Latest news with #AeroDigitalSummit
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi airport's bomb squad is set for tech-off
A mechanical hound that flashes lights from its eyes, shakes hands, and hip-hops like a seasoned performer was one of the star attractions at the Aero Digital Summit held on Monday at the CIAL Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre. But don't be fooled — it's not a pet, it's a Rs 19 lakh AI-powered robotic dog developed by Dubai-based Unique World Robotics. This high-tech marvel stole the spotlight at the one-day tech expo organised as part of the launch of CIAL 2.0, a Rs 200-crore digital transformation initiative by Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL). Spectators at the expo were treated to more impressive technological innovations, including a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) designed for bomb detection and disposal, a non-invasive body scanner, and a smart lane system for cabin baggage — recent additions to CIAL's infrastructure. 'The battery-operated robotic dog is mainly controlled using a mobile application,' said an official of the CIAL's new IT & communications department. 'It can be operated on a single charge for up to four hours. It's capable of moving over 700m in a single instance and can carry a load of up to 25kg.' The ROV, showcased by the CRPF team, is part of a newly-acquired bomb disposal system. 'The threat containment vessel (TVC) is capable of taking on a blast of up to 8kg of high explosive such as TNT. The system is handled by a quick-reaction team at the airport,' said a CIAL official.
New Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi airport embarks on major digital shift
KOCHI: The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is set to take a significant leap in digital innovation with the launch of CIAL 2.0, a comprehensive initiative aimed at streamlining airport operations and enhancing the passenger experience. Chief Minister and CIAL Chairman Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the project, developed at a cost of `200 crore, at the CIAL Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre on May 19. CIAL Managing Director S Suhas, IAS, said the digital transformation is part of a broader mission to modernise the airport's core infrastructure. The upgrades focus on strengthening cybersecurity, increasing operational efficiency, and introducing AI-driven technologies to ensure smoother and more secure journeys for passengers. One of the highlights is the Cyber Defence Operations Centre (CDOC), the first full-scale, on-premise server facility of its kind at any Indian airport. Set up with support from CDAC, the centre is designed to provide real-time threat intelligence, 24/7 monitoring and quick response to digital threats. The initiative also introduces a wide range of advanced technologies across the airport. These include AI-powered surveillance systems with over 4,000 intelligent cameras, full-body scanners, and an automated tray retrieval system to ease congestion at security checkpoints. The security infrastructure is further reinforced with the inclusion of liquid explosive detectors, portable X-ray scanners, and threat containment vessels. Behind the scenes, CIAL's operational backbone is undergoing a significant revamp. The airport operational database has been upgraded, flight information and announcement systems have been enhanced, and a new data centre based on hyper-converged infrastructure has been established to support seamless operations. Following the launch, the Aero Digital Summit will be held at the same venue from 2:30pm to 8.30pm, concluding with a panel discussion focused on the future of technology and innovation in the airport sector.
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
CIAL to unveil digital transformation for increased passenger comfort with full body scanners, cybersecurity
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) will launch 'CIAL 2.0', designed to completely digitise airport operations, use artificial intelligence (AI), and enhance passenger experiences through automation and cybersecurity. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the ₹200-crore facility on May 19 at the CIAL Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre, according to a press release. At the core of CIAL 2.0 is the establishment of the Cyber Defence Operations Centre (CDOC), a cutting-edge facility focussed on proactively safeguarding digital infrastructure. With increasing cyber threats in the aviation sector, the CDOC will employ advanced security tools to detect, neutralise, and pre-empt external threats, including hacking attempts, malware intrusions, and ransomware attacks, the communication says. The other features include full-body scanners for contactless screening providing fast, contactless, non-intrusive passenger screening that meets international standards. The enhancements will ensure seamless yet thorough security checks without compromising passenger comfort, it claims. The system deploying automated tray retrieval at security checkpoints will improve passenger convenience and processing speed. It automates the movement of security trays, reducing manual handling and significantly speeding up the cabin baggage screening process, the release adds. The AI-based surveillance network is now active at the Kochi airport, with over 4,000 intelligent cameras monitoring terminal interiors, airside zones, and other sensitive areas. The AI-powered systems use deep learning for behaviour analysis, real-time threat detection, and fast response, the communication says. Coinciding with the launch of CIAL 2.0, the Aero Digital Summit will be held between 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the same venue. It will showcase live demonstrations of new IT infrastructure, mini humanoid robots and robotic dogs, virtual reality gaming experiences, a heart stepper activity, and automated industrial assembly line.
