Autonomous Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB)
ENHANCING SAFETY AND PRECISION IN PASSENGER BOARDING
The latest upgrades to the Autonomous Passenger Boarding Bridge Docking System (PBB) by CLX Engineering includes 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, SafeGate 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.
SafeGate 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 using 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.
One Connected Ecosystem
APPS orchestrates. Autonomous PBB executes. SIMS monitors. CORTEX visualizes BHS operations.
Together, these solutions help airports move from disconnected systems to synchronized, data-driven operations across both gate and baggage environments.
Watch the Autonomous PBB in Action
Watch real-world deployments of our Autonomous Passenger Boarding Bridge delivering fast, precise, hands-free docking.
PASSENGER BOARDING BRIDGE (PBB) FAQ
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This system is currently being used at Hartfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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This is an upgrade to an existing system but can also be implemented as a completely new system. This depends on how much of the existing controls, such as motors, Air Handling Unit or PCAir, and 400Hz, are already integrated into the Passenger Boarding Bridge.
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Yes, the updated PBB system can be added to most Passenger Boarding Bridges and integrates seamlessly over Ethernet or via hardwiring.
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Yes, the updated PBB system integrates easily with APPS or SafeGate, enhancing the functionality and efficiency of the bridge.
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The updated PBB control system features an intrusion detection system that monitors areas around the bogie wheels and stairs during motion. This protects ground crew members and equipment from potential accidents, ensuring a safer operational environment.
Autonomous Passenger Boarding Bridge Docking System
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 just 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 for autonomous airport solutions.
Full Gate Orchestration for Smarter Airport Operations
APPS by CLX Engineering
APPS is CLX Engineering’s intelligent gate orchestration solution, built to support the full aircraft arrival and gate operation process. More than a parking guidance system, APPS connects aircraft guidance, gate monitoring, autonomous passenger boarding bridge operation, ground equipment visibility, remote control, and operational reporting into one coordinated platform.
Designed for pilots, ground crews, maintenance teams, and airport administrators, APPS helps bring clarity, consistency, and control to one of the most time-sensitive areas of airport operations: the gate.
A Smarter Way to Manage the Gate
Every aircraft arrival depends on multiple systems, teams, and decisions working together at the right time. APPS creates a connected gate environment where aircraft positioning, bridge readiness, safety monitoring, equipment status, and gate activity can be managed through a centralized automation layer.
The result is a more informed, more coordinated, and more efficient gate operation.
1. Aircraft Detection and Gate Entry Monitoring
APPS identifies aircraft activity as it enters the gate environment and supports validation against expected aircraft and gate information. The system uses advanced monitoring tools to help confirm aircraft positioning, gate readiness, and operational status.
2. Precision Parking Guidance
Using laser-based monitoring, vision tools, and configured gate geometry, APPS helps calculate aircraft distance, centerline alignment, skew, and stop position. Pilots receive clear visual guidance through the Pilot Display, helping them park accurately and consistently.
3. Gate Intrusion Detection
APPS monitors the gate area for potential intrusions that could impact safe aircraft parking or bridge movement. When an intrusion is detected, the system can alert users, record the event, and provide video playback for review and decision-making.
4. Autonomous PBB Integration
APPS can work with CLX’s Autonomous Passenger Boarding Bridge technology to support a more automated gate arrival process. Once the aircraft is parked and conditions are confirmed, the system can help initiate or support bridge docking based on configured safety logic and operational rules.
5. Remote Bridge Operation
Through remote control capabilities, authorized users can monitor and operate passenger boarding bridges without being physically located at the gate. This adds flexibility for airport teams, supports centralized operations, and helps improve response during busy gate activity.
6. Ground Crew HMI
The Below Deck Ground Crew HMI provides local gate status, system feedback, and fault handling tools. Ground crews can review alerts, resolve conditions, and communicate gate status more clearly during active operations.
7. Gate Equipment Visibility
APPS can integrate with key gate equipment such as PCAir, GPU, PBB systems, and other connected assets. This allows airport teams to monitor equipment status, identify issues, and better understand how gate systems are performing during each aircraft turn.
8. Centralized Web Interface
The APPS web interface gives administrators and operations teams airport-wide visibility into gate activity. Users can review gate status, monitor events, access playback, view historical parking sequences, and update display messages for weather events, maintenance, or operational disruptions.
9. Event Playback and Reporting
APPS records key gate events so teams can review what happened, when it happened, and how systems responded. This supports training, troubleshooting, safety reviews, maintenance planning, and operational improvement.
Connected Airport Systems
CLX solutions can connect with existing airport infrastructure and operational systems, including:
VDGS | GPU | PCAir | Tower Data | BHS | Passenger Tracking | EV Charging | Chiller Plant
What This Delivers
Control
Coordinate systems, assets, and timing.
Visibility
See real-time status across gate and baggage operations.
Efficiency
Improve turnaround consistency and reduce operational friction.
Reliability
Support faster troubleshooting, smarter maintenance, and stronger operational awareness.
FAQ’s FOR AUTOMATED PILOT PARKING SYSTEM (APPS)
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APPS is CLX Engineering’s Automated Pilot Parking System and gate orchestration solution. It helps guide aircraft into the gate while connecting key gate systems such as passenger boarding bridges, PCAir, GPU, gate sensors, remote bridge operation, and operational monitoring into one coordinated platform.
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No. While APPS provides precision aircraft parking guidance, it is designed to do much more. APPS acts as a full gate orchestration layer, helping airports monitor gate activity, support autonomous PBB docking, review events, manage gate equipment visibility, and improve coordination across the aircraft turnaround process.
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APPS gives airport teams real-time visibility into aircraft positioning, gate status, intrusion detection, bridge readiness, and connected equipment. This helps reduce uncertainty at the gate, improve communication between teams, support faster decisions, and create a more consistent aircraft arrival process.
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Yes. APPS can integrate with CLX’s Autonomous Passenger Boarding Bridge technology to support automated and remote bridge operations. Once the aircraft is parked and gate conditions are confirmed, APPS can help support the bridge docking process based on configured safety and operational logic.
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APPS is designed for pilots, ground crews, maintenance teams, airport operations staff, and administrators. Pilots receive clear parking guidance, ground crews get local gate status and fault tools, maintenance teams gain diagnostics and event history, and airport administrators can monitor gate activity through a centralized web interface.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
OUR PBB & APPS TECHNOLOGY?
Access the guide for more information.
