The two-year collaboration is co-funded by the Aviation Development Fund (ADF) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to contribute to Singapore’s journey to become a Smart Nation.
The proof of concept will start in the third quarter of this year, validating self-driving capabilities of the autonomous bus to gain confidence in its operational and safety performance.
Monitored by an on-board safety driver, the test will be conducted in two phases, the first in a sterile environment before moving into the live operational environment.
The collaboration is part of Changi Airport’s efforts to automate routine driving tasks so staff can focus on more complex activities while presenting opportunities for job redesign and upskilling.
The parties hope to encourage the wider development and deployment of autonomous solutions to airside services.
Henry Low, Chief Operating Officer SATS and CEO-designate SATS Singapore Hub, said: “This initiative presents the opportunity to develop the operating model for autonomous bus deployment in a live environment and gather data and learnings in readiness to scale autonomous airside staff transport operations.”
SATS Group and affiliated companies are testing autonomous guided vehicles globally including automated airside cargo transportation vehicles and automated forklift trucks in airport operations and cargo terminals in Europe.
Foo Kean Shuh, Executive Vice President Operations and Chief Sustainability Officer of SIA Engineering Company, said: “Through seamless integration of autonomous buses into airport operations, we aim to raise workforce productivity, improve road safety and in the longer term, optimise airside vehicle numbers to reduce congestion. This trial will allow us to understand technology aspects as well as future concept of operations to fulfil staff transportation needs at the airside.”
Yeo Kia Thye, Managing Director Airport Operations Control at Changi Airport Group, added: “This complements ongoing automation trials, such as the use of autonomous vehicles for baggage transportation and automated Passenger Loading Bridge, to drive greater manpower productivity across our airport operations.”
