Tech

ANA to Install World’s First Hands-free Lavatory Doors on 21 Aircrafts

As part of the ANA Care Promise initiative, the doors will help reduce physical contact onboard aircraft and limit the potential spread of pathogens

TOKYO, April 28, 2021 – All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest and 5-Star airline for eight consecutive years, has partnered with JAMCO Corporation to develop the world’s first hands-free door that allows easy access to lavatories on its aircraft. The innovative door was developed as part of the ANA Care Promise initiative, and will help limit potential vectors for the transmission of pathogens. The first hands-free doors will be introduced to domestic flights starting May 1.

“Guided by the principles of ANA Care Promise, we have continued to invest in the development and implementation of innovative technologies because the health and safety of passengers and our staff is the top priority,” said Shinichi Inoue, Senior Executive Vice President, Customer Experience Management & Planning. “The hands-free lavatory door is the latest example of us putting this principle into practice as we look for ways to make the travel experience safer and more convenient.”

ANA Unveils the Features of Airbus A380

The new lavatory door is equipped with a large inner door locking knob and an additional handle so that passengers can use their elbows to unlock the door. Because the door mechanism is different to those found on other aircraft, signage has been placed near the lavatory to provide operational instructions.

The hands-free lavatory will be installed on 11 Boeing 787-8 aircraft, two Boeing 787-9 aircraft, and eight Boeing 777-200. The initial installation will be for aircrafts serving domestic routes, while ANA hopes to introduce the system to all domestic and international aircraft in the future.

Runway dining in Boeing 777 proving hit in Japan

To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other pathogens, ANA has instituted the ANA Care Promise program which goes above and beyond the recommendations from public health officials in order to keep passengers and employees healthy. With such efforts, ANA is the first airline in Asia and only the fourth in the world to receive the SKYTRAX Airline Safety 5-Star rating which confirms the effectiveness of ANA Care Promise.

Related Topics:All Nippon Airways ANA B787

Tech

Scientists Create Drone with Fiber Optic “Nervous System” for Smarter Flight

Technology is advancing rapidly, with scientists constantly pushing boundaries. Now, researchers from Southampton have developed a unique drone equipped with its own “nervous system.”

This breakthrough allows the drone to process information and respond to its surroundings more like a living creature, making it faster and more adaptable than ever before.

China Set to Debut New J-35A Stealth Fighter at Zhuhai Airshow

Scientists at the University of Southampton have pioneered a groundbreaking development in drone technology by equipping a drone with its very own “nervous system.” This innovative system, made of fiber optics, enables the drone to function with greater autonomy and efficiency.

Unlike traditional drones, this technology allows the drone to operate for longer periods without needing frequent stops for manual inspections, drastically improving its operational capabilities.

Comparison of the Indian built Tejas MK1A vs South korean FA 50

Developed by Dr. Chris Holmes and Dr. Martynas Beresna from Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre, the drone’s “nervous system” works by using optical fibers to monitor its condition in real-time.

These fibers detect stress and potential faults, sending data back to the ground team, allowing them to spot issues without interrupting the drone’s flight. The system uses a process called optical speckle, which projects images to assess the drone’s status, all while being supported by AI algorithms that interpret these signals for the ground crew.

Initially designed to deliver life-saving equipment like defibrillators in emergencies, this technology has shown promise in enhancing the drone’s longevity and reducing the need for extensive ground crew involvement.

This is especially crucial as the drone industry is projected to contribute up to £45 billion to the global economy by 2030, particularly in sectors like logistics and transportation. The University of Southampton’s team believes that the new system will revolutionize drone operations, making them more reliable, safer, and cost-effective for commercial use.

The technology, which has already been successfully tested on a drone developed by university undergraduates, is set to be commercialized by 2025, with the university’s Future Worlds acceleration programme providing vital support for its development.