The Runway Snowbot
Autonomous airport snow clearing - from a vision to proof of concept
Autonomous airport snow clearing – from vision to a proof of concept
Finland is known for keeping its airports up and running in almost any weather. But anything can be done more safely, sustainably and economically. Enter the Snowbot – the concept of autonomous snow clearing for Northern airports.
Automatic robot vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers are already reality, but scaling the idea to airport snow clearing? Sounds almost like science fiction: program the optimized runway clearing patterns to a special unmanned, autonomous tractor running on carbon neutral bio fuel, pulling an effective snow clearing equipment and ensuring its driving properties with top-notch tires. But it can be done – as a joint venture between five Finnish specialist companies.
OPERATION PEACE OF MIND
Imagine this: It’s dead at night at Ivalo, Finland — the northernmost airport in the whole European Union. The airport is running on a skeleton crew, but when the snow starts to fall, the autonomous tractor comes to life. With optimized predefined waylines, the perimeter-sensing robot tractor makes sure the runway is safe for the next plane to land. If the tractor is running low on fuel, it can refill itself. What does it take to make the vision reality?
THE TEAM
Finavia brought the technologies together, bringing their time-honed snow-how to the mix. Responsible for keeping the Nordic airports operational in any weather, they are always looking for new, safe and innovative ways to optimize their work. Finavia has made science out of snow plowing, knowing the field inside out.
VALTRA
Valtra has been working on autonomous tractors for years, focusing on improving the work safety and efficiency with intelligent guidance systems. They also want to demonstrate the versatility of a modern tractor that enables superior visibility and ease of use compared to traditional truck-based vehicles. providing the project with their Valtra model xx.
NESTE
Neste is a forerunner in bio fuels. Their MY renewable diesel fuel with 90% less emissions was perfect for the project, showing that a diesel engine-based system can be carbon neutral as well. What’s more, Neste has been experimenting with robotized refueling systems that can automatize yet another maintenance aspect.
NOKIAN TYRES
Nokian Tyres specializes in creating tires made for extreme conditions – be it dense forests, deep mines or, in this case, arctic airports. Their Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tractor tires offered the grip and control needed for the application – without studs, making the tractor more tarmac-friendly.
Fortbrand Services
Fortbrand Services is the exclusive worldwide distributor for a wide range of unique airport snow removal and maintenance equipment, including the Vammas line of runway snow removal vehicles. Because their equipment is multi-functional or multi-seasonal in nature, they allow the airport operators to utilize their limited financial and human resources more efficiently.