Baggage 4.0: our vision on tomorrow’s bag journey

Airports are faced with numerous challenges – from labour scarcity to rising operational costs. Vanderlande introduces Baggage 4.0, its vision to elevate efficiency, sustainability and predictability to new heights.

Baggage 4.0 provides a solution that extends the capabilities of conventional systems, delivering fully data-driven, intelligent and highly automated end-to-end baggage operations.

Automation of the handler process

Part of Baggage 4.0 is Vanderlande’s comprehensive approach to the automation of the handler processes at airports, aimed at automating the last mile of the baggage handling process, achieving true end-to-end optimisation. This includes optimising the baggage flow with smart batching principles, automating baggage loading (BAGLOAD) and automating the container (load unit) handling inside the baggage hall using autonomous vehicles (FLEET Batch).

This approach allows for higher volume handling within the same footprint and with the same workforce, increased predictability, better working conditions, and optimised resource use. The overarching advantage is the ability to do more with less.

For more information, visit www.vanderlande.com

Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realisation of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology. The company focuses on the optimisation of its customers’ business processes and competitive positions. Through close cooperation, it strives for the improvement of their operational activities and the expansion of their logistical achievements.  

As a global partner for future-proof airport solutions, Vanderlande’s market-leading baggage handling systems and related passenger solutions are capable of moving over 4 billion pieces of baggage around the world per year.
These systems are active in more than 600 airports, including 12 of the world’s top 20. In addition, around 430 of Vanderlande’s security lanes are installed at checkpoints worldwide.

Established in 1949, Vanderlande has more than 9,000 employees, all committed to moving its customers’ businesses forward at diverse locations on every continent. With a turnover of 2.2 billion euros, it has established a worldwide reputation over the past seven decades as a global partner for future-proof logistic process automation.

Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) acquired Vanderlande in 2017 to cement its global leading position within material handling. It aims to achieve this by increasing its presence in all integrated and automated projects, and capitalising on the synergies between the organisations and the added value they offer to the market.

Vanderlande's FLEET Batch solution

VANDERLANDE’s contribution to R&D Mobility fund

  • Smart Operations (WP3)

    The automation of the handler process, including  extending automation to unloading baggage and load unit handling to and from the aircraft, is part of the BrightSky inititiave and our scope in Work Package 3.


    Within Work Package 3 Smart Autonomous Airside, Vanderlande develops the IT layer for logistic control of the baggage flows between the terminals and the aircraft stands (VIBES ULD).