The State of California has a diverse and complex landscape, and airports play an important role in the state’s economy. In order to keep these airports operating smoothly, it takes a lot of innovation and technology. Here are eight ways that technology enables air traffic controllers, technicians, maintenance staff and others to keep things running smoothly at California’s airports:
1. Electric Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
Electric ground support equipment is a crucial part of an airport’s operation. It’s used to move aircraft around the tarmac, as well as load and unload them from the terminal. Before electric GSE became available, this was done with diesel-powered tractors that emitted fumes and noise pollution. Electric GSE is quieter, cleaner, and more efficient than their gas-powered counterparts.
2. Exoskeleton Suits
Many airports leverage the use of an exoskeleton suit to help their staff lift heavy objects without injury. While you won’t see these suits being used to drag around the airplanes, they can support the body and give people the strength to do heavy lifting tasks that would otherwise be difficult or lead to potential injury. They can lift heavy boxes, suitcases, and other equipment more easily, and it reduces the liability on the airports that employ them to do these tasks.
3. Airport Security Technology
Many airports use video analytics to screen passengers, including facial recognition software that can spot known criminals. Other systems use behavioral analysis to monitor passengers’ movements, while others monitor threat materials or suspicious packages on the move through airport terminals. These technologies work together to ensure that the skies are kept safe and that people who travel can get to their destinations without incident.
4. Biometric Scanning
Biometric scanning is a type of technology that can be used to identify people. It has many potential applications and benefits, including security, convenience, and efficiency. Biometric scanning provides an added layer of security because it verifies someone’s identity using unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints or facial features rather than the simple possession of a plastic card such as a driver’s license or credit card. Airports are starting to experiment with these systems to move lines along more quickly.
5. Collaborative Decision-Making (CDM) Technologies
Collaborative decision-making (CDM) is a collaborative tool that enables airports to identify, assess and share information. Everyone from air traffic control staff to ground handlers leverages a CDM process to make better decisions about operations. By making processes more transparent, they can work together to improve efficiencies at California airports, find ways to save money and identify the end-to-end costs of a given project.
6. Enhanced Access Control Technologies
Did you know that facial recognition and other technologies can be easily used to identify who you are and if you have any suspicious behavior? California airports leverage different enhanced access control technologies for their staff and the passengers who come through their doors. These technologies use your physical and behavioral characteristics to positively identify you and to look for suspicious behavior.
Behavioral analytics technology uses cameras and other sensors to detect suspicious activity, such as someone entering an area they don’t belong or moving in a way that could indicate nefarious intent. Real-time video analytics technology analyzes footage from security cameras so that people can respond quickly if something happens at one of their facilities or on their property.
7. Electric Wheelchairs and Other Assistive Technology
California airports could see an upgrade to how they approach passengers with mobility issues. One of the tech trends in airports is to use electric wheelchairs to help passengers move between gates. This innovation can reduce the need for staff to push people between gates and can offer more freedom for people who need to fly but struggle to walk. Self-powered and robotic assistive technology is helping more people gain independence while also being more
8. Next-Gen Communications Tools and Solutions
Communication is a key factor in keeping airport operations running smoothly. From managing air traffic control to coordinating ground services, communications are critical to the success of airport operations. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, so too must our infrastructure and support systems. To meet this demand, airports are increasingly turning towards next-gen communications technologies.
Conclusion
These emerging technologies can help California airports run more smoothly and provide the best possible experience for travelers. With these tools in place, airports will be able to handle larger volumes of passengers with less stress on resources, better safety measures, and more efficiency.
