TU Delft KLM
27-9-2007 Cees van Oord
“Feasibility study for an automated baggage loading concept at airports”
Management Summary
This Master thesis is a feasibility research study on the automated baggage loading concept SkyBax. The SkyBax concept loads with an average of 5 bags per layer, instead of one bag at a time, using the dimension of the baggage in combination with a 3 dimensional loading algorithm to define the position of the bag position in the ULD in advance. This concept works in theory; in this feasibility research study the concept will be tested whether it is economically, technically and logistically feasible.
Furthermore it shows whether the SkyBax concept lives up to the requirements set by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and KLM on automated baggage loading. A comparison is made with the current loading concepts at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
To study the SkyBax concept, the Baggage Handling process has been mapped into a function model, developed according to the Delft system analysis. This model is developed with the requirements and goals set by the parties involved in this project; KLM, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and QuinTech. Because the scope of the thesis lies within the loading of baggage, this process is analysed more thoroughly. With the use of the so called “PROPER” model the current loading concepts and SkyBax concepts are mapped. The final problem definition is derived from this model:
“A simulation model needs to be developed. This model has to show the behaviour of the SkyBax loading system, to investigate whether the objects, set by the parties, can be achieved and to show the performance of the loading system. With these results a comparison of the SkyBax concept with the current loading systems can be made, resulting in a recommendation for further research study and development of automated loading of baggage at airports.”
The design of the simulation results in a program, which is the interface between the “pull process” of the baggage flow and the SkyBax concept. In the simulation, for the SkyBax concept, the program Cube IQ is used. This program, developed by Magic Logic inc., optimises loads with the use a 3D loading optimising algorithm.
The simulation applied for the E-basement, situated at the east area of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for the year 2012 resulted in the following 7 conclusions on the feasibility of the concept:
Economical
4 A 25 [%] utilisation of the Skybax concept is necessary to make the concept profitable. Technical
4 The SkyBax concept has shown to be feasible. It can be more refined, if the characteristics of the load will be studied further.
4 With a sensitivity analysis, the sensitivity of the compression on the fill rate is shown.
Due to a lack of information on the compression of the baggage at this moment, a validation of the effect of the compressibility can not be given.
4 A comparison between the robot pilot and the SkyBax shows that:
o The achievable fill rate of both concepts is almost equal, as the robot loads more than 90[%] of the load fully horizontal.
o The feasible capacity of the SkyBax concept is much bigger than the capacity of the robot. 4 The SkyBax buffer size needed to achieve the maximum fill rate is a size of 20 [bags]. A buffer
size bigger than 20 [bags], within the batch size of 40 [bags], does not result in a significantly better fill rate.
Logistical
4 The sorting of baggage on their height in the Direct Access Buffer shows not to be improving the fill rate.
4 A big disadvantage of the SkyBax concept is the adaptation needed on the ULD.
With the information obtained from the simulation, the “PROPER” model has been filled in for the situation of the E-basement in the year 2012. The next recommendations have been given:
4 The impact of the compressibility can be determined more precisely with the use of a simulation, when the compression of baggage would be studied further.
4 The timing of the baggage scanning on dimension, should be studied further.
4 The current configuration of the “making up” needs to be studied before the development of a new basement can start. As the automated loading and the use the pull process asks for changes.
