Category: October 2023

Honda tests Autonomous Work Vehicle in Toronto

Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle resizedHonda has demonstrated its fully-electric prototype Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) at Toronto Pearson International Airport to test its use in airfield operations.

The demonstration tested its use in security perimeter fence inspections and was conducted in collaboration with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority along with technology leaders including Cisco Canada, Genwave Technologies, Illuminex AI and Eagle Aerospace.

For the Toronto demonstration, Honda showcased the AWV’s perimeter inspection capabilities leveraging its mapping and obstacle detection features, allowing it to navigate inspection routes and slow down or stop to avoid colliding with an obstacle.

The proof-of-concept perimeter fence inspection uses technologies from multiple tech companies, with Cisco Ultra Reliable Wireless Backhaul providing the wireless networking backbone for private connectivity to the airfield, Genwave Technologies designing, integrating and supporting wireless networks such as Cisco’s IoT Ultra Reliable Wireless Backhaul platform, Illuminex AI’s Operational AI System providing real-time assessments of airfield conditions and potential hazards, and Eagle Aerospace’s AIROps cloud-based software offering real-time automated logging of discrepancies during the inspection process.

Jason VanBuren, System Engineering Manager at American Honda Motor Co, said: “As we work toward commercialising the Honda AWV, we want to understand the needs of airfield operators and airport authorities to create new value by streamlining operations, enhancing safety performance and helping to meet airfield environmental sustainability goals.”

Honda is looking for other use cases such as hauling and transporting aircraft parts and equipment, mowing for vegetation control, working as a foreign object debris (FOD) tool and towing baggage carts and trailers to and from aircraft.

The AWV uses a camera for real-time monitoring and a suite of sensors to operate autonomously including GPS for location and radar and LiDAR for obstacle detection.

SAASA awarded Radioactive Material License by IPEN

SAASA jpg resized croppedServicios Aeroportuarios Andinos (SAASA) has been awarded the Radioactive Storage License issued by the Peruvian Institute of Nuclear Energy (IPEN).

The facility at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima is the first air cargo customs warehouse in Peru to be certified by IPEN, which issues licences to warehouses which comply with high safety standards, handling and storage requirements and are capable of providing appropriate care for radioactive materials, says Guillermo Vega, Safety & Security SAASA.

Products covered by the licence are radioactive products in the medical, industrial, agricultural and research sectors.

Vega says the licence is evidence of compliance with laws and regulations on the control, handling and storage of radioactive materials set out by IPEN.

“SAASA is completely aware of the relevance in guaranteeing our customers and users that such a delicate and sensible matter is given the importance it has. Furthermore, we are proud of becoming the first and only air warehouse in being certified by the competent body,” said Vega.

To receive the licence, staff were trained as Special Cargo Inspectors of radioactive material in accordance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

It was necessary for SAASA to have operational procedures for the reception, acceptance, handling and storage of radioactive material, and a radioactive material Emergency Response Plan.

SAASA needed facilities and an area for radioactive material and radiation level measurement and control measures.

“Our radioactive material storage area is located in an isolated area and is duly fenced and monitored by our personnel on duty as well as by our CCTV. It is considered a restricted area and only properly trained personnel have access to said area,” said Vega.

Vestergaard helps United Ground Express go electric

Vestergaard e electric chassis resized croppedVestergaard Company has named United Ground Express as the North American launch customer for the Elephant e-Mini MY Lite and new and refurbished e-VTS units.

The fully electric de-icing and vacuum toilet service units are built on the electric Vestergaard e chassis.

The electric chassis is available in 9, 12 and 20 MT configurations with a 27 MT unit planned for the near future.

They offer common parts and improved efficiency for operators and maintenance training.

Peter Haug, VP Sales North America at Vestergaard, said: “We are thrilled to introduce our two new, sustainable ground support units in North America. In collaboration with UGE, we support their UGEco mission for an environmentally committed and carbon-neutral future.”