Grand Rapids Airport Leads in Autonomous Technology Trials
Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is at the forefront of integrating autonomous technology into airport operations, aiming to enhance efficiency and innovation. As the second-largest airport in Michigan, GRR is leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline various functions, from snow removal to wheelchair services, amid increasing passenger numbers and operational demands.
At the recent Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) conference, GRR CEO Tory Richardson highlighted the airport’s strategic focus on autonomy. “We envision autonomy playing a significant role at airports in the future, from platooning snow plows to mowing airfield grass,” Richardson noted. The goal is to reduce the need for multiple personnel operating equipment by having a single technician oversee several autonomous machines, thereby improving efficiency and reducing labor costs.
The airport’s FLITE (Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship) program is central to this initiative. FLITE offers grants for real-time testing of emerging technologies within the airport environment. Among the technologies tested are autonomous airfield lawn mowers and snow removal robots from Snowbotix. These trials are crucial for evaluating the safety and practicality of autonomous vehicles operating near critical airport infrastructure like taxiways and runways.
Southwest Airlines, a partner in the FLITE program, plays a pivotal role in selecting technologies for testing and assessing their impact on airport operations. Kevin Kleist, Southwest’s senior emerging trends advisor, emphasized the program’s value: “Testing new products is costly and resource-intensive. FLITE allows us to test and learn without bearing the full burden of development costs. It helps us understand scalability, which is crucial for large airlines.”
Autonomous wheelchairs are another near-term innovation being piloted. Envoy Air, a regional affiliate of American Airlines, is already using autonomous wheelchairs at Miami International and Los Angeles International airports. At GRR, Prospect Airport Services has been testing various autonomous wheelchair technologies through the FLITE program. These wheelchairs are expected to be deployed at GRR, Detroit Metro (DTW), and potentially other airports by the end of 2024.
Prospect Airport Services Director Tim Fisher highlighted the benefits of autonomous wheelchairs: “Autonomous wheelchairs can assist passengers who need less intensive help, allowing staff to focus on those requiring more significant assistance. Real-world testing at GRR provided valuable insights into passenger reactions and operational challenges.”
Fisher noted the learning curve involved in adjusting the speed and functionality of these wheelchairs. “Passengers reacted differently based on whether the chair was occupied or empty. We had to fine-tune the speed to balance efficiency and safety.”
In 2023, GRR set a new passenger record with 3.8 million travelers, marking a 6% increase over 2019. This growth underscores the need for innovative solutions to manage increasing passenger volumes and maintain high service standards.
As GRR continues to explore and implement autonomous technologies, it positions itself as a leader in airport innovation, paving the way for future advancements in airport operations and passenger services.