Sensing by Networking!
Internet of Things represents a general concept for the ability of network devices to sense and collect data from the world around us, and then share that data across the Internet where it can be processed and utilized for various interesting purposes.
An IoT ecosystem consists of web-enabled smart devices that use embedded processors, sensors, and communication hardware to collect, send and act on data they acquire from their environments. IoT devices share the sensor data they collect by connecting to an IoT gateway or other edge devices where data is either sent to the cloud to be analyzed or analyzed locally. Sometimes, these devices communicate with other related devices and act on the information they get from one another. The devices do most of the work without human intervention, although people can interact with the devices (for instance, to set them up, give them instructions or access the data). The connectivity, networking, and communication protocols used with these web-enabled devices largely depend on the specific IoT applications deployed.
Amidst the hassles of checking in, the security lines, the fear of missing your baggage, standing in never-ending queues, all these experiences probably left plenty of room for improvement. With IoT on the horizon, there is good news for airline passengers and staff, as IoT is going to radically transform your air travel experience, on the ground and in the air. Sensors and connected devices, combined with intelligent analytics, are allowing airports and airlines to make rapid advancements toward a better passenger experience. Going forward, a smart, holistically-connected IoT ecosystem that brings together all entities and assets in the aviation value chain is likely to be the new normal.
1. Check-in
What if an airport could detect who you are at check-in, and send you on your way without further wait or hassle? It may sound like science fiction, but it’s not. Dubai’s airport, for example, is already using smart gates to automatically detect travelers based on facial and retinal recognition, cutting check-in time to as little as 20 seconds. Passengers must first register their biometrics (a one time-process), but once the recognition is made, the gate opens automatically.
2. Easier navigation and shorter lines
When traveling, it often feels like security stations are understaffed, causing long queues and bottlenecks. IoT will allow security services to know specific times to expect passengers and staff up accordingly, helping cut down the long lines. Miami Airport, for example, is already using 400 IoT sensors to help customers navigate via their smartphone app.
3. In-flight experience
Once you’re in the air, IoT presents opportunities for a much more personalized experience. Airlines will be able to tell, not only when they are unable to meet your specific request, but if they have failed to do so in other ways in the past. This gives the flight staff a more accurate view of your total satisfaction. Sensors embedded in cabin seats will be able to read your level of anxiety, hydration, and temperature, and notify the flight staff or change the cabin environment to make it more comfortable.
3. Checked baggage
Startups and major consumer brands such as Samsonite are in a race to develop smart luggage — suitcases equipped with features such as GPS tracking, fingerprint locks, and weight notifications. Airlines, as well, are leading the charge by implementing connected beacons during the baggage handling process. Currently, nearly half of airports are using IoT sensors to transmit baggage location information to customers at bag drop and baggage claim.
- Stakeholder Diversity: The aviation industry consists of diverse stakeholders who are interdependent upon each other. So, as the airline industry evolves in the process of adopting IoT it becomes necessary for them to look beyond their ‘localized’ enterprises, and consider working with other stakeholders guided by a common IoT vision.
- Geographical Spread: A successful IoT strategy will have to account for the regional variations which have their own cultural context and level of technical maturity.
- Security and Privacy Considerations: Security and privacy have to be accorded top priority for any IoT initiative in the aviation sector. Privacy also becomes a critical issue with the deployment of advanced technologies such as facial recognition, as a result of which the volume of private, customer data being transacted increases manifold.
- Complex Legacy System: The technology ecosystem of most airlines continues to host complex legacy systems and architecture. In comparison, many IoT technologies are at a nascent stage, with communication and security protocols still evolving. Given this disparity, during the initial phases of their IoT initiatives, airlines should focus on mature technologies, like beacons, and simpler components that are more easily integrated.
In a nutshell, existing infrastructures should be used more intelligently and IoT paves way for it all. Airport operators need to use IoT technology to make the most of their budget and resources, manage rising volumes of travelers, meet the increasing demands of tech-savvy passengers and the needs of their commercial tenants.
The need for real-time information exchange will see airports around the world adopt new technologies to support the desired free-flow of communications. This requires innovations that integrate smart devices and share information at every point of a passenger’s journey. The focus should be on enabling more and better communication between civil aviation stakeholders.
Rolling out the right infrastructure calls for careful planning, an eye on future developments, and a security-first approach — from customer-facing services right down to providing the necessary hardware. The intelligent airport of tomorrow is more than a vision, it’s a must. With the right infrastructure, it has the potential to become a global reality