E&M and innovation
Autonomous Operations
KLM intends to use new technologies to make human tasks lighter, more fun and smarter. We call this Autonomous Operations. The idea is to automate, robotise or lighten repetitive work with tools. In this manner, we can create a more pleasant working environment for our colleagues, both physically and mentally. After all, most people don’t find these tasks particularly enjoyable or challenging, but they need to be done.
What do we plan to do? At KLM, there are several projects and ideas that relate to operational innovation. Examples here include projects underway at the Engineering & Maintenance, Cargo and Ground Services divisions. In order to ensure that these initiatives remain efficient and effective, it’s important to bring them together and understand how they affect one another. This relates primarily to experiments directed at discovering new working methods. The programme that brings the projects together has been dubbed “Autonomous Operations”. The Autonomous Operations programme was already mentioned by Programme Manager Linda Bos in the previous edition of E&M Scope. Let’s take a more detailed look. Why? Our goal is to become the most attractive employer by 2035, capable of hiring and retaining suitable staff. We aim to achieve this by providing a safe and healthy working environment that minimises repetitive and physically challenging work. How can we learn from one another? KLM’s Autonomous Operations programme is accelerated and strongly supported by BrightSky in terms of knowledge sharing and funding. In addition to the BrightSky projects linked to KLM E&M, such as the robot arm at Engine Services, other projects are also underway involving other KLM divisions. One of the first trials at KLM Ground Services involves the Orchestrating Traffic Information System Schiphol (OTISS) system. This system ensures that vehicles take account of one another, greatly improving traffic flow at Schiphol. Using cameras and sensors, the system can make predictions about what traffic will look like at an upcoming intersection. Once you get the picture, you can optimise traffic by having vehicles adjust their speed. On 11 July 2024, the OTISS system was demonstrated by Schiphol and Vanderlande (BrightSky partners). The demonstration aimed to show that a traffic orchestration system has the potential to work effectively. E&M can certainly learn from the trial carried out by Ground Services in cooperation with Schiphol. More information More information on Autonomous Operations can be found at the E&M Technology Hub via Linda Bos or via email: innovation-em@klm.com.