Smart robot takes on biodiversity challenge at European airports
An AI-powered robot developed under the EU-funded OLGA(opens in new window) project was recently tested for the first time in Italy. Designed to monitor biodiversity, the robot is just one of the project’s initiatives launched to improve the environmental sustainability of European airports. Across Europe, airports, airlines and ground handling services have accepted the decarbonisation challenge set by the European Green Deal and are striving to make climate-neutral aviation a reality by 2050. Launched in 2021 to help further the aviation community’s environmental transition, the OLGA consortium is developing innovative and sustainable solutions that will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and preserve the biodiversity of Europe’s airports. As one of these solutions, the autonomous robot is equipped with sensors, digital imaging systems and AI algorithms that enable it to identify plant species, map the distribution of vegetation and collect real-time data on habitat conditions. It was designed to support biodiversity monitoring and detect the presence of invasive plant species.
Not just Milan Malpensa
Milan Malpensa Airport is the largest airport in northern Italy, covering an area of approximately 2 000 hectares. This vast land footprint includes two main terminals, runways, cargo areas and surrounding infrastructure, extending the airport right up to Ticino Valley Natural Park. The airport’s size makes it a significant space for potential biodiversity conservation and ecosystem reconnection efforts within the region. The robot was therefore tested not only in green areas within the airport grounds but also in Ticino Park. Through this initiative, OLGA partners aimed to assess how robotics and automated data collection can enhance the management and protection of natural areas surrounding airport infrastructure. Before being trialled at the Italian airport, the robot was previously tested at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France. At these two airports as well as other pilot sites – the airports in Cluj-Napoca (Romania) and Zagreb (Croatia) – the project partners are exploring technologies and strategies that will significantly reduce the environmental footprint of Europe’s airports. “Any action we can take collectively to reduce our dependency towards fossil energy is certainly most welcome,” remarks Yannael Billard, Director of Sustainable Development at OLGA project coordinator Groupe ADP, in a news item(opens in new window) posted on the project website. Solutions currently being tested include photovoltaic panels on boarding bridges, energy-smart terminals, electric ground vehicles and biodiversity corridors. “We are in the process of creating and designing low-carbon-content equipment, materials and infrastructure to reduce the CO₂ content of everything you see in an airport,” adds Billard, who is leading efforts at Charles de Gaulle. The OLGA (Holistic & Green Airports) project has also been selected to be featured in the Science4EU campaign(opens in new window) – a major initiative launched by the European Commission to demonstrate the tangible impact of EU-funded research and innovation on citizens’ daily lives. This is an important recognition of the project’s efforts to advance the aviation industry’s green transition and reflects the partners’ commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for Europe. For more information, please see: OLGA project website(opens in new window)
