Hyderabad airport launches IoT-enabled smart trolley system

The GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) introduced today (November 28) the Smart Baggage Trolley Management system, enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT).

GHIAL will use IoT in real time for tracking and maintaining the availability of baggage trolleys for passengers in the airport. About 3,000 trolleys have been enabled by IoT and is said to considerably reducing passengers’ waiting time.

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The new system can, in fact, can predict the number of trolleys required based on estimated passenger load.

“Trolley management and replenishment will be based on the requirement at various areas across the airport enhancing efficiency and passenger experience while making way for smooth operations as well. There are two critical zones where availability of trolleys for passengers is vital – Departures Ramp and Baggage Belts at the Arrivals,” GHIAL stated in a release.

The IoT-based trolley system can be accessed on mobile, desktop and laptop. The system will also alert passengers.

“With an inbuilt alert mechanism, in case of any trolleys carried out of a ‘no airport zone’ area, it generates an alert message tipping off the location for necessary action which can then be taken to retrieve,” the release added.

As per a guideline by International Air Transport Association (IATA), 160 trolleys should be available for 1 million passengers at any airport.

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SGK Kishore, Chief Innovation Officer at GMR Airports, hailed GHIAL as always being technologically advanced, citing international e-boarding and face recognition trials as examples. “Hyderabad International Airport has been the flag bearer of innovation and technology adoption in many ways…we are revolutionising the way baggage trolleys are managed.”