The second phase of the electric self-driving bus trial has started at Schiphol.
During this phase, the airport, together with KLM Cityhopper and KLM Ground Services, is testing a fixed pre-programmed route to and from the apron.
KLM Cityhopper crew arriving at Schiphol can make use of the shuttle service.
Earlier this year, Schiphol carried out a successful first trial with these self-driving buses from supplier Ohmio.
During the first phase of the trial, the focus was on testing the technology and ease of use.
During this test phase, an even more complex environment, the platform, is the main location of the trial.
A lot is happening on and around the apron at the same time: from aircraft arriving and departing to the handling process and transporting airline crew, says Schiphol.
In the coming weeks, the bus will pick up KLM Cityhopper crew from the A platform several times a day.
This is where KLM Cityhopper aircraft are parked before they depart from or have arrived at Schiphol.
The self-driving bus then drops off the crew members at the terminal.
The vehicle is equipped with sensors and special cameras and use GPS signals to locate.
The bus has a 360-degree view because it is equipped with LIDAR technology.
This allows the vehicle to detect and anticipate objects from a distance of 30 meters.
With the second phase of the self-driving bus trial, Schiphol wants to gain insight into the state of affairs at the busy location, especially since punctuality and safety on this route are crucial, says Jan Zekveld, Head of Innovation at Royal Schiphol Group.
‘We are also curious about how airline crew members experience self-driving transport. This will help to increase trust in the technology and facilitate the potential integration of other self-driving vehicles in the future.”
