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In collaboration with Shinmei Industries, Chubu International Airport, and Hino Motors, KATO WORKS started a demonstration experiment today to improve safety and productivity in airports’ restricted areas. Based on a small truck with autonomous driving (with personnel onboard checking safety in surroundings), paired with high-power vacuum road sweeper technology from KATO WORKS, this experiment is set to take place at Chubu International Airport (Aichi).

This demonstration experiment aims at introducing autonomous driving sweepers to airport runways and taxiways. Especially under night conditions and monotoned repeating work conditions, autonomous driving could improve work quality and efficiency. Data on such improvements are expected to be collected with this experiment.

We’ll discuss the implementation of such autonomous driving sweepers at the conclusion of this experiment.

i. Term: 3 weeks from May 10th, 2023 (planned)

ii. Location: Restricted Areas in Chubu International Airport (Taxiways, Runways, etc.)

iii. Vehicle: Based on the small truck “Hino Dutro”, KATO WORKS manufactured “Vacuum Suction Road Sweeper”, paired with Shinmei Industries’ autonomous driving technology

iv. Quantity: 1 Vehicle

The car used in this experiment is a small truck with an Autonomous driving system running below 20 km/h. The car’s position and route are collected using GNSS data (Global Navigation Satellite System), LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and infrared cameras, and the car automatically stops when sensing obstacles.

The sweeping mechanisms and autonomous driving controls are controlled by a tablet on the car.

A picture of the autonomous driving road sweeper truck