Siemens Logistics has tested its VarioTip solution during live operation at Munich Airport, Germany.
In late 2021, the technology – used for the automated unloading of baggage from unit load devices (ULDs) – was integrated as part of a pilot project into an existing baggage handling system in the Terminal 2 arrivals zone. It achieved an extremely high automatic ULD unloading rate of around 99%, Siemens Logistics said.
With its advanced tilting mechanism, VarioTip is currently capable of processing up to 20 ULDs – around 800 items of luggage – per hour. Once the suitcases, backpacks, and sports bags have been unloaded, the device singulates them before transferring them to the system. According to the company, VarioTip is easy to handle and can be operated by a single worker. It also requires less manual intervention than earlier systems, leading to enhanced workplace safety.
“VarioTip supports us in our strategy to automate manual, labour-intensive processes at the interface between the baggage handling system and the apron. Besides focusing on efficiency, we aim to achieve a high level of workplace ergonomics in order to make jobs more attractive in the long term.
“After installing VarioTip in our system and running numerous tests under real operating conditions, we were convinced by its powerful, reliable performance. It will help us further optimise ground handling in Terminal 2 in the future,” said Hauke Hedderich, head of processes and central infrastructure at the Terminal 2 Gesellschaft in Munich.
Image: Siemens Logistics
