Barcelona, Sept. 19, 2019 – ADELTE, an engineering group based in Barcelona and the world’s leading specialist in the design and manufacture of Airport and Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridges will officially relaunch its revamped passenger boarding bridge (PBB) docking simulator Apronaut at the world’s leading exhibition for airport equipment inter airport Europe on Oct. 8-11, 2019 in Munich.
ADELTE, already well-known for its PBB and preconditioned air unit (PCA) product lines, returns to inter airport this year with its improved PBB docking simulator Apronaut. Apronaut is the world’s first software-based PBB docking simulator, allowing comprehensive training for PBB operators in a zero-risk environment. The simulator allows staff to train repeatedly, performing docking and undocking procedures on any type of aircraft, quickly gaining skills and confidence without the need to risk real equipment or take PBBs out of service.
Apronaut was first launched at Inter Airport in 2011 and, due to an increased interest from airports around the globe, the system has been redeveloped over the past year to include a flat screen displaying the aircraft and PBB cabin, and a real control & drive console. Thanks to Apronaut’s custom-made hardware and software, users can practice docking in the most realistic way possible, using control panels matching those of any PBB at any airport in the world, and visualizing various types of aircrafts and airport environments as well as the movements of a PBB, adapted to any situation. With HD graphics, real-time control, a tailor-made screen, and a real operator desk, Apronaut’s realistic virtual apron environment offers a rich interactive multimedia experience in which trainees can make mistakes without consequences.
Apronaut’s patented software generates detailed reports on user training, allowing supervisors to monitor progress, compare performance statistics, and assess whether trainees are ready to obtain their PBB operator certificate. The simulator’s active internet connection, secure remote database, and specially designed Apronaut Cloud website means that users can view reports and manage training from any PC or mobile device. Last but not least, supervisors obtain specific insights through Apronaut’s data-analytics, for example:
- At which stands trainees have most problems with docking maneuvers (related to time, incoherent actions, etc.)
- Which are the most common mistakes made by trainees or operators carrying out retraining courses.
- Global and specific KPI's, established by specific stand, aircraft or operator.
During the inter airport Europe trade-show, attendees are invited to visit the ADELTE stand number 1442 to experience the future of PBB docking first-hand. Visitors can either see a live demonstration or even practice with the Apronaut docking simulator themselves.
