Competing loading robots
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Can different loading technologies help create safer, more efficient baggage operations?
This proof of concept compared two baggage loading concepts in a live operational environment: the CoBro and Eltonomous. By testing both technologies in practice, Schiphol explored how different approaches to loading automation could improve working conditions and operational performance.
Challenge
Baggage loading remains one of the most physically demanding and labour-intensive activities in the baggage handling process. At the same time, airports face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, resilience and working conditions.
To better understand the potential of loading automation, Schiphol tested two different concepts: a collaborative robot that assists baggage handlers and a mechanical loading system designed to automate the loading process. The objective was to evaluate their operational performance, usability and suitability for future baggage operations.
Approach
2 loading concepts were tested in a live baggage handling environment at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol:
• CoBro – a collaborative robot designed to assist handlers by lifting and positioning baggage.
• Eltonomous – a mechanical loading system designed to automate the loading process with minimal operator intervention.
Assumptions
We believe that:
• Automated loading can reduce physical strain on baggage handlers.
• Different loading concepts can address different operational needs.
• Live operational testing is essential to understand real-world performance.
• Successful implementation depends on technology, process integration and user adoption.
• Automated loading can contribute to safer, smarter and more resilient baggage operations.
Key learnings
Product – Different tech, different strengths
Both concepts demonstrated the potential to automate parts of the baggage loading process.
CoBro achieved a pick rate of 99% requiring improvements to the vacuum technology and gripper design, while Eltonomous demonstrated promising loading capacity and filling performance during live testing.
Baggage loading remains a complex challenge, requiring continuous optimisation of both technology and operational conditions
People - Adoption starts with usability
Reducing physical workload was a clear driver behind both concepts. The trials highlighted the importance of intuitive operation, clear user interfaces and solutions that fit naturally into existing ways of working.
Successful adoption depends not only on automation performance, but also on operator trust, usability and day-to-day practicality
Process – Integration determines success
Loading technology cannot be evaluated in isolation. Baggage flow, upstream processes, recirculations and operational planning all have a significant impact on performance.
Both trials showed that successful automation depends as much on process integration as it does on the technology itself.
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Looking ahead
The proof of concept confirmed that AGVs can play a meaningful role in the future of baggage handling. While further development is needed to improve robustness and integration, the direction is clear: autonomous transport has the potential to support safer, smarter and more resilient baggage operations.
The next step is not proving the concept works—but making it robust, integrated and scalable enough for everyday operations.
Dennis van Kleef
Head of Baggage Brussels Airport
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