Autonomous Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB)

Revolutionizing Passenger Boarding: Precision, Safety, and Efficiency.

» Enhancing Safety and Precision in Passenger Boarding

The latest upgrades to the Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) include advanced monitoring systems that enhance safety and operational precision. With encoders and lasers installed across key components, including the cab, bogie, and rotunda, PBBs now feature improved motion control and collision avoidance capabilities. Enhanced disconnect circuits ensure safety-rated stops upon detecting faults, while the integration of machine vision cameras facilitates smoother auto-leveling and automatic docking for a seamless boarding experience.

» Advanced Features for Improved Monitoring and Control

The upgraded PBB comes equipped with IoT sensors that monitor temperatures, vibrations, and positions in real-time, providing comprehensive data for maintenance and operation. The updated Human-Machine Interface (HMI) offers more control options, ensuring maintenance personnel have the tools they need for efficient operation. Additionally, Gatebox and AHU/PCAir interfaces now offer detailed insights into the timing of aircraft parking relative to power and air connection.

• IoT Monitoring: Real-time sensors track temperatures, vibrations, distances, and rotational

• positions to ensure optimal performance.

• Enhanced HMI: Updated operator interface provides more control options, improving

• maintenance and overall monitoring capabilities.

• Automated Pilot Parking Integration: Seamlessly interfaces with Gatebox and AHU/PCAir

• systems to monitor and report on power and air connections to the plane.

• Proximity Sensors: Fully automatic canopy deployment with advanced proximity sensors,

• ensuring precise and safe operation.

• Machine Vision: Integrated machine vision camera enables smoother auto-leveling and

• accurate automatic docking.

• Comprehensive Data Reporting: Gather detailed reports on docking times, power connections, and environmental conditions for informed decision-making.

This proprietary PBB technology from CLX Engineering, significantly reduces the time required for passenger offboarding and bridge docking. In automatic mode, the bridge docks in 45 to 48 seconds, a remarkable improvement compared to the 90 to 120 seconds typically needed for manual docking. This efficiency not only speeds up operations, reducing turnaround times for airlines, but also enhances the passenger experience by minimizing delays and ensuring a smoother transition from plane to terminal. The time saved directly translates to increased operational capacity and cost savings, making it a game-changer in the aviation industry.

» Precision Docking with Automated Control

The PBB’s Auto Docking Sequence allows for precise and efficient docking with reduced manual intervention. Once the plane parks, the operator initiates motion using two enable pushbuttons, and the PBB autonomously drives to the aircraft using preposition profiles based on plane type. With the machine vision docking camera and multiple stop sensors, the PBB ensures a fast, safe, and reliable connection, reducing docking times to as low as 45 seconds.

» Seamless Retract and Reset Operations

After passenger boarding, the PBB can automatically return to its home stow box with the touch of a button. The system raises the auto-level wheel, retracts the canopy, and initiates the motion back to the home position. This smooth and controlled process not only ensures operational efficiency but also provides maintenance teams the ability to home all axes, maintaining long-term precision.

» Enhanced Safety Measures for Reliable Operation

The upgraded safety features of the PBB include new below-deck monitoring that detects intrusions and captures video snapshots for added security. Redundant monitoring feedback ensures that all vertical and horizontal movements are within safe limits, and updated stop circuits guarantee reliable halting in case of a fault. Continuous fault monitoring of sensors and network devices ensures the PBB operates safely and efficiently.

» Comprehensive Data Reporting for Informed Decision-Making

Airline employees can now remotely access detailed data on PBB’s at every gate. The system provides real-time fault status, docking times, ground power connection durations, temperature readings, and more. Video capture of any intrusions ensure that every aspect of PBB operation is monitored and documented, allowing for informed, data-driven decisions.