Schiphol Unveils ARC: The Autonomous Robot Aiming to Transform Aircraft Turnaround
Airports are the pulse of global mobility, yet one seemingly simple step—connecting aircraft to ground power—creates bottlenecks, emissions, and strain on ground crews. At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a founding partner of the FTE Smart Ramp program, a bold solution is taking shape: ARC (Autonomous Robot for GPU Connection), a Proof of Concept designed to automate one of aviation’s most repetitive and physically demanding apron tasks.
Today, this job requires ground staff to maneuver heavy cables, operate access panels, and perform manual connections. In a labor-constrained industry, delays can force aircraft to idle, increasing emissions and reducing operational efficiency. Schiphol’s innovation team, together with KLM and NEURA Robotics, saw an opportunity to reimagine this workflow through automation—improving performance while reducing the physical burden on workers.
A collaborative innovation between Schiphol, KLM and NEURA Robotics, ARC (Autonomous Robot for GPU Connection) is developed with borrowed components of already existing technology to validate the riskiest assumptions.
ARC tackles the full GPU-connection sequence using advanced navigation, LiDAR-based obstacle avoidance, and a gripper with computer vision and a custom suction “pricker” to open access panels and insert power cables. The team overcame major engineering challenges, including safely moving the cable within the robot’s operating zone by suspending it overhead to maintain mobility.
A recent live demo at Schiphol drew global airlines, airports, and ground handlers—and the response confirmed that ARC’s business case is strong. Schiphol is now preparing the next phase of development and is inviting innovators worldwide to join upcoming webinars in December 2025 and January 2026.
This work is part of the broader FTE Smart Ramp program—an international initiative that includes IAG, ANA, MIA, Schiphol Group, KLM, and MWAA—aimed at enabling fully autonomous aircraft turnarounds. Across eight airports, members are testing nearly 20 automation concepts in 2025, ranging from autonomous FOD detection to automated 400Hz power connection. The goal: faster turnarounds, reduced emissions, healthier work environments, and a new foundation for industry standards.
ARC is more than a robot—it’s a first step toward an autonomous, resilient, and sustainable future for airport operations.
