KOZHIKODE: In an attempt to make the checkin process easier for the passengers in airports, a group of students from Kozhikode has come up with a new device Smart Conveyor System, an automated luggage handling system.The device was developed by a group of five Mechanical Engineering students of AWH Engineering College, Kuttikkattoor, Kozhikode. Unlike the existing baggage handling system, which requires manual handling, the new device will help the passengers complete the checkin proceedings without any delay, claimed Rishi Jeevan, a member of the team.
As per the existing system, the baggage has to be kept on the trolley for scanning after which passengers will have to manually take the baggage and give for checkin. "The existing luggage handing system requires manual handling, which is both inconvenient and time consuming. We can avoid this with the help of smart conveyors which require the passenger to place the luggage on the automated conveyor," Mechanical Engineering students of AWH, who undertook the project, said.
Compared to the existing system, the newly developed model requires less maintenance and reduces the overall time required. Besides, human interference and unnecessary downtime also can be reduced by the device, claimed the students. Reduction of human errors and prevention of malpractice, reduction in the required floor space are also the advantages of the device, claimed the students.
Rishi Jeevan, John Frederick D Coutho, Ridvan, N Rahul and Paul S Chiramal, the brains behind this invention, developed the system under the guidance of E B M Shafi, lecturer of Mechanical Engineering Department of the College.
The device also has a weight sensor, which would help the device classify the luggage into different weight categories. It has a control unit and two motors, said Rishi. "The prototype was developed in three months at a cost of Rs 25,000. It would require financial assistance by some companies for the development of the device and we are planning to approach some private companies," he said.