ABM deploys robot dogs at LaGuardia Airport for air quality monitoring
Facilities company ABM has introduced robot dogs at LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B to monitor air quality. The devices are designed to detect pollutants and help maintain a clean environment.
Facilities services company ABM has begun demonstrating and deploying four-wheeled robots, dubbed robot dogs, within New York's LaGuardia Airport Terminal B. These units are equipped with air quality detectors to monitor the terminal's air for pollutants.
The robots, referred to as robot dogs by ABM, are designed to sense the air quality in public areas where passengers are present. LaGuardia Gateway Partners, which manages the terminal, sees robotics as a way to enhance maintenance operations and improve the overall cleanliness of the terminal. The company anticipates that robots can perform certain tasks more frequently than manual labor, thereby improving cleanliness standards and economic efficiency.
These robots are capable of detecting various airborne particles and gases, including those sometimes produced by cleaning products, as well as pollutants released by aircraft. They also measure temperature and humidity. Additionally, the robots monitor trash receptacles and alert staff when they are overflowing.
Safety considerations are also addressed in the deployment. The robots feature a built-in safety radius that causes them to stop if someone approaches too closely. Real-time tracking is implemented to deter theft. While the robots are equipped with cameras, ABM states they are not used for security surveillance but solely for air quality monitoring.