Unleash the innovation journey: Effortless, automated baggage wrapping

Airline passengers want options to protect their luggage and its contents from damage and theft. For this reason, there is growing demand at airports for luggage wrapping services that meet these needs.

For Vienna Airport, outstanding customer service is a top priority. To meet its customers’ requests, Vienna Airport provides two wrapping stations in the departure terminals. Each of these stations wraps up to 100 pieces of luggage per day.

Customers bring their luggage to the wrapping station in the departure terminal before checking it in. Depending on the payment method, customers either pay at the station or at the information desk, although this option will soon be phased out. At the station, the staff lifts the suitcase onto the turntable and wraps it according to guidelines. Subsequently, the staff cuts open the wheels and handles of the suitcase and removes the suitcase from the turntable.

For employees who must lift suitcases that can weigh up to 40kg, the physical strain is high. The constant task of lifting luggage can lead to back injuries and, consequently, sick leave. Additionally, cutting open the wheels and handles can result in cuts and injuries.

In summary, the current luggage wrapping process is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and physically demanding for the staff.

With this innovation challenge, Vienna Airport is seeking technical solutions and devices that automate the luggage wrapping process.

Ideally, a fully automated self-service solution is being sought, allowing customers to carry out the process independently. The solution should ensure a simple and reliable automated wrapping process while complying with all safety regulations for customers and luggage. The solution should identify the object to be wrapped, determine price and packaging requirements and place the item on the wrapping station. Staff are only deployed in emergencies.

Additionally, the solution should support the use of sustainable wrapping materials and offer the possibility of evaluating material consumption and usage time. At the same time, the system should be energy-efficient, fit within the existing spatial parameters, be visually appealing, and cause no or minimal noise.

This market exploration is open to all types of technologies. Solutions that do not use plastic wrap but still protect suitcases from damage and theft are also welcome! The goal of the challenge is to gain an overview of innovations in the field of automated luggage wrapping and to identify potential implementation partners.

Non goals:

• Semi-automated solutions that only replace lifting performance.
• Solutions that merely facilitate suitcase lifting for employees, e.g., exoskeletons.
• Solutions that do not fit into the available space.

Take advantage of this opportunity and present your innovative approaches. Vienna Airport is looking for companies or cooperation partners that already offer concrete products and solutions enabling a fully automated luggage wrapping process.

What we need:
Submit your idea via the online form. Describe your technical solution, the overall concept, as well as ongoing support and potential training measures. Ensure that your concept aligns with the space requirements, available space (max. 2 m x 2.5 m x 2.5 m; ideally 1.7 m x 0.6 m x 2.3 m) and the evaluation criteria.

Show your USP!
Highlight what makes your solution unique: What is the degree of innovation? What sets you apart from others? Application examples, references, and a realistic project timeline will help in the evaluation.

Confidential information (for eyes of the jury only):
Provide a rough estimate of costs and effort – preferably with reference to previous projects. These details will assist in planning the upcoming procurement process.

Important:
Include a representative cover image. Additional files (e.g., graphics) can be uploaded. Consortium submissions are possible. Please limit your presentation or documents to approx. 10–12 slides or 4–5 A4 pages. Elaborate studies are not required