Automated Passenger Bridge


Automated Passenger Bridge (APB) system [patent pending], fully automates the required movement of passenger bridges for departures and arrivals. The APB system eliminates airplane damage currently caused by passenger bridges, allows the redeployment of labour currently allocated to bridge operations and facilitates speedier boarding and deplaning of passengers.

The APB system uses proprietary software and photogrammetry techniques to continuously monitor the exact location of the passenger door of an aircraft as it taxis toward a gate. This is achieved by following the movements of a small pattern of markings made with retro-reflective tape affixed to the outside of the aircraft around the door. The system then precisely guides the passenger bridge to and from the door.

As the system follows the position of the door itself, the APB can be used with any aircraft, regardless of its type or configuration. Application of the tape pattern is the only change required to prepare an aircraft for use with the APB system.