As we envision a future with fully autonomous, emission-free vehicles at Schiphol Airport by 2050, one of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that these vehicles can navigate safely and efficiently. This is especially critical in a mixed-traffic environment, where autonomous vehicles share space with human-driven ones. To address this challenge, we are developing OTISS—Orchestrating Traffic Information System Schiphol. Recently, we took a significant step forward by putting OTISS to the test during a live demo on airside.
The integration of autonomous vehicles at an airport like Schiphol requires more than just advanced technology in the vehicles themselves. It demands a system that can orchestrate traffic, manage intersections, and prioritize routes in real-time. Without such a system, the benefits of autonomous vehicles—reduced emissions, increased safety, and optimized operations—cannot be fully realized. OTISS is designed to provide this orchestration, ensuring that all vehicles, whether autonomous or human-driven, move in harmony, even in the complex environment of a busy international hub.
On July 11th, we hosted a live demo to showcase OTISS in action. Partnering with Vanderlande and KLM, we demonstrated how our system could manage various traffic scenarios on airside. The demo featured self-driving Ohmio shuttles and a KLM baggage truck equipped with a Human Machine Interface (HMI), a tablet that provided real-time instructions from the central OTISS system to the human driver.
The results were promising. During the demo we successfully integrated the Ohmio self-driving bus into Vanderlande’s Fleet Awareness System (FAS). This demonstration was a first indication that a traffic orchestration solution can effectively manage mixed traffic, where autonomous and human-driven vehicles operate side by side.
The demo also provided valuable insights into the system’s current capabilities and areas for improvement. One key takeaway was the importance of reliable communication. While WiFi was used during the demo, we identified the need to switch to 5G as it becomes available to ensure faster and more dependable data transmission.
We also gathered feedback on the HMI, which provided traffic advice to the human driver. The feedback highlighted the potential of further refining the HMI design to make it even more intuitive and responsive. Additionally, we are exploring the integration of a centrally governed cruise control feature for human-driven vehicles, which could enhance safety and efficiency in mixed-traffic situations.
With the success of the demo, we are now focused on the next steps in developing OTISS. One of our primary goals is to gather more comprehensive traffic insights, potentially through the use of cameras or sensors, to refine our system’s ability to make real-time decisions.
The path to a fully autonomous airside at Schiphol is complex, but with OTISS, we are laying the groundwork for a seamless transition. The live demo was not just a test—it was a clear indication that the future we envision is within reach. As we continue to develop and refine OTISS, we are confident that this system will play a crucial role in making autonomous, sustainable airport operations a reality.