In the bustling and complex ecosystem of modern airports, maintaining cleanliness is a critical component for operational efficiency, passenger satisfaction and public health. The facilities team at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI), Ahmedabad, is leading this transformative change. Here are some insights shared by a professional expert on the innovative and sustainable cleaning solutions that contributed to the change.
The journey began in August 2023 with a simple yet profound realization: essential floor cleaning largely depended on manual efforts or basic mechanized equipment like walk-behind scrubbers. This consumed a significant workforce and time, often falling short of the speed and consistency required for a world-class airport. The initial assessment quickly identified robotic floor cleaning as a promising, albeit nascent technology in the Indian market.
The first step involved the procurement of 10 robotic cleaning machines from Peppermint in April 2024, following rigorous trials of available solutions in India. While these robots delivered excellent cleaning, the team soon encountered an unexpected hurdle: prolonged battery charging times. The six-hour charging cycles meant the robots weren’t being utilized to their full potential. This operational bottleneck prompted direct engagement with the manufacturer, challenging them to innovate.
Despite achieving 100% automated coverage with the initial fleet, the vision at Ahmedabad Airport extended beyond merely replacing human labour with machines. Specific manual interventions, like battery replacement, water tank filling and sewage drainage, were still required. This sparked an even more ambitious goal: achieving fully autonomous floor cleaning, eliminating the need for human intervention.
Global Benchmarking and Achieving True Hands-Free Operation
SVPI Airport, managed by Ahmedabad International Airport Limited (AIAL), broadened its research scope to realize its ambitious vision of true autonomy. This involved delving into advanced cleaning technologies implemented at leading international airports, with a global study revealing that airports like Changi had already transitioned to fully robotic cleaning.
Subsequently, the facility management teams identified key innovators in autonomous solutions, including Nijhuis, Wetrok, and Softbank Robotics, all renowned for their innovative and efficient cleaning robots.
With this global intelligence, Ahmedabad Airport embarked on a second PoC phase, inviting three international robotic cleaning solutions: Gaussian, Kärcher, and LionsBot-Nilfisk. Over two months, the team conducted intensive time-and-motion studies, analyzing each system’s 24-hour performance. The objective was clear: identify the optimal solution with the best parameters for continuous, hands-free operation.
The LionsBot-Nilfisk emerged as the clear winner due to its compact size, super-fast capabilities, and crucial fully automated features—including auto-charging, clean water refilling, and auto sewage disposal — precisely what was needed to achieve genuine autonomy. Following this, the airport management invested in 24 LionsBot-Nilfisk robots.
A New Era of Cleanliness and Operational Excellence
By integrating the Peppermint and LionsBot-Nilfisk fleets, SVPI Airport is the first airport in India to achieve 100% floor cleaning of open spaces through fully autonomous robots. This excludes areas inside passenger terminals, manager offices and animal holding areas due to specific requirements.
This revolutionary approach to floor cleaning at SVPI Airport underscores a commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and the adoption of innovative solutions. Reducing manual intervention translates to significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and consistent cleaning standards. Furthermore, by embracing robotic solutions, SVPI Airport contributes to a greener future by optimizing resource utilization and potentially reducing the use of harsh chemicals.
SVPI’s success story is a compelling case study for India’s facility managers and airport operators. It demonstrates the tangible benefits of embracing advanced robotic solutions for a cleaner, brighter and more sustainable future. The airport will continue to explore new frontiers in innovative facility management, ensuring Ahmedabad International Airport remains at the forefront of innovation and sets new benchmarks for cleanliness and operational efficiency in the aviation industry.