Robotic and Assisted Loading for Makeup
Service Description
Robotic Loading and Manual Handling Aids for Makeup
As part of better managing makeup processes at ramp level and reducing the inherent health and safety risks of manual handling, it is possible to implement automated loading mechanisms in the bag room. Vacuum lifting devices have long been implemented in bag halls around the world however are normally highly under-utilised due to the awkward nature of the devices and the reduction in staff productivity.
Fully-automated robots were installed in a few airports around the world nearly ten years ago (E.g. Schiphol) however this never really progressed past that point. The primary reason for this is that robots could not fill ULD’s as efficiently as people (robots to a maximum of 85% compared to humans 95%) and the speed at which the robot could fill ULD’s was not dramatically faster than a human.
A study from Dublin Airport indicated that of the 15 airlines and ground handling companies in 1992-1994 cost them an average of $US 21m during that period and the latest UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics for the air transport industry report that just under 40 per cent of all injuries are caused by lifting and handling. https://www.iosh.co.uk/News/Airport-baggage-handling-a-risky-business.aspx
The current direction in improving make-up processing is to use manual handling aids to support the operator in loading the ULDs and barrows. The concept is to supply the bags to the load point at the correct height and close to the final manoeuvre position where the operator can then insert the bag more easily.
There are now many assisted loading devices available in the market each with their own positives/negatives which require review for each individual operation. Whether you want to completely eliminate manual handling or reduce it in a couple of key areas.
