and ML startup H-Bots Robotics has developed a police robot to assist in handling the law, order, and traffic management. The life-sized robot, which was deployed last year in Hyderabad, is equipped with cameras and an array of different sensors like ultrasonic, proximity and temperature sensors. The robot is designed to protect and secure places like offices, malls, airports, signal posts and other public spaces and can take care of security if deployed autonomously. Reportedly, the Robocop can diffuse bombs too. The beta version robot is made in India using all Indian components.
Passengers visiting Bengaluru airport may soon be greeted by a special robot assistant. Built to suit the needs of the Kempegowda International Airport, the little bot assistant, named KEMPA, will answers queries of confused passengers in English as well as Kannada.
The humanoid is built on AI by a Bengaluru-based startup Sirena Technologies. The advanced humanoid is completely designed and manufactured in Bengaluru.
KEMPA is programmed to provide flight and check-in details and other information about flights. While the bot is still being tweaked and is getting ready for the official launch. It also suggests places to visit in the state also engages in casual conversation with passengers.
Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has created a unique artificial intelligence-based robot called RADA to automate simple tasks and improve customer experience.
According to a statement released by Vistara, the RADA will be placed at Vistara’s Signature Lounge at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3 from 5 July 2018 to assist customers before they board their flights. It will also help promote Vistara’s product and services with the help of distinct messages recited by the bot.
RADA will be further developed over a period of time in terms of functionality and features for future use cases, after gauging customer feedback. It is conceived, designed and engineered by its team of technology experts and apprentices from Tata Innovation Lab with support from students of reputed institutions.
Built on a chassis of four wheels, RADA can rotate 360 degrees and has three inbuilt cameras for cognitive interaction. Combining these components with an effective voice technology, Vistara has developed the robot to provide a simple solution to cater to the emerging and future trends.
Next time you enter the HDFC Branch, you may be greeted by a shiny white interactive humanoid called IRA (Intelligence Robotics Assistant). HDFC bank first launched IRA 1.0 in its Mumbai branch last year. Recently, it deployed an advanced version of IRA in its Koramangala Branch in Bengaluru.
IRA 2.0 is a blend of the former model and EVA (Electronic Virtual Assistant). It has been trained to answer questions frequently asked by the customers and assist the customers to the correct counter as per their requirements. The humanoid interacts with customers with a voice-based technology. IRA 2.0 has been created by HDFC Bank in collaboration with its technology partner Invento Makerspaces and Sensorforth Technologies. The bank claims that it is the first bank in India to introduce a humanoid for customer service.
This is reportedly the tallest humanoid robot built in India. Created by researcher Santosh Vasudeo Hulawale, INDRO is an autonomous robot was made inside a house with easily available low-cost material like aluminium, wood, cardboard, plastic etc. According to a research paper, INDRO can be used for lightweight tasks like entertainment, education and a few household works. The autonomous humanoid robot is not fully autonomous and can be controlled both autonomously and manually. It has 31 motors and can perform actions like a human. In addition, it can lift objects weighing up to 2 kilos with its hands.
This made-in-India robot is primarily designed to detect and recover Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the robot was inducted by Indian Army around 2011. Reportedly, 20 Daksh robots are already being used by the Indian Army.
Using its X-ray vision, Daksh can identify a hazardous object and can diffuse it with a jet of water. Daksh is capable of climbing staircase and negotiating cross-country terrains and is capable of towing a suspected vehicle away from a crowded area. Additionally, it can be operated from a distance of 2.5 kilometres and can handle car explosives with its high-calibre shotgun. Reportedly, after it got an upgrade in 2015, it not only became lighter, faster and rugged, but has also been equipped with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazard detection mechanism. The new Daksh is made of aluminium alloy which has reduced the weight and has become three-time faster, compared to the older version, which was made of steel.
India’s robotics industry is still small when compared with those of South Korea, Japan, US and China. Nonetheless, there are only three robots per 10,000 employees in India. But it is only a matter of time before the country becomes a major player in robotics design and development. India already has many of the basic elements in place to become a robotics industry, including established business, academic research, government support and an increasingly entrepreneurial business community.
source : Analytics India Mag
Rising passenger traffic and global capacity constraints will drive airport IT spending to $4.63 billion by 2023, according to the latest analysis by Frost & Sullivan.
Airports are developing their digital transformation roadmap in line with strategic planning activities to address key performance indicators across all areas of the airport operation, claims its Digital Transformation in Airports study.
Indeed, Frost & Sullivan insist that digital transformation in airports is creating growth opportunities across the globe with renewed commitment to infrastructure modernisation and expansion creating a dynamic environment.
In Europe, for example, it says that airports are motivated to invest in digitalising operations due to physical infrastructure constraints, while Asia-Pacific airports are seen more open to innovation as a brand attribute and to enhance the airport experience.
However, many airports endeavour to develop solutions in-house with local expertise and partnerships, according to Frost & Sullivan’s analysis.
Technologies driving the digital transformation process in the airport environment include biometrics, blockchain, analytics and artificial intelligence.
Biometrics
Biometrics applications focus on border control, reducing bottlenecks by automating processes.
The technology is now being introduced across all touchpoints, in the form of identity management for self-service kiosks, aiming to create seamless passenger journeys.
In the future, says Frost & Sullivan, passengers will be submitting biometric data (enrollment) at the first airport touchpoint and will only need to verify their identity in all subsequent originating airport touchpoints, with the possibly to further extend this facility at destination airport touchpoints.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology, as a trusted network for storing biometric and other personal data, can be used to create secure and faster passenger journeys.
Blockchain could also prove to be the catalyst for a truly collaborative airport environment, among airport stakeholders that today work in silos.
Passengers may be willing to share even more data about themselves, in exchange for valued personalized services and products, while blockchain eliminates any security or privacy concerns.
Analytics
The data generated by various airport systems are collated and analysed to provide historic, real-time and forecasted data that will empower the operator to take proactive steps to deal with peak operational periods and disruptions.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already been used in narrow passenger-related applications, says Frost & Sullivan, from chatbots to predicting preferences and recommending suitable products/services in the information and pre-travel stages of the passenger journey.
It will be increasingly used in the e-commerce function of an airport, as well as in enabling operators to better manage airport spaces and allocating resources, according to optimized flow prediction models.
“Capacity constraints coupled with unprecedented growth in aircraft and passenger traffic, as well as competition and the promise of new non-aeronautical revenue streams necessitate a transformation in airports’ value proposition, by leveraging emerging technologies and transitioning from a process centric to a passenger centric business model,” says Renjit Benjamin, Frost & Sullivan’s senior industry analyst.
Benjamin further noted that among other growth opportunities, IT and airport system suppliers focus ondata monetisationand predictive operations.
At the same time, major suppliers are entering strategic partnerships and investing in innovative start-ups to fill capability gaps.Companies that specialise in big data analytics and cybersecurity are increasingly being targeted by incumbents.
“As airports transition to a data-driven infrastructure, there will be considerable investment in data analytics, storage, and security products and services,” he adds.
“The industry will also witness the growth of end-to-end data platforms that consolidate airport functions and processes.”
Digital Transformation in Airports is part of Frost & Sullivan’s global Aerospace, Defense & Security Growth Partnership Services programme.
source : Airport World
Haven’t you yet downloaded it ? GVApp is available for free in French, German and English, for Android, iOS and Apple Watch.
www.gva.ch/GVApp
Rajendra Pawar and Sudhir Singh of NIIT Technologies point the way for a better airport experience for travellers
In what ways are technology helping to improve the airport experience for passengers?
Rajendra Pawar, chairman of NIIT Technologies: Well, face recognition and the internet of things (IOT) can cut down time spent at security terminals, while intelligent machines can guide travellers to shopping discounts or food outlets.
Machine learning can predict traveller behaviours to send them shopping offers available in real-time. Essentially, technology creates opportunities to increase employment across airports, increase passenger footfall and contribute to the economy of cities.
What if travellers want to spend less time in an airport, though… treat it more like coach station?
Sudhir Singh, CEO of NIIT Technologies: Some airports across the US now use biometrics instead of physical boarding passes to improve procedures, while IoT and radio frequency identification (RFID) are used as substitutes for tagging a bag, tracking it and receiving it at the end.
Over the last six months, some airlines such as KLM have also come up with apps that push notifications whenever the need arises to improve flight and boarding information.
What about Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
SS: That’s already in place. Beijing Capital International Airport has incorporated AI-driven tools in their everyday processes to optimise operations, while countries such as Japan ensure efficiency during peak seasons by using intelligent machines.
For example, to pre-plan for the 2020 Summer Olympics, the Tokyo Haneda Airport is currently testing humanoid robots to guide passengers. Governments, airlines, airports, tour operators, crew managers and any other stakeholders understand that they should already be preparing for the future of airports.
So, what will air travel look like by this time next year?
RP: From a consumer perspective, there is significant growth in expectations around being involved in decision-making for flight routes and experiences.
To meet these demands, 2018 will be the year of experimentation as airlines and airports use tech-powered multi-layered solutions.
Whether its baggage handling, use of chatbots or digital interaction with travellers through push notifications. Any new airports being constructed will have to be future-ready to keep up with the pace of the digital transformation.
source : Arabian Business
designed to allow passengers to relax and make the best use of their available time at the airport.
Using indoor navigation and up-to-date personalised information from airports and airlines, the PASSME App monitors the stress levels of a passenger wearing the smart wristband, and provides helpful notifications about how best to manage stress and arrive at their gate on time.
The PASSME App is a breakthrough on the PASSME project. The PASSME project aims to reduce unwanted door-to-door air travel time in Europe by an hour and to make the airport experience less stressful and more enjoyable for passengers.
The PASSME project is funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 636308.
To learn more about the PASSME project, please visit http://www.passme.eu or follow us on Twitter @PASSME_EU