German provider Materna IPS has developed a solution that allows passengers to operate self bag drop units (SBDs) with their smartphone. The new technology, Touchless.Connect, helps reduce current challenges within the industry caused by the global pandemic forcing airports and airlines to resort to alternatives.
Touchless.Connect is easy to implement on the existing self-service devices and doesn’t change the familiar airport experience. By scanning a QR code on the kiosk screen with their own smartphone, passengers are redirected to a Materna IPS hosted website replicating the display of the actual SBD on the smartphone. While the passenger process remains the same, travelers don’t actually need to physically interact with the kiosk. Therefore, the risk of infection by coming in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces is minimized resulting in a safe travel experience for the passenger.
The software-based approach allows remote installation and easy integration into existing airport environment, additional hardware solutions are not required.
Depending on the infrastructure, retrofit SBD’s usually rely on passenger interaction for manual bag tag scanning. Touchless.Connect allows passengers to simply use their smartphone as a bag tag scanner and reduces the touchpoints at the airport.
Since Touchless.Connect is based on a web browser, there’s no need to download an app or activate Bluetooth. Materna IPS have focused on making the solution beneficial for both airport and passenger by developing a cost efficient and user-friendly feature. By supporting multiple airline applications, the solution proves to be extremely flexible in practice, so the airport process remains the same.
Touchless.Connect can help airlines and airports to regain their passengers trust by guaranteeing a safe passenger journey from check-in to departure. It allows them to maintain high hygiene standards even with rising passenger traffic. The aviation industry needs this innovative technology to help pave the way for a new normal while making travel safe and reliable again.
Materna IPS GmbH
Materna IPS GmbH (Intelligent Passenger Solutions) as one of the most renowned suppliers for airports and airlines around the world, delivers solutions for automated passenger handling at airports. The company’s range of products and services comprises hardware and software implementations as well as service and maintenance. Their international branches in the USA, Canada, India and the United Kingdom enable Materna IPS to support their customers individually and to react quickly and professionally to market requirements. Materna IPS GmbH is a 100% subsidiary of Materna Information & Communications SE with its headquarters in Germany. The Materna Group currently employs more than 2,300 people around the world and generated sales of 323,8 million euros in 2019.
