BAGLOAD

BAGLOAD is Vanderlande's robotic automation solution for the make-up zone — the final and historically most labour-intensive phase of the outbound baggage process, where bags must be physically placed into Unit Load Devices (ULDs) or loose-loaded into aircraft holds. The system replaces manual heavy lifting with a robotic arm equipped with advanced gripper technology, guided by 3D vision from integrated high-resolution cameras (Zivid 3D cameras, integrated via Mujin robotics) and continuously learning stack logic that optimises container fill rate across successive load cycles.

BAGCHECK, the integrated pre-loading assessment module, uses 3D scanning to classify each bag's dimensions, shape, and deformability before it reaches the loading robot — feeding the stack-planning algorithm so the robot knows which bags to place first, which to compress, and how to build a stable stack. The result is improved ULD fill rates (reducing the number of ULDs loaded per flight), lower incidence of in-hold load damage, and measurable reduction in the ergonomic injury risk that dominates make-up operator health-and-safety records.

BAGLOAD supports both containerised (ULD) and loose-loaded workflows, and is designed for collaborative operation alongside human operators rather than as a fully fenced replacement — meeting the operational reality of most airport make-up areas. Mobile interface support via VIBES software allows multi-cell operation from a single supervisor position.

Trialled in production at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, BAGLOAD is positioned as the leading-edge answer to the make-up labour shortage affecting every major hub, including GCC hubs facing significant ramp-operations workforce cost pressure.