Traditional belt conveyors and static search tables at airport checked baggage reconciliation areas require TSA agents to lift heavy luggage, risking injury and adding time to baggage inspection.
Jervis B. Webb Company, a subsidiary of Daifuku Airport Technlogies, found a clever application for its high-tech carts typically used in large manufacturing. The patented mobile inspection tables (MITs) are automated vehicles that carry bags requiring further inspection directly to TSA agents and then back to the conveyor belt to make it onto the plane. In order to maintain time proven realiability, Daifuku worked with Kraft to utilize the same drive that has been used in Daifuku SmartCarts for more than 10 years.
The MITs needed to function inside of any airport environment without major infrastructure changes. This required a solution that could provide high performance in a small space with good battery life and limited noise. The drive system needed to be compact and durable for 24/7 operation.
Using the previous experience and long history with Daifuku’s SmartCarts, officials at Kraft delivered fully-tested Schabmueller MIWD 15 wheel drives to perfectly fit MIT airport applications. Kraft has integrated Schabmueller electric wheel drives for more than 15 years, helping with specification and start-up.
“The utilization of the MIT with the Schabmuller drives provides many benefits over traditional baggage conveyor systems, including: system layout flexibility, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced ergonomics,” said Todd Alderman, vice president at Jervis B. Webb Company.
MITs have successfully been installed at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Orlando International Airport, Dallas Love Field Airport, Miami International Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and most recently in LaGuardia. The solution improves room accessibility and reduces noise while providing TSA officers with efficient and ergonomic enhancements to traditional inspection.
