Airport Authority Actively Developing Autonomous Transport System

Debuting Autonomous Patrol Car

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) strives to develop into a smart airport. Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has already been deploying autonomous vehicles for airport operations in recent years and is now planning to invest HK$50 million in the further development of autonomous driving technology. Vehicles include autonomous electric tractors, patrol cars and shuttle buses, all of which are expected to contribute to increased operational safety and security as well as transport efficiency.

Autonomous Patrol Car (APC)

As HKIA undergoes expansion, the airport’s restricted area will grow, too. Therefore, AAHK recently applied autonomous driving technology to patrol cars to assist with daily patrols at the border of the restricted area and further enhance airport security.

Patrol duty at the border of the airport’s restricted area is usually carried out by airport security staff. The APC began patrol duty in September 2021, travelling along a 1.5-kilometre section of the South Runway Road 24 hours a day at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour. The APC not only increases the patrol frequency of that section, but also reduces pressure on security staff. In addition, the APC can continue performing its duty in inclement weather, even typhoons.

The APC is modified from an electric vehicle and can travel up to 200 kilometers on a full charge. It is equipped with three radars, eight lenses and GPS. It can follow a set route and turn around automatically. It can also detect obstacles within approximately 10 metres and activate its brakes automatically. In addition, the APC is equipped with an independent safety monitoring system that enables staff to monitor its operation simultaneously to ensure that the vehicle operates safely and remains on its driving route. It can be switched to manual operation when necessary.

During its patrols, the APC can automatically detect if someone has entered the warning zone by using video analytics. When the APC detects someone within approximately three metres of the border fence, it will issue a signal warning the person to leave immediately. At the same time, on-duty security staff will be alerted and able to assess the live situation through real-time video streaming. Security staff can also be deployed to the site if necessary. In addition, the APC uses video analytics to examine barbed wire fence for irregularities during its patrols, alerting staff if maintenance is needed.

Currently, there are two APCs making daily patrols at HKIA, and this will increase to four in the future. The APC has been operating for more than 10,000 kilometers thus far with satisfactory performance. It is expected that its patrol area will be extended to the North Runway road from December 2021.

Autonomous Electric Tractor (AET)

AETs started operating at HKIA in 2019, running between SkyPier and the bonded road to the apron to deliver baggage for air-to-sea and sea-to-air passengers. It marked the first time AETs were put into live airport operations anywhere in the world and it is also HKIA’s first applications of autonomous driving technology. Starting from October 2020, the AET service area was extended to run between SkyPier and the Baggage Hall via the apron. Beginning in the second quarter of 2021, AAHK further extended the trial of this application area by making use of larger AETs to deliver cargo on the cargo apron.

As at November 2021, AETs have been operating and performing well along more than 7 kilometres of airport area, and there have been no accidents caused by system errors.

Eight AETs are currently operating at HKIA, and AAHK is planning to increase the size of the fleet and expand the operation area to the Three-runway System. The success of the AETs has helped drive the further development of the autonomous transport system at HKIA.

Autonomous Shuttle Bus

AAHK is expected to trial an autonomous shuttle bus, which will carry airport staff to work in various locations across the airport’s restricted area, in phases starting from the third quarter of 2022. It is targeted to be put into operation in 2023. AAHK has also been in regular meetings on autonomous driving with the Transport Department and Civil Aviation Department to prepare future applications in non-restricted areas.

In the long run, AAHK is planning to apply autonomous driving systems to Airport City Link, carrying passengers to and from the airport, SKYCITY and Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities in 2024. The system will also be extended to Tung Chung Town Centre, further enhancing transportation to and from airport.

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https://corpvideo.hkairport.com/downloadmedia/index/download/flavorid/1_r9wixukg