Skip to main content

Semcon deploys autonomous snowploughs at Norwegian airport

Semcon has deployed 20 autonomous snowploughs to clear runways at Fagernes Airport in Leirin, Norway, which are said to clear an area of 357,500 square metres an hour. The machines, according to the company’s chief executive officer Markus Granlund, will allow airports all over the world to streamline activities and reduce delays for passengers. The project has been developed by Yeti Snow Technology and is co-owned by Semcon and Øveraasen, for airport operator Avinor. These systems are said to clear snow
March 26, 2018 Read time: 1 min

Semcon has deployed 20 autonomous snowploughs to clear runways at Fagernes Airport in Leirin, Norway, which are said to clear an area of 357,500 square metres an hour. The machines, according to the company’s chief executive officer Markus Granlund, will allow airports all over the world to streamline activities and reduce delays for passengers.

The project has been developed by Yeti Snow Technology and is co-owned by Semcon and Øveraasen, for airport operator Avinor. These systems are said to clear snow in formation with several vehicles working together.

John Emil Halden, Semcon’s project manager, said: “We have designed a control system that sets up digital patterns for autonomous snow clearance at airports. The system can then download these patterns and monitor a number of vehicles that navigate using RTK GPS, an accurate form of position measurement, and communicate using 4G modems.”

Related Content

  • ITS Australia appoints new president and board of directors
    November 27, 2017
    ITS Australia has announced Dean Zabrieszach will be replacing Brian Negus as its new president, supported by Dennis Walsh as vice president, and has also confirmed a new board of directors. New and re-elected board members include Dale Andrea – VicRoads, Chen Cai – Data61/ The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, James Hurnall – Federal Chambers of Automotive Industries, Mark Jackman – Robert Bosch Australia, Mark Jackman – Robert Bosch Australia and Jeff McCarthy
  • Clearview launches Journey Time Monitoring System
    December 14, 2018
    Clearview Intelligence has launched its Journey Time Monitoring System which uses crowdsourced data to generate automatic traffic alerts for temporary and permanent routes. Paul Bates, head of product management for Clearview, says the system – which analyses anonymous GPS-determined locations transmitted by mobile phone and satellite navigation users - removes the need for installing and maintaining roadside technology. Operators can launch the application from a computer and receive data in minutes.
  • Authorities switch on to all electric buses as costs tumble
    January 9, 2018
    Alan Dron looks at changes in bus propulsion as cities look to improve air quality and seek to reduce maintenance costs. Despite the ending of various incentives to adopt alternative fuels, the introduction of electric buses by US transit authorities is picking up speed as performance improves, costs drop and air quality considerations become increasingly significant. More US bus manufacturers are introducing zero-emission models and some recent contracts will see many more passengers getting their first
  • Investment boost for Canada’s weather warning systems
    August 5, 2013
    David Crawford reviews national and regional initiatives to boost Canada’s weather forecasting. Over the next five years Canada’s national weather services are due to benefit from a CAN$248 million injection of funding into the Environment Canada (EC) department to deliver timelier and more accurate weather warnings and forecasts for users including travellers and transport operators. The scheme, set out in the country’s 2013 Economic Action Plan, is to revitalise the services with new investments in federa