Leipzig tests autonomous robo snow plows-the winter service of the future!

Leipzig tests autonomous robo snow plows-the winter service of the future!

At Leipzig/Halle Airport, a test run with innovative, self -driving winter service vehicles begins today. The test that will last a week takes place under summer conditions. The aim of this test is to test autonomous driving the vehicles for snow removal on the starting and landingways, even if there is no snow in the region at this time of year. These tests are the first step to implement new technologies for winter service, reports the Zeit .

A total of four autonomous snow plows were prepared for this test. The trial inserts take place in a closed area of ​​the apron during the day so as not to disturb regular flight operations. An experienced winter service driver is present in every vehicle in order to be able to intervene in an emergency, but this has not yet been necessary. A special approval for the test runs was not necessary because drivers are always on board, so the Wetter.com .

technology and perspectives

The vehicles come from the Swiss manufacturer Aebi Schmidt, who already carried out similar tests at several German airports, including in Berlin and Stuttgart. Aebi Schmidt is considered a leader in the development of clearing vehicles for airports. The manufacturer has great expectations of the technology and expects to use fully autonomous snow plows without security drivers in three to four years, reports Zeit . A decisive advantage of the robo snow plows is the possibility of being operational around the clock regardless of weather conditions.

The use of GPS navigation enables precise control, which is of enormous importance in times of sudden winter burglaries. Airports are considered excellent locations for autonomous systems because they offer a controlled environment that promotes the introduction of these technologies. The ADV Airport Association supports these developments because they are seen as an opportunity to increase the efficiency and safety of the processes.

Currently, the challenges of liability issues and the high personnel requirements for snow are still unclear. These aspects could significantly influence the further use of autonomous vehicles in winter service. While in some locations, as in Stuttgart, the interest in technology is currently low, Leipzig sees potential and plans to continue the test runs in July and August.