Autonomous Baggage Tractors Put into Service at Changi Airport

After completing nearly 5,000 trial trips, two autonomous baggage tractors have been officially deployed for live operations at Changi Airport, tasked with transporting passenger bags between the baggage areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 4. The launch was officiated by Sun Xueling, Senior Minister of State for Transport, marking Singapore’s dedication to leading smart airport technology development. Each tractor is outfitted with over ten sensors and cameras to navigate the airside environment under all conditions, and they are monitored in a dedicated control centre, with remote operators on standby for necessary intervention. Specific airside AV zones and vehicle labels have also been designated to ensure operational safety.

The deployment of autonomous tractors at Changi Airport is part of a phased expansion plan. A CAG-SATS collaboration will see another six units deployed later this year for baggage transportation between Terminal 2’s handling area and aircraft stands, and the fleet will be scaled up to 24 units by next year, with future functions including towing cargo and equipment. Co-funded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the project aligns with Changi Airport Group’s innovation strategy, which integrates autonomous technology, AI applications like “Aircraft 360”, and robotics to boost manpower productivity and prepare for Terminal 5’s operational needs by the mid-2030s.

Industry stakeholders highlighted the initiative’s multi-faceted benefits. Liu Yanling of Changi Airport Group noted that collaboration with partners has optimised work processes and policies for seamless coordination between autonomous and human-driven vehicles, allowing workers to focus on non-automable last-mile operations. Angela Ng of CAAS emphasized that the scaled deployment facilitates system and protocol development, as well as job redesign programmes to help workers transition to higher-value roles, with lessons applicable to wider industry technology adoption. Kuah Boon Kiam of SATS added that the integration of automation supports the company’s Hub Handler of the Future programme, enhancing operational safety and efficiency, which in turn delivers more reliable baggage services and smoother airport experiences for travellers.