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AI-powered tech from Ottawa’s Searidge Technologies to be used at new JFK terminal

September 9, 2024
1:59 PM
ET

Ottawa’s Searidge Technologies will provide an AI-powered ramp operation system to the New Terminal One project at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

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Ottawa’s Searidge Technologies has been selected to provide an AI-powered ramp operation system as part of the New Terminal One project at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The New Terminal One is part of a $19-billion transformation of JFK Airport to include two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation centre, and a new simplified roadway network. Searidge Technologies, based in Nepean, was selected by Belgian company ADB Safegate to deliver its Virtual Ramp Control System (VRCS) and Smart Stand. Searidge’s VRCS technology uses artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency and safety of ramp operations, using cameras and sensors to monitor hundreds of activities on the ground during each aircraft’s turnaround at the gate. Searidge’s Smart Stand system analyzes individual tasks such as fuelling, aircraft arrival and departure, baggage handling, and passengers disembarking, all of which can lead to potential delays. The AI algorithm uses the data it collects to increase efficiency, give more accurate departure information to passengers, and improve safety for passengers, crew and ground personnel. “Building off our success with Delta Air Lines at (LaGuardia Airport), Searidge is excited to partner with ADB Safegate to deliver New York’s next virtual ramp control system,” said Rick Koller, vice-president of North American sales for Searidge, in a news release. “This will be the most sophisticated system delivered in the United States, combining comprehensive visual coverage, ground surveillance data and artificial intelligence with ADB’s OneControl and Intelligent AiPRON systems.” “As a leader in their space, we are pleased to be working with Searidge again on another industry-defining project,” said Nick Haines, vice-president of the Americas for ADB Safegate. The Smart Stand system is currently active at the Ottawa International Airport. In July, Searidge partnered with the airport to begin conducting a nine-month demonstration of the program. At the time, Josha Bharadwa, head of platform and products at Searidge, told OBJ that the tech will most likely be invisible, but Bharadwa said the difference will be in the experience. “It depends on how the airport wants to integrate it into their system,” he said. “I think from the passenger perspective, they’re really going to notice it if the airport integrates it with live updates, giving them a more accurate depiction of when a pushback is going to happen. As a passenger, you’re still going to get that delay, it’s still going to be annoying, but you’re going to be able to spend it in the lounge and not be locked to the gate.” He added at the time that the company had plans to continue rolling out the program to other airports across North America and Europe by late 2025. At JFK, a test lab implementation will begin this fall, with the complete system set to be in place by fall 2025.