Airport technology round-up: Automation, security, and software moves

Roboxi, a Norwegian airport automation technology company based in Stavanger, has raised approximately EUR 13 million (USD 14.1 million) in new equity funding to expand its autonomous airside operations business. Founded in 2018, the company develops robotic and AI-based systems for airport runway, taxiway and apron inspections, including foreign object debris (FOD) detection and removal, runway lighting inspections, surface monitoring and wildlife deterrence. Roboxi said the funding will support expansion of operations, delivery of existing contracts and further investment in product development.

The company stated that its systems are designed to automate airside inspection and maintenance activities while integrating with existing airport operational systems through API-based platforms. According to Roboxi, its technology has been developed in cooperation with Norwegian airport operator Avinor and the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.

Roboxi said it has established projects or operational relationships with airports, including Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Frankfurt Airport, Florence Airport, Dallas airports and Stavanger Airport. The company stated that it has developed automated systems for FOD collection, runway lighting inspection and high-speed 3D runway surface analysis.

Leonardo has been awarded a contract to replace the baggage handling system at Hamburg Airport in Germany. The project will involve the refurbishment and expansion of the existing system over a three-year period from 2026 to 2029, covering Terminal 1 and the Plaza area. The works include full replacement of the current system in Terminal 1 with Leonardo’s cross-belt MBHS® (Multisort Baggage Handling System), delivered through a phased implementation to maintain ongoing airport operations.

The upgraded system is intended to provide reliable baggage sorting capacity for all passengers using the airport. Leonardo has previously deployed similar systems at airports worldwide, including a recent installation at Frankfurt Airport.

Hamburg Airport (Hamburg, Germany) is located north of the city centre and serves as a major regional gateway in northern Germany, handling domestic, European and limited long-haul traffic. The airport operates two runways, including a primary runway of approximately 3,250 metres (10,663 feet), along with two passenger terminals and supporting baggage and airside infrastructure.  

Frankfurt Airport (Hessen, Germany) has equipped security lanes in its new Terminal 3 with screening systems supplied by Rohde & Schwarz. Rohde & Schwarz, a Germany-based provider of electronics and security screening technologies, installed 17 QPS201 millimetre wave scanners and two QPS Walk2000 scanners in the terminal. The QPS201 system uses high-resolution millimetre wave imaging combined with automated analysis algorithms to detect prohibited items, with operators required to review only flagged areas.

The QPS Walk2000 scanners allow passengers to pass through at a normal walking pace without adopting a fixed position, while maintaining detection performance through continuous data capture and processing. Both systems are designed to reduce inspection times and increase throughput across security lanes.

All installed scanners meet certification requirements from the European Civil Aviation Conference and the United States Transportation Security Administration. More than 2,000 QPS systems are currently deployed globally.

JetBlue Airways will deploy ADB SAFEGATE’s Safedock FleX docking guidance system at four United States airports under a multi-airport upgrade programme. The programme covers Boston Logan Airport (Massachusetts), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (Florida, United States), and San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (Puerto Rico). JetBlue Airways, a United States low-cost airline, selected Safedock FleX from ADB SAFEGATE, a Belgium-based provider of airside airport technologies and systems.

The hardware refresh programme upgrades existing ADB SAFEGATE equipment at more than 70 gates and will continue through 2028. The deployment expands the integration of JetBlue’s apron hardware and software systems into a unified platform across its network.

Safedock FleX is an advanced visual docking guidance system featuring separate scanning and pilot display units. The system uses an infrared laser and 3D scanning technology to scan gate areas vertically and horizontally, verify aircraft dimensions, and confirm gate compatibility under varying operating conditions. According to ADB SAFEGATE, the system also supports complex gate layouts and centreline changes without requiring repositioning of equipment.

Leidos and Idemia Public Security have partnered to deploy biometric eGates and credential authentication systems at airports in the United States. The collaboration integrates Idemia’s biometric identity verification and CAT-2 credential authentication technology with Leidos’ checkpoint infrastructure to support automated passenger processing at security screening points. Travellers will be able to verify identity at self-service eGates before entering screening areas, with biometric data used only in real time.

The deployment builds on the Transportation Security Administration’s ongoing rollout of CAT-2 systems and reflects wider industry efforts, supported by the International Air Transport Association, to implement biometric and digital identity systems across airport operations.  

Smiths Detection, a United Kingdom-based provider of airport screening and security systems, has secured new contracts with Japan Airlines, Hiroshima International Airport and Miyazaki International Airport. The projects involve the installation of Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX Model S cabin baggage scanners and iLane A20 automatic tray return systems at multiple Japanese airports. Hiroshima International Airport and Miyazaki International Airport will both install the systems as part of checkpoint modernisation programmes.

Under the agreement with Japan Airlines, Smiths Detection will install four Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX Model S scanners and four iLane A20 systems at the airline’s Global Club premium security checkpoints in Terminal 1 at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (Japan). Installation at the North Terminal is scheduled for completion by September 2026, followed by the South Terminal by January 2027. Additional systems were installed at Ishigaki Airport in March 2026, while another installation is planned at Okadama Airport by March 2027.

The Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX Model S uses computed tomography imaging and automated detection systems, allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronics inside cabin baggage during screening. Smiths Detection said the iLane A20 systems are intended to improve checkpoint throughput and passenger flow efficiency.

Veovo, the airport technology arm of Gentrack, has agreed to acquire Dubai Technology Partners to expand its airport software capabilities. Veovo provides operational technology used by more than 150 airports worldwide, while Dubai Technology Partners supplies airport services and software in the Middle East, with customers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The acquisition will add AI-enabled products to Veovo’s Intelligent Airport Platform and bring more than 60 airport operations specialists into the business.

The companies have previously worked together in airport operating environments. Completion is expected within one month, subject to customary closing conditions.  

Netcompany has acquired full ownership of Smarter Airports, the developer of the AIRHART digital platform for airport operations. Smarter Airports was established in 2020 as a joint venture with Copenhagen Airports to develop AIRHART, a system that integrates operational data and applies artificial intelligence to support airport decision-making. The platform has been implemented at Copenhagen Airport and adopted by other European hubs including Munich Airport and Heathrow Airport for workflow and resource management.

Following the transaction, Netcompany will take responsibility for commercial development and expansion of the platform into additional markets, while Copenhagen Airports will continue to collaborate on its development. The move follows existing agreements with Munich and Heathrow, which have contributed to wider adoption of the system across Europe.

Copenhagen Airport (Denmark) is located in Kastrup and serves as the country’s main international gateway and a key hub in Scandinavia, handling both passenger and cargo traffic. The airport operates multiple runways, including a primary runway of approximately 3,600 metres (11,811 feet), and extensive terminal facilities supporting short-haul and long-haul operations.  

Swiss access control and security systems company dormakaba has acquired German airport software company Airsphere GmbH to expand its airport technology business and strengthen its position in passenger processing and airport security systems. The transaction was completed on 18 May 2026, although financial details were not disclosed.

Airsphere, based in Seefeld (Germany), develops passenger management and airport process automation software used at more than 250 airports worldwide. Its software portfolio includes eGate systems and passenger processing applications supporting airport logistics and critical infrastructure security.

According to dormakaba, Airsphere’s eGate software is currently installed in more than 8,000 airport eGates globally and processes over one billion passengers annually. Airports using Airsphere systems include London Heathrow Airport (United Kingdom), Munich Airport (Germany), Frankfurt Airport (Germany), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Netherlands), Beijing Airport (China), Newark Liberty International Airport (United States), Orlando International Airport (United States), Vienna Airport (Austria), Zurich Airport (Switzerland), Singapore Changi Airport (Singapore), Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong) and Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (India).

dormakaba stated that Airsphere will continue operating independently with its existing customer base and workforce of approximately 20 employees. The company said the acquisition is intended to expand dormakaba’s airport sector capabilities in automated passenger processing and airport operations technology.

Publisher’s note: The articles in this special report, compiled for inter airport Global, are a few select samples from the biweekly Momberger Airport Information newsletter, published since 1973. The newsletter is an advertising-free, global airport news service that consists of 9 modules and allows subscribers to customize their own newsletter package. The modules that make up the biweekly newsletter are: Airport Development (DEV), Calendar of Events (CAL), and the subscriber-selectable modules Airport Operations (OPS), Management, Ownership & Finance (MGT), Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Air Traffic Services (ATC), Consultant & Contractor / Sustainable Aviation (CON), Airport Information Technology (AIT), and Maintenance Base & FBO (MRO). For more information, a sample of a complete newsletter issue, and to order an annual subscription, please visit www.mombergerairport.info.

Looking for something else?