Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) and NEC Corporation (NEC) have successfully trialed the innovative “NEC Baggage Counting Solution” (*1), the world’s first AI-powered system (*2) designed to automatically analyze the quantity and types of carry-on baggage at boarding gates. This cutting-edge solution aims to mitigate one of the primary causes of flight delays—excess carry-on baggage—by enhancing on-time performance and ensuring smoother boarding processes.
Background
Excessive cabin baggage often causes congestion in aisles as passengers take additional time to stow their belongings in overhead bins. In some cases, baggage must be relocated to the cargo compartment after boarding begins, leading to prolonged boarding times and potential delays. JAL’s collaboration with NEC seeks to address these challenges using AI-driven insights.
Overview of the Trial
The trial was conducted between April and September 2024 at Boarding Gate 13 in Terminal 1 of Tokyo International Airport (Haneda). The primary objective was to evaluate the accuracy of the system in detecting and classifying carry-on baggage, as well as its ability to trigger timely alerts when overhead storage capacity limits were exceeded.
Key Features of the Trial:
- AI-Powered Detection: Cameras at the boarding gate captured footage of passengers, which was analyzed by AI to detect the number and size of carry-on items.
- Real-Time Classification: Detected baggage was categorized, and the estimated space required in overhead bins was calculated in real-time.
- Threshold-Based Alerts: When the estimated storage capacity approached a preset limit, the system triggered an alert to enable proactive measures.
Results and Future Plans
The trial demonstrated the solution’s capability to gather and analyze data on baggage volume and storage capacity, facilitating timely interventions to prevent delays. This data is expected to play a critical role in formulating strategies to streamline boarding processes, reduce congestion, and minimize the need for last-minute baggage transfers.
Looking ahead, JAL plans to explore the integration of this technology into its operations to enhance punctuality and improve the overall passenger experience. By embracing digital solutions, the airline aims to optimize its boarding procedures while maintaining high service standards.
NEC’s Role in Digital Transformation
NEC, through its “NEC BluStellar” value-delivery model, offers end-to-end services for digital transformation (DX). The model addresses business and societal challenges by leveraging NEC’s global technological expertise and industry insights, encompassing every stage of the DX journey—from strategic consultation to full implementation.
Notes:
(*1) Patent pending.
(*2) Based on NEC research as of November 2024.
Through this groundbreaking initiative, JAL and NEC demonstrate their commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to solve operational challenges, paving the way for a more efficient and passenger-friendly aviation industry.