Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has announced the roll-out of its own network for Internet of Things (IoT) applications at the airport. The network offers coverage in all public areas such as the arrival and departure halls, lounges, piers and Schiphol Plaza, and in non-public areas such as the baggage basements and aprons.
Due to greater range and reduced power consumption as compared to Wi-Fi, the network is ideally suited to connecting with smart sensors and sending data over long distances. The sensors connect facilities and infrastructure at Schiphol to the internet, while the information from these sensors provides the airport with real-time insights. The network was also installed for other organisations that are interested in implementing an Internet of Things at Schiphol.
Sjoerd Blüm, Chief Information Officer, said: “The in-house network for Internet of Things underscores our ambition to remain a front runner when it comes to digitalisation at airports and making the applications at Schiphol smart, so that we can improve our processes for passengers and partners. Internet of Things applications are already in use, and we will be able to implement new cases quickly in future. Through the use of digital sensors, we intend to improve our services and make the airport more attractive.”
The first Internet of Things application at Schiphol allows passengers to share real-time feedback regarding their experiences in the toilet facilities.
The real-time evaluations from passengers are then applied to conduct a detailed analysis of how the toilets are being used and assessed. According to the airport, over 550,000 responses were received in the month of September. The real-time information enables the airport’s cleaning contractors to take proactive action to deal with malfunctions or untidy conditions.
Schiphol has also shared plans to test applications involving sensors at aircraft stands, so that the sensors can provide real-time information about the equipment on-site at the aircraft stand. The airport expects that this will make it possible to check whether the necessary equipment is present before the aircraft and the handling personnel arrive at the gate. At the same time, this information is expected to help resolve disruptions quickly and prevent delays for the airline and passengers.
