International Airport Review
Zahra Merchant
18 May 2026
Zahra Merchant, Chapter Lead of Robotics, Royal Schiphol Group examines the evolving role of robotics in airport operations, and the real life intricacies of enabling AI and data analytics as key drivers in supporting long term operational resilience and workforce sustainability.
What role do robotics currently play in Schiphol’s operations, and how do you see this evolving?
Robotics already play a significant role in Schiphol’s operations, particularly within baggage handling and selected ramp activities. Looking ahead, we foresee a continued shift towards end-to-end automation of airside processes, including aircraft docking and further automation across baggage operations. This evolution is driven not only by the need to reduce physically demanding work and improve working conditions for our people, but also by the growing pressures airports face worldwide, such as structural labour shortages, increasing passenger demand, and capacity constraints. Robotics will be a key enabler in ensuring that Schiphol can continue to operate safely, efficiently and sustainably at scale...
