Brussels Airport tests autonomous shuttles

Faced with the bus driver shortage, Brussels Airport is launching an experiment with autonomous shuttles. A first.

Who has never been annoyed by late boarding or disembarking due to shuttle shortages? Long and endless minutes of stress, rising tension over missing a connection, standing crowded in a bus, and bumping into stairs with a heavy suitcase during getting on or off.

The cause lies in the chronic driver shortage at airports, due to recruitment issues, sick leaves, or other reasons. Brussels Airport is not spared and is working on an intelligent solution. The idea is to introduce, in the medium term, autonomous shuttles whose routes are well known and therefore easily automatable.

For three months, a 100% electric and autonomous shuttle will operate on the airport tarmac to transport primarily staff. This test is part of the European project Stargate, which aims to develop solutions for greener aviation. The semantics are subtly chosen…

A pioneering shuttle for sustainable mobility

The project is based on the use of an autonomous shuttle capable of transporting up to 8 people, accompanied by a steward if needed. During the testing phase, the shuttle will operate on a predefined route after a rigorous safety assessment.

Developed by Ohmio, a New Zealand company specialized in autonomous vehicles, the shuttle is equipped with advanced technology. It moves at a maximum speed of 25 km/h thanks to a network of six cameras and sensors capable of monitoring traffic and anticipating obstacles. Connected to the airport’s 5G network, this technology will eventually enable remote control, further enhancing operational safety.

At the end of the three-month testing period, an in-depth analysis will be conducted to determine the future of autonomous solutions at the airport. Brussels Airport will evaluate not only technical and safety aspects but also staff perceptions regarding comfort and practicality.

The only regret that cannot be hidden is that no European solution has been chosen. Once again, proof of Europe’s lag in autonomous driving development.

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