Autonomous friction measurement and monitoring of airports

Purpose and goal:

The project´s objective is to develop technology for an autonomous, safe and cost-effective regional airport. An autonomous vehicle has been equipped with a measurement system that combines laser and camera technology for friction measurement on large surfaces on the runway. The project has also expanded the safety system DRIWS with runway status visualization so that air traffic controllers in other locations can access the information. Finally, the project has integrated drones into the system for positioning and geofencing.

Expected results and effects:

Autonomous friction measurement and visualization of runway status create the conditions for more cost-effective airports. The technology also creates important decision support for personnel dealing with security issues.

The positioning of drones presents new opportunities for smaller, regional airports to use the airport for drone surveillance.

The project has also created new collaborations and research areas, including in optical measurement of the concentration of chemicals in liquid on asphalt. Approach and implementation: The project consists of a strong consortium of nine organisations, including from the aviation industry and academia.

The technical development in three work packages has been intertwined into a comprehensive solution where autonomous friction measurement, runway status and position data are visualized in the airport´s security system. Communication has been an important part of the project and the results have had a great impact in the media.

Overall, the project has worked very well with cooperation and great commitment from all actors.