As China’s economic reform and opening-up continue to advance, the domestic civil aviation industry has flourished, with airport passenger numbers steadily increasing and baggage handling volumes reaching new highs. For large airports, baggage handling has always been a massive and complex undertaking. In particular, the frequent occurrence of terrorist attacks targeting the aviation industry has placed higher demands on baggage identification and tracking technologies. Consequently, effectively managing large volumes of baggage and improving handling efficiency have become critical challenges for airlines. While barcode systems have long been the standard, their inherent limitations—such as low read rates and high directionality—have led the industry to seek more advanced solutions like RFID luggage tags, which enable faster, more accurate, and less labor-intensive baggage tracking.
To address the new challenges posed by passenger baggage to the handling capacity of airport conveyor systems, SEIKO has developed an automated baggage sorting system and implemented it in baggage handling operations. This system identifies passenger luggage using barcode labels and sorts the luggage by scanning the barcodes during the conveyance process. Although baggage tracking systems used by airlines worldwide are relatively mature, even under ideal conditions, barcode systems can only correctly read 8 to 9 out of every 10 pieces of luggage. This means airlines must continuously invest significant time and effort in manual operations to transport sorted baggage to different flights. Furthermore, barcode scanning is highly directional, substantially increasing the additional workload for airport staff during the baggage handling process.
Relying solely on barcodes for baggage matching and sorting is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task that can even lead to severe flight delays.
Enhancing the automation level and sorting accuracy of airport baggage sorting systems is crucial for ensuring public travel safety, alleviating the workload of airport sorting staff, and improving overall airport operational efficiency.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is widely regarded as one of the most promising technologies of the 21st century. As the successor to barcode technology, it has revolutionized the field of automatic identification. With its capabilities for non-line-of-sight, long-range, low-directional-sensitivity, and fast, precise wireless communication, RFID is increasingly being adopted in automated airport baggage sorting systems. Ultimately, in October 2005, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) unanimously adopted a resolution designating UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) RFID strap tags as the sole standard for airline baggage tags.
1. System Architecture
The RFID Automated Baggage Sorting System utilizes RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. By attaching RFID tags to each piece of checked baggage belonging to an airline passenger, the system records information such as the passenger’s personal details, departure and arrival airports, flight number, gate, and departure time. At various control points along the baggage flow—such as the sorting area, loading areas, and baggage claim areas. As tagged baggage passes through these points, the RFID readers capture the information from the tags and transmit it to a database, enabling information sharing and monitoring throughout the entire baggage handling process.
Custom Labels For Clothing
2. System Process
- Passengers check in their luggage at the departure check-in counter at the airport. Staff complete the check-in process based on the passenger’s boarding pass and print an RFID luggage tag.
- The RFID luggage tag is attached to the luggage, which is then placed on the luggage conveyor.
- As the baggage passes through the RFID detection zone, the RFID reader captures the information from the tag and transmits it to the conveyor control system.
- Based on this information, the conveyor control system correctly sorts the baggage into the designated bin slots for the corresponding flight.
The airport’s automated baggage sorting system utilizes RFID technology to identify luggage via RFID tags. By employing radio frequency signals, the system automatically identifies specific pieces of luggage regardless of whether they are moving at high speeds. The system operates quickly and conveniently without the need for manual intervention. With RFID technology, the system achieves a mechanization rate of over 95%, significantly reducing the likelihood of lost, delayed, or misrouted luggage. Furthermore, RFID technology can operate in various harsh environments, enhancing the security of passenger baggage and significantly reducing error rates and other issues.
Each RFID reader can connect to a server via a network, enabling effective recording, tracking, and monitoring of every stage of the baggage check-in process. The system provides real-time oversight of the entire baggage transport process and supports dynamic management. Based on statistical data and the status of each stage, managers can make targeted management decisions, thereby enhancing the level of informatization and intelligence in airport baggage check-in management.
Long Distance RFID Reader Built in 12 dBi Antenna
3. Key System Technologies
High-Speed Data Collection
To meet the demands of the ever-increasing volume of passenger baggage and high-speed conveyor systems at airports, RFID readers must possess high-speed data collection capabilities.
Stability
The system must operate stably in an environment requiring continuous 24/7 operation, 365 days a year; therefore, RFID equipment must be highly stable.
Reliability
The baggage sorting system must accurately capture information for every piece of luggage; therefore, RFID devices must be highly reliable and capable of accurately collecting data for each item.
Compatibility
The core control unit of an automated baggage sorting system typically uses a PLC; RFID devices must be compatible with the PLC and support instruction set control.