AI-Based Early Detection of Oversized Cabin Baggage in the Passenger Flow

Executive Summary

Challenge in one sentence

Baden-Airpark seeks a privacy-compliant privacy-compliant camera- or sensor-based solution that measures the cabin baggage of moving passengers before or right after the security checkpoint, matches it with the fare on their boarding pass and flags likely excess baggage to staff, so that checks and fee collection move from the boarding gate to a central counter.

Why This Matters

The airport's main customers are low-cost airlines whose business model depends on ancillary revenue such as cabin baggage fees. The airlines expect the airport to enforce their cabin baggage rules and collect excess baggage fees. Today, these checks take place during boarding at the gate, under time pressure and with limited space. Discussions with passengers delay boarding, cause stress for staff and lead to inconsistent checks. Detecting likely cases earlier and in a targeted way would shorten boarding, de-escalate the gate situation and make checks more consistent.

Solution Space

We are looking for solutions that can provide:

• Camera- or sensor-based measurement of cabin baggage dimensions carried by moving passengers (trolleys, backpacks, handbags)
• Matching of detected items with the fare and baggage allowance from the boarding pass scan, without needing a name or face
• A simple traffic-light indication (e.g. green / orange / red) for staff and, ideally, a visual explanation for the passenger
• Operation in the corridor between boarding pass control and security, or directly after security
• The Venture Client project focuses on validating detection accuracy and boarding-pass matching in a controlled pilot setting before broader rollout decisions are made.

Why Participate

This challenge offers solution providers the opportunity to validate their technology in a live airport environment with a highly motivated operator that is currently modernising its terminal.

Participants can gain:

• A financed PoC within a structured Venture Client framework (Innovationsbeschleuniger Baden-Württemberg)
• Direct collaboration with the passenger handling team that runs cabin baggage checks every day
• Access to a real operational use case, test passengers and airline baggage rules
• A clear pathway toward long-term deployment
• A strong reference case in a field where comparable solutions are not yet established at airports

Process

The participation process is structured to provide fast clarity and a fair evaluation for all applicants:

• Submit your application answering key questions about your solution, its maturity and expected value contribution.
• Evaluation & shortlisting of solution providers based on problem fit, feasibility and expected impact.
• Get-to-Know Session with Baden-Airpark to explore use case alignment and requirements.
• Successful candidates will be asked to submit a PoC Proposal based on communicated requirements.
• Proof of Concept (PoC) Building with a clearly defined scope at one access point and with one airline.
• Successful solutions will then enter scale-up phases toward long-term partnership.