Futuristic smart airports are now a reality, with Microsoft AI-enhanced security and private 5G networks by NTT

Airport operators face complex challenges in managing large physical sites with high demands on safety, security, and efficiency. Through a unique new solution from NTT and Microsoft, airports are now able to drive digitalization, which unlocks innovation, enables operational efficiency, and increases sustainability. Airports need a reliable network connection for various processes and applications, especially at the bridging point between Wi-Fi networks and public networks. As an initial use case, one airport wanted to find a solution to support their staff in regular airport fence monitoring patrols required by air force law, which would relieve tedious tasks and empower employees to reprioritize and maximize their time while providing enhanced and efficient security.

NTT partnered with Microsoft to deliver a smart airport solution, helping the airport digitally transform their operations, including baggage handling, passenger screening, and data transfer. The airport is building a completely private 5G network with NTT across 1000 hectares, allowing them to transform critical business processes like luggage handling and border control. The private network enables digital solutions to optimize the movement of people, baggage, and equipment safely and in real-time across the airport, without the risk of congestion on public networks. 

NTT developed a use case to deliver intelligent perimeter surveillance for airports to the next level by leveraging private 5G, private multi-access edge computing (MEC), and autonomous robots and drones to monitor fence lines. They needed a solution that facilitates the regular inspection of perimeter fences for damage and attempted break-ins. Together with NTT, Microsoft developed a SOTA AI-based anomaly detection solution that autonomously patrols along pre-defined routes, analyses incoming live-stream video material, and triggers real-time notifications in case an anomaly is detected. Everything is processed at edge, secure, fast, and efficiently.

This solution can be flexibly tailored to many other similar use cases for clients across businesses

With this autonomous fence monitoring solution, airports can now relieve staff from the tedious task of regular fence monitoring patrols and reprioritize their time. The use of autonomous robots/drones and AI-based solutions also improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the fence monitoring process, ensuring that potential breaches are detected and addressed promptly. The private 5G network and AI-based solution provided by Microsoft will help airports and other use cases related to perimetral surveillance across businesses enhance their security measures and improve its overall operational efficiency, delivering value to their customers, partners, and passengers.

The private 5G network and the autonomous fence monitoring patrol solution showcase the potential for innovation in airport management and pave the way for more sustainable, efficient, and secure airports in the future.

The collaboration between NTT and Microsoft will allow airports to harness the power of data, transforming their operations to provide better service and security. The private 5G network and the autonomous fence monitoring patrol solution showcase the potential for innovation in airport management and pave the way for more sustainable, efficient, and secure airports in the future.